PROPERTY LAW

You will save a substantial amount if you claim the mortgage interest deduction on your taxes. The higher your tax bracket, the more attractive the deduction. For example, a homeowner taxed at a 38 percent rate would save an average of about $2,500 annually over 30 years with a $100,000 mortgage at 7 percent. The […]

Many elderly Americans (and others) are targeted by scam artists who use high pressure tactics to sell unneeded and overpriced contracts for “home improvements.” Often they charge more than their customers are led to believe. And then, when the consumer refuses to pay for shoddy or incomplete work, the contractor or its closely affiliated financial […]

Put the problems into a registered letter to your landlord. The letter should request the necessary repairs and should give your landlord a reasonable time for repairs (a week for example for serious problems like lack of heat, longer for less important problems). The letter sets the stage for taking further action since you want […]

If you’re going to buy a home this year, take the time to do these five simple things. It’s sure to smooth the home-buying road ahead. 1. Get pre-approved for your loan. Getting pre-approved is the only way to ensure that you’re searching in the right price bracket. Too often, people search for homes in […]

Before you move in, you will need to sign a lease, which is an agreement between you and your landlord about the terms of your stay in the apartment. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE A WRITTEN LEASE, although it is not required. Keep a signed copy for your records. Make sure you read and […]

You are certainly not required to use an attorney when buying a home and many if not most home buyers do not hire an attorney. You should discuss this issue with your real estate agent and title company. If you do decide to purchase a house without using a lawyer, consider the following: Choose your […]