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The Home Inspection Trap

7 Mar

MetroBoston Publication Date February 27, 2013
By Attorney George Warshaw

Professional home inspectors often unearth defects easily overlooked by the untrained eye. Don’t pass on a home inspection before buying a house or condo just because it looks good or is newly built or renovated.

The inspection is usually conducted after the offer is accepted but before the purchase and sale agreement is signed. Nearly all preprinted offers contain “an inspection contingency” giving the buyer the right to cancel the purchase based on the results of the inspection.

Be careful how it’s worded – there may be a trap.

Many of these preprinted forms only give the buyer the right to cancel if there are “serious structural or mechanical defects,” whatever that means, or put a limit on the amount of repairs required that permit you to cancel; i.e., “negotiate.”

That’s not good enough in my view.

Don’t hesitate to cross it out and simply make your offer subject to an inspection that is satisfactory to you. It’s your offer – and your right to control how it’s worded. 

Be a smart buyer. Get an inspection before buying, and make it satisfactory to you – and if you’re selling, consider hiring an inspector to flush out your problems before you put your home on the market. © 2013 George Warshaw.

George Warshaw is a well-known attorney and author. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts, and estate plans. George welcomes new clients and questions. Contact him at metro@warshawlaw.com.

 

 

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When a Phone Call is Not Enough

7 Mar

MetroBoston Publication Date February 20, 2013
By Attorney George Warshaw

Ms. M, a nice young girl, found an affordable South End Condo. It was her first real estate purchase. Mom even liked it.

Her offer was accepted and she paid a $1,000 deposit. .

The offer contained the usual mortgage clause. She had to submit a written application for a loan by a certain date.  If after making a diligent effort she didn’t get a commitment for financing by a later date she could cancel and get her money back.

Ms. M called a mortgage broker who gave her bad news. The condo didn’t qualify under Fannie Mae guidelines. A minimum percentage of condos had to sold or under agreement to owner-occupants. Since hers was the very first sale in a new development, the building didn’t qualify.

Ms. M asked for her deposit back. The seller refused claiming “a phone call was not enough.”

The offer required she submit a written application for a mortgage and make a diligent effort to obtain a loan. She never submitted a written application and never called any banks that might possibly give her a loan.

Is Ms. M entitled to her money back?

No, the court ruled. A phone call is not a written application and a diligent effort requires more than a phone call. © 2013 George Warshaw.

George Warshaw is a well-known attorney and author. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts, and estate plans. George welcomes new clients and questions. Contact him at metro@warshawlaw.com.

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Marriage and Real Estate

5 Feb

MetroBoston Publication Date February 5, 2013
By Attorney George Warshaw

State law provides married couples a special form of home ownership protection. It’s referred to as a “tenancy by the entirety.” It’s like a joint tenancy but for married couples.

It’s created by simply stating in the deed, “I grant to Dick and Jane, husband and wife (or being a married couple), as tenants by the entirety, the following property . . . .”

What’s special about it?

Real estate acquired under the heading “tenants by the entirety” is similar to a joint tenancy in one sense: if one person dies the other inherits it automatically. A probate court is not required to pass title to the survivor.

Marital property held this way has two special features: first, a creditor of only one spouse cannot seize and sell the marital home so long as it is the principal residence of the other spouse; and second, neither spouse can eliminate the right of the other to inherit the property by merely giving a deed to a child or an outsider.  

There are several exceptions that may make a visit to a lawyer worthwhile. If you acquired your martial home before February 11, 1980 or were originally deeded your home as joint tenants or tenants in common, consult a real estate lawyer to upgrade your ownership. © 2013 George Warshaw.

George Warshaw is a well-known attorney and author. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts, and estate plans. George welcomes new clients and questions. Contact him at metro@warshawlaw.com.

 

 

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Owing Real Estate as Joint Tenants

31 Jan

MetroBoston Publication Date January 31, 2013
By Attorney George Warshaw

Two or more people can own real estate together in several ways. One of the most common is as “joint tenants with rights of survivorship.”

A joint tenancy is a form of ownership by which a person’s ownership rights in property pass to one’s co-owners upon death.

