Reader Question:  As home sellers consider an auction sale and a traditional listing and cannot decide, your take on the differences would be valuable for us to know. Is an auction sale a good idea? Monty’s Answer: A real estate auction is an event conducted by an auctioneer on a certain date, place and time where […]

Reader Question: At what point in the process of selling a house does a Realtor or sellers disclose a murder or suicide in the home? Virginia L. Monty’s Answer: Each state has a law that regulates this question. Most states do not require the disclosure of a death, regardless of the cause. The background The […]

Reader Question: My sister and I have been in our home since the mid 90’s and only have a $40K mortgage. She is the only one on the mortgage, and we are BOTH on the deed. The problem is we don’t get along, she has cancer and hasn’t worked but is getting treatment and now […]

Reader Question: We want to plan when selling a home. My ex-husband and brother-in-law have a joint tenancy of five acres with a small home on it. My ex-husband owes me for child support for my younger son, so the state has a lien on it. My ex-husband wants his give his half to our two […]

  Reader Question: Your recent answer to the relocating employee caught my eye. I will be asked to accept real estate relocation soon. My employer has no relocation benefit described in the company policy. Our HR director admits to limited relocation knowledge. Can you share more detail about the relocation process? Jonathan K. Monty’s Answer: […]

Reader Question: My relocation brings a pay raise and more opportunities, but because it involves a cross-country move, I am expecting this news will be unsettling to my family. Any insights on how to proceed are appreciated? James W. Monty’s Answer: It is normal that your family may be unsettled by this news. They are all […]

Reader Question: We are considering downsizing our home. We are in our mid-sixties and in good health, but something smaller and in a more moderate climate keeps making more sense. We have different ideas about the best methods to sort this all out. Do you have any advice that may simplify the process? John and […]

Reader Question: We are thinking of downsizing and found a home at an open house. The agent offered a home “ trade-in ” on our current house. They compared it to trading in the old car. What do you think of trade-in’s for houses? Andy and Marcia P. Monty’s Answer: “Trade-in,” “guaranteed home sale,” “home […]

Reader Question: We’ve decided to sell our home and buy in a different school district. I’d like to sell in March so I can pre-register my kids for school. Should we wait until summer, since more people will be looking? I’d hate to sell too early and not get as much for the house as […]

Reader Question: We are interviewing agents to sell our home but have not decided on one. We know real estate is more complicated than forty years ago. Do you have any advice regarding the listing contract itself? Tony W. Monty’s Answer: The listing agreement is a legal contract that lays out a roadmap of both […]

Reader Question: How do we find a good real estate attorney? Rob and Mary P. Monty’s Answer: Here are 8 tips to find a good real estate attorney or other service provider through due diligence. Skill levels, personalities, specialty focus, workload, energy, expectations and more, impact personal service delivery models. Then, add in the human condition’s […]

Reader Question: How does one go about finding or creating a buyer for a potential group home?  The highest and best use for this building is a group home. The city permitting appears to be doable. I want a Realtor who can/will market the house to buyers who are interested in this specific use. There […]

Reader Question: Monty, as an apartment developer, I fuel future development by regularly investing in raw land. I have owned a 40-acre parcel for 20 years. I am certain I cannot rezone it for apartments as the surrounding area has developed as single family. It is a beautiful parcel and has many natural attributes. I […]

Reader Question: Hello Monty, my wife and I are in the late sixties. We are in good health and have no home mortgage. We have no trouble keeping busy, but as we look to the future and the options, sorting it all out in a logical and efficient fashion seems complicated. There is so much information and fluff out […]

Reader question: Monty, I cannot find that you have done “10 Tips” for home sellers. Do you have a “Top 10” list for someone thinking of selling? Rich M. – Rockford, IL Monty’s answer: Rich, I have created a “Top 10” list for home sellers to answer your question. If I were selling my home, […]