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Real Estate

Whether you’re a homeowner, a tenant, or a landlord, our Real Estate section includes articles on recent law, reducing liabilities, and tax benefits.

Recent Stories

Ghoul Disclosure: Must Home Sellers Disclose Paranormal Activity?
Oct 2010

After months of searching, you've found it: your dream house. Its winding drive leads to the right number of bedrooms and bathrooms. You see yourself cozying up by the fireplace on cold, winter nights and taking in the first breath of spring as you open the French doors to a gorgeous view. The roof, plumbing and electricity are brand new. Too good to be true? Maybe. Did you ask about ghosts? more...

How to Protect Yourself from Bad Tenants
Jun 2009

Once a tenant has taken up residence in your rental unit, it can be costly and time-consuming to have him or her removed, so you should aim to head off any problems before the first box is moved in. more...

Facing Foreclosure? Alternatives That Can Save Your Credit
Jan 2009

Are you facing foreclosure on your home? You may think there's not much you can do to avoid it. But, what you don't know is that there are alternatives to foreclosure. more...

Real Estate Series Part II: What is a Landlord responsible for?
Sep 2008

Oh, it's great to be a landlord. You collect rent from tenants who adore you, you please your financial planner, you form lasting friendships and your phone only rings between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Unless a unit's hot water heater breaks in the middle of January. Or the sewer system explodes over the weekend you're in Maui. Or a tenant decides to start an indoor drum circle. Once you understand your legal responsibilities in the landlord-tenant relationship, you can better avoid any potential problems. more...