Ordinarily, when a person dies the heirs must go through the probate court to obtain certification of an inheritance of real estate. Property owned or held as “joint tenants” avoids probate because the property transfer is automatic upon death.

Simply file the death certificate with the Registry of Deeds and the transfer of legal ownership become complete and noted in the official records. Nothing more is necessary to effectuate the transfer of title ownership.

A joint tenancy in real property is established by the initial words of transfer used in the deed. “I grant to Fred and Wilma Flintstone the following property as joint tenants with the right of survivorship . . . .” is how it is typically phrased.

Can one joint tenant deed his or her interest without the consent of the others? Yes. One joint tenant always has the right to transfer his or her ownership interest without the permission of the other – but the automatic inheritance right is usually lost upon the transfer. © 2013 George Warshaw.

George Warshaw is a well-known attorney and author. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts, and estate plans. George welcomes new clients and questions. Contact him at metro@warshawlaw.com.

 

 

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Is it Better to Give than Receive?

17 Jan

MetroBoston Publication Date January 17, 2013
By Attorney George Warshaw

When families get together over the holidays talk often turns to inheriting mom or dad’s house or estate.

Is it better to receive a gift of real estate today or inherit it later? Tax wise, a gift isn’t always the best choice.

When a person dies one’s real estate has to be valued. Let’s say the present market value of the house is $500,000, but mom or dad only paid $100,000 for it.

Give it to your children while you are alive and they are considered to have acquired it at the same price you (mom and dad) paid plus any improvements.

A person who receives a gift steps into the shoes of the giver. If your children acquire the property by gift at the same price or tax basis as mom and dad paid ($100,000) and sell it later for $500,000, they’ve made a profit of $400,000.

If your children inherit it later, on the other hand, the tax law treats it as if your children bought it at its fair market value. Inherit it at $500,000, sell it at $500,000 and they technically made no profit.

Always consult your tax advisor or attorney before gifting real estate. It’s a complicated subject. The above information may not apply you. © 2013 George Warshaw.

George Warshaw is a well-known attorney and author. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts, and estate plans. George welcomes new clients and questions. Contact him at metro@warshawlaw.com.

 

 

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Have Your Property Taxes Gone Up?

16 Jan

MetroBoston Publication Date January 10, 2013
By Attorney George Warshaw

There is no more unpleasant New Year’s surprise than to find a tax bill in your mailbox for your home or condo, especially if your taxes have gone up.

Massachusetts has a confusing way of taxing properties.

First of all, the tax year starts in July, not January (i.e. which the government calls a “fiscal year”). Fiscal year 2013 began last July 1, 2012.

Secondly, most cities and towns issue bills quarterly (Boston, Brookline) while some bill semi-annually (Cambridge, Cape Cod).

Changes in taxes, rates and valuations are announced in the middle of the tax year (January for quarterly taxpayers), not in the beginning (July). One must wait until January to find out what the taxes should have been last July.

If that isn’t confusing enough, here’s the tongue twister: any increase or decrease in the value of your property that appears in a January tax bill doesn’t relate to the year in which the bill is issued; it relates to the previous tax year!!!

The value the city puts on your property that appears in the tax bill issued in January 2013 is what the city believes your property was worth on January 1st 2012 – one year ago!

Now try to figure that out!

Are You Eligible for a Property Tax Abatement?

If your home or investment property is being over-assessed by the city you may be eligible for a tax abatement.

Every January, municipalities that have a quarterly payment plan (like Boston) announce new tax rates and new assessed values of homes and investment properties.

If your property was overvalued you can file for an abatement. The question that you must answer in your application is what your property was worth on January 1, 2012 (one year ago). Your real estate broker is often a great resource of information.

Abatement applications in cities and towns that bill quarterly must usually be submitted by February 1st (be sure to check your town). In order to be eligible for an abatement – and this is critical – all property taxes due by February 1st (including any past due) must be paid by that date.

Once an abatement application is submitted, the city or town must accept your valuation, make a compromise or reject it within a specific period of time. Many applications, especially in Boston, are rejected merely because the city runs out of manpower to process all the applications.

If an application is rejected, all is not lost. A property owner still has a right to appeal to the Appellate Tax Board and begin a legal proceeding. © 2013 George Warshaw.

