Category: Home Owning
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A homeowner loses $410k to an insurance company.
Dear Monty: Our washing machine hose ruptured and flooded the house. Our house insurance company (let’s call it HIC) forced us to use the restoration contractor they pitched. The contractor we wanted wasn’t available for “2 to 3” months, and HIC couldn’t wait. They said they would only cover our temporary housing if we went…
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Eight topics to consider when buying an Airbnb investment?
Reader Question: We are a four-person group wanting your opinion on topics to consider when buying an Airbnb investment. We have invested in other commercial property types, but this would be our first bed and breakfast. The six units generate an eight-percent cap rate. 2019 was the first year in service. There are numerous significant…
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Consider renting in today’s out-of-control real estate market
Reader Question: Is America in a housing bubble? We think today’s out-of-control real estate market is crazy. We are attempting to downsize our lifestyle with a smaller home. In two instances, we made an offer, and someone outbid us. Our home is free and clear, so we are cash buyers. We don’t want to…
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Outside advice can create expensive risks in home sales
Reader Question: We are preparing to sell our home by owner and had it pre-inspected. The inspector flagged a potential $2,000 problem with the plumbing and suggested we have a plumber investigate. We did so. The plumber was quite emphatic that the issue is not a problem. He also had some outside advice on how…
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The downside to fighting a real estate development
Reader Question: My family was fighting a real estate development 20 years ago. We own 60 acres of beautiful land in the midwest. A sister owns an adjacent property. We are landlocked on three sides, and our access is a one-lane road. Back then, the neighbor who owns the three sides wanted to develop…
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Can Real Estate Agents Legally Go Door-to-Door
Reader Question: Can Real Estate Agents Legally Go Door-to-Door? Last night, about 7:30, a local real estate agent rang our doorbell to ask if we wanted to sell our house or knew anyone who wanted to sell. I was always under the impression that this sort of solicitation was considered inappropriate by real estate…
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How To Evict A Relative From A Rental Property
Reader Question: My father doesn’t know how to evict a relative from a rental property. It was to be temporary, but it has been four years now. I know that they didn’t sign a lease, and they don’t have anything that says how long they can stay. What can we do to get them out?…
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Remodel or Build New?
Reader Question: We are empty nesters nearing retirement. We are considering a major remodel of our home that would involve some destruction, an addition, and a total makeover, including a new kitchen, bathrooms, floor coverings, lighting, and more. The thought of building new has entered the conversation as an option. What are the pros and…
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Do unkempt neighborhood homes affect my home’s value?
Homeowner has a feeling the neglected homes in the neighborhood are affecting value. When they learn the answer, they will have a decision to make.
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Four Suggestions to Protest Your Tax Assessment
Our reader is frustrated that the town assessor is not cooperating with his argument for reducing property taxes. It can be difficult to win these battles, but here are a few thoughts that may help.
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Annexation foils a move to the outskirts
Annexation is common as our country’s population grows. If you are moving to avoid the high taxes and city hall, check this article out first.
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Can I use real estate equity to fund a startup?
Reader Question: I am pursuing a business startup that compliments my family’s existing construction business. I have a little funding myself and some customers. I need to raise additional capital to grow and deliver the best service possible. My family business has shown interest in investing/loaning me some funds for developing this startup.…
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How to gain real estate investing experience
Reader Question: I have been inspired to go into real estate investing since I have recently lost my job. I don’t have any real estate experience. I don’t have a practical knowledge on how to leverage with OPM (other people’s money). Please recommend what I can do to help me gain experience? Monty’s Answer: There…
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Will a geothermal system increase the value of my home?
Reader Question: Would a geothermal system installed at my home increase the value? I don’t want to sell, but before I have this expense, what it will do to the value of my house? Monty’s Answer: There is a considerable amount of information that is required to assess individual property accurately. As with any high-cost…