Article Center

Home|Article Center|Money Matters|Real Estate

Browse Real Estate Articles

Ghoul Disclosure: Must Home Sellers Disclose Paranormal Activity?

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...

Susan Funaro - Oct 2010 - Home & Leisure
How to Protect Yourself from Bad Tenants

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...

Michelle Fabio - Jun 2009 - Real Estate
Facing Foreclosure? Alternatives That Can Save Your Credit

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...

Sherry Ciurzcak - Jan 2009 - Personal Finance
Real Estate Series Part II: What is a Landlord responsible for?

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...

Stephanie Paul - Sep 2008 - Running Your Business
What is a Quitclaim Deed?

Everyone knows that a written document otherwise known as a deed is needed in order to transfer title in real property from one person to another. What everyone does not know is that deeds can be complicated and nuanced, taking multiple forms, each with its own specific implications and particular best uses. more...

Corie Lynn Rosen - Sep 2008 - Real Estate
Common Pitfalls to Avoid when Writing a Residential Lease

As the old saying goes, "don't wait to buy real estate, buy real estate and wait." After years of economic ups and downs, people are looking for a solid investment that will build equity. One of the strongest investments is still residential real estate. So just how exactly can you protect yourself? A solid lease is a great place to start. Read more to find out how to draft a solid residential real estate lease. more...

Corie Lynn Rosen - Aug 2008 - Contract Law
Top New Tax Breaks You Need to Know About

With the current uncertainties in the housing marketing and the credit crunch this past year, everyone is looking to save wisely. And, if you are getting ready to file your 2007 taxes, you will want to take advantage of every available tax break. Here are a few tax deductions that will make filing a little easier on your pocketbook this year. more...

Sherry Ciurczak - Feb 2008 - Personal Taxes
What every Landlord should know before they rent their first Unit

Searching for and finding the right tenant is a big step for any first time landlord. So before you sign off on your first tenant, here are a few things you definitely need to know. more...

Monica Sanders - Jan 2008 - Running Your Business
How to get into the real estate market Part 1 - Foreclosures

There's been a lot of hype about the so-called "Real Estate Bubble" bursting. It would appear that high level of growth and appreciation in the real estate market is now taking a tumble. Does this mean it is the perfect time to invest in real estate? Although profits from foreclosure investing can be substantial, it may be the best investment for a beginner. There is a lot to know about foreclosure investing in order to avoid potential problems that can occur. more...

Stephanie Paul - Apr 2007 - Real Estate
Purchasing Real Estate With No Money Down

Although there are many ways an investor can purchase real estate without handing over a down payment at settlement, it's important to understand the pros and cons of each type of agreement before signing on the dotted line. Find some examples of ways people can do just that. more...

Stephanie Paul - Aug 2005 - Real Estate