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George Warshaw is a well-known attorney and author. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts, and estate plans. George welcomes new clients and questions. Contact him at george.warshaw@warshawlaw.com.

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Quitclaim Deeds of property

8 Nov

MetroBoston Publication Date October 07, 2012
By Attorney George Warshaw

When you buy a home in most of Massachusetts you receive at the closing table what is often called a “Quitclaim Deed.” That’s because the deed comes imprinted with the words “Quitclaim Covenants” in it.

But what does it mean?

Quitclaim Covenants are analogous to a limited warranty made by the seller to the buyer about the quality of title or ownership to the property being transferred.

By using the common phrase “I convey to you [my condo or home] located at . . . with Quitclaim Covenants” – or words to that effect, the seller guarantees that at the time the deed is passed across the table the property is free from liens and encumbrances placed on it by the seller.

Mortgages, property taxes, water and sewer charges, and condo fees are liens on a property until they are paid.

So if a mortgage was granted by the seller and a release of that lien was not recorded on or before the time of sale, the seller remains responsible to obtain it even after the property is sold.

That’s important because in Massachusetts the age old rule of “Buyer Beware” is still alive. Once the deed is accepted by a buyer, the buyer’s ability to sue the seller later becomes more limited and difficult. © 2012 George Warshaw.

George Warshaw is a real estate attorney and author. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts, and estate plans. George welcomes new clients and questions at metro@warshawlaw.com.

 

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Minimizing Stress in Buying a New Home

18 Oct

MetroBoston Publication Date October 17, 2012
By Attorney George Warshaw

The real estate market has heated up. While prices are not what they once were, prices are moving upwards with many properties selling over the asking price.

With pent up buyer demand comes stress, especially if you are selling your home and buying a new one.

Avoid the two most common mistakes that buyers make.

First, if you are selling and buying a new home don’t try to do both on the same day. Sell on one day and buy the next. There is too much that can go wrong to risk it all on the same day.

Second, don’t choose the busiest day of the week to close on your purchase.


What would happen if the deed doesn’t get recorded that day? You might not be able to move into your new home for several days. If the sellers were counting on the money to buy a new place to live on the same day, what will they do?


All this can be avoided: never choose a Friday, the last day of any month or the day before a holiday for your closing. These are the busiest real estate days. Why take a chance?


Everything happens very quickly in real estate. Take your time – and a deep breath. © 2012 George Warshaw.

George Warshaw is a real estate attorney and author. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts, and estate plans. George welcomes new clients and questions at metro@warshawlaw.com.

 

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Is Social Security a Better Investment than Real Estate?

16 Aug

MetroBoston, Publication Date August 15, 2012
By Attorney George Warshaw

The Associated Press reported a story that many missed: “Since 2010, Social Security has been paying out more in benefits than it collects in taxes.”

“The Social Security trustees project the [present $2.7 trillion dollar] surplus will be gone in 2033. Unless Congress acts, Social Security would only collect enough tax revenue each year to pay about 75 percent of benefits, triggering an automatic reduction . . . . The projected shortfall in 2033 is $623 billion, according to the trustees’ latest report. It reaches $1 trillion in 2045”.

If Congress does nothing – which it has been inclined to do (after all, THEIR benefits aren’t affected) – they will have to raise your retirement age, cut your benefits, or raise your taxes. Likely, all three.

Is your condo or three-family house a better revenue source than Social Security? Well, you’ve likely refinanced it to the lowest possible interest rate imaginable.  It will be paid in 30 years.

Which do you think will be a better source of future retirement income: what you already own and can rent or social security?

I’m betting on rental income.

So, if there is any way you can keep or acquire future income generating property, it may be a better bet than social security.

More next week © 2012 George Warshaw

George Warshaw is a real estate and estate planning attorney in Massachusetts. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts for individuals and families. George welcomes new clients and questions at metro@warshawlaw.com.

Just When You Thought It Was Safe

14 Aug

MetroBoston, Publication Date August 8, 2012
By Attorney George Warshaw

By now most of you know that there exists a secret society of people cloistered far underground, never seeing the light of day, walking hunched over from computer to computer yelling “see that 30 day late, gotcha now!”, who control your credit score and hence your destiny.

