Real Estate

Investing in a property governed by a homeowners association (HOA) can be a smart move. HOAs help preserve property value by imposing standards on home maintenance and limiting disruptive activities. For those hoping to rent their properties to others, homes in HOA...

Landlords use their financial resources or credit history to acquire real property. They can then monetize that property by renting it out to others. Of course, residential tenants occupying a home, duplex or apartment can potentially damage the property while living...

People buy property in neighborhoods governed by homeowners associations (HOAs) for many different reasons. Some people want the security that comes from having owner-occupied only houses as opposed to houses rented by landlords in a neighborhood. Some people want to...

Being a landlord can lead to significant income for an individual but can also saddle someone with numerous personal responsibilities. Landlords should receive monthly rent payments from their tenants, but they have to absorb maintenance and repair costs at the...

A property easement is a legal right granted to someone – other than a property’s owner – allowing them access to or use of that property for a specific purpose. These purposes can vary widely, from granting utility companies the right to install and maintain...

An appraisal gap is an issue that can prevent a real estate transaction from closing. A professional appraiser may look at the property and decide, based on its condition and the recent sale price of other properties nearby, that it is not worth what the buyer offered...

Whenever the housing market fluctuates, some property owners find themselves in a difficult position. When prices start to correct after they have risen for some time, the correction can leave some people upside down on their mortgages. An underwater or upside down...

Encumbrances are legal rights or interests that limit a property's use or transferability. They can affect property value, ownership rights – and future plans. Whether you’re buying or selling, learning more about encumbrances in real estate and exploring some common...

Eviction is a lengthy and expensive process for landlords that they often pursue because they want to regain control over a unit and end their relationship with a specific tenant. For tenants, eviction can lead to financial uncertainty and difficulty securing a good...

Real estate transactions can be very stressful experiences. People complete a purchase that represents multiple years of their salary. Oftentimes, the property they purchase will be where they will live for many years. For those selling real estate, maximizing their...