Today's Real Estate News 

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The short-sale nightmare

Think twice before tapping IRA, buying insuranceIlyce GlinkCo-written by Samuel J. TamkinInman NewsQ: We've worked for the last six months to buy a home that was a short sale. Our offer was accepted ...

Some loan mods better than others

Why interest rate is more likely than loan balance to be reducedJack GuttentagInman News"Do borrowers have any say over the type of loan modification they get? What kind of modification should they...

Signs you need a better home inspector

Buyers stunned when defects found after purchaseBarry StoneInman NewsDEAR BARRY: When we bought our house, our home inspector said that everything was in good condition. Since then, our basement has...

Think twice before buying REO, short sale

Deferred maintenance, lender approval among key issuesDian HymerInman NewsBuyers want bargains. Some even limit their search to REOs and short-sale listings. REO, or real estate-owned, refers to a property...

Catching a falling knife?

Some say now is bad time to invest in real estateEric TysonInman NewsQ: A friend of mine advised me not to invest in real estate. He thinks real estate prices will be depressed for many, many years....

Grandson seeks comeuppance at probate

Can he get back cars, house that Grandma gave away?Ilyce GlinkInman NewsQ: My father passed away in March. About a year before he died, he gave me the keys to his house and cars. My dad then moved into...

Buyers cancel purchase for odd reasons

Can seller keep deposit if reason isn't specified on contract?Benny KassInman NewsDEAR BENNY: I had a few acres of rural property that I put on the market. I received an acceptable offer along with a...

The truth about loan mods

REThink Real EstateTara-Nicholle NelsonInman NewsQ: When I'm driving to work, it seems like every five minutes I hear another advertisement for loan modification services on the radio. I'm not behind...

Big-name lenders come tumbling down

Top real estate story of 2008Tom KellyInman NewsWhat is the top real estate story of 2008? Fannie Mae? Lehman Brothers? Washington Mutual? A year ago, we discussed how the excessive extension of credit...

Get ready to buy in 2009

New Year's resolutions for homebuyersIlyce GlinkInman NewsAs we get ready to say goodbye to 2008, it's worth looking back at the year that was for home buyers, sellers and homeowners. Frankly, I wouldn't...

Settlement cracks concealed by sellers

Is recourse possible or are buyers stuck with repairs?Barry StoneInman NewsDEAR BARRY: Since purchasing our home, numerous cracks have appeared in the walls. Some are as wide as half an inch. We've also...

Pay off mortgage with IRA money?

While it can be a last resort, huge tax bite likelyIlyce GlinkInman NewsQ: I would like to pay off my mortgage with an IRA distribution. A friend told me that you have some advice on your Web site about...

Downsizing the down payment

REThink Real EstateTara-Nicholle NelsonInman NewsQ: I just learned that I qualify for my city's first-time homebuyer's program. I thought it was a grant, but it's actually a second mortgage. Is this...

Owner fears losing house while in prison

Can creditors legally come after real estate?Ilyce GlinkCo-written by Samuel J. TamkinInman NewsQ: Can a company put a lien on your house or property if you're incarcerated? My brother has been in jail...

Surprise loan irks condo buyer

Why HOA's payment demands may not be justifiedBenny KassInman NewsDEAR BENNY: I bought a condo just over a year ago. It was difficult to get a certificate for the sale, because there was no operating...