It’s bad enough that three competing credit reporting agencies put their own spin on your creditworthiness and some gnome then “scores” your credit like a Vegas Bookmaker, but now there’s a new referee in town who will have even more to say.

On July 10th, the credit scoring gnome “FICO” joined with CoreLogic (a data mining firm) to design a wholly new score specifically for mortgage lenders and borrowers. The FICO Mortgage Score Powered by CoreLogic is based on information provided by CoreLogic in a detailed report called the CoreScore Credit Report.

The report grabs information that Experian, TransUnion and Equifax don’t consider. CoreLogic has access to information about you that others don’t.

Pay your rent late or miss an alimony or support payment (how would they know?) and you could have a problem getting a loan. Supposedly if you dispute an inaccurate item on the CoreScore report, the disputed item won’t be held against you.

Let’s see how that works out!

 © 2012 George Warshaw.

George Warshaw is a real estate attorney and author. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts, and estate plans. George welcomes new clients and questions at metro@warshawlaw.com.

 

Starting At The Beginning

8 Aug

MetroBoston, Publication Date August 8, 2012
By Attorney George Warshaw

I received an email from a reader asking:

“If I want to buy a house what is the proper place to look for information and also a good price?”

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced buyer, the place to start is with a mortgage lender, unless you’re lucky enough not to need one.

Almost every seller wants to know if you have been “pre-approved” for a loan; in other words, that a bank has checked out your income and credit and all that is needed to give you a loan is an appraisal of the property, verification of the information provided and a few routine details.

The pre-approval letter will list a loan amount that you qualify for based on your income and credit.

With that in hand, choose the area where you want to live and start shopping online for properties that that fit your price range – but avoid registering online with a broker if you can (you may get more solicitations than you can handle). You can usually get property details elsewhere if you search around.

Ultimately, you’ll want to find a good buyer’s broker who works in that location. Ask your lender, your lawyer or others for a recommendation.

More next week © 2012 George Warshaw.

George Warshaw is a real estate attorney and author. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts, and estate plans. George welcomes new clients and questions at metro@warshawlaw.com.

 

It’s a Penalty. It’s a Tax. No, It’s a Penalty. Huh?

1 Aug

MetroBoston, Publication Date July 18, 2012
By Attorney George Warshaw

The legality of new federal health care law was upheld by the Supreme Court under the taxing authority of Congress.

Whether you view the law as imposing a penalty, as some claim, or a tax, as others claim, may depend on your political viewpoint, but when it comes to real estate it’s clearly a tax.

Beginning 2013, the new health care law imposes a tax on the sale of certain real estate to help pay for the new law. While the sales tax won’t hit everyone (technically it’s a tax on profits), it will hit many.

The good news. You will likely not have to pay a tax on the sale of your home if your adjusted gross income as an individual is under $200,000 ($250,000 if married filing jointly) or the profit from your sale was not enough to impose any capital gains tax.

The bad news. You may be subject to a 3.8% tax on any profit from the sale of a second home or rental property or, if you are a high income earner and are subject to capital gains taxes on the sale of your primary residence.

Check with your tax advisor to see if the new real estate tax applies to you. © 2012 George Warshaw

George Warshaw is a real estate and estate planning attorney in Massachusetts. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts for individuals and families. George welcomes new clients and questions at metro@warshawlaw.com.

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Legal Advice: Laws, and court decisions interpreting them, change frequently and this article is not updated as laws change. The content and information contained in this article is neither intended as legal advice nor shall establish an attorney-client relationship.

Is Your Condo Underinsured?

27 Jun

MetroBoston, Publication Date June 27, 2012
By Attorney George Warshaw

 

Even condos suffer fires. Lenders are now requiring “walls in” coverage for condos, but what does that mean?

Every condominium has a master fire and casualty insurance policy covering the bricks, mortar and common areas – but does the master policy cover the walls and cabinets inside each unit as well? Maybe.

There are three types of master condo policies: “all-in” (or all-inclusive), “single entity,” and “bare walls.”

“Take the apartment, turn it upside down and shake it,” one insurance agent told me. “If it doesn’t fall then it’s covered by the ‘all-in’ policy. This policy also covers any improvements made to the unit – new cabinets or renovations

The “single entity” master policy is the same as the “all-in” except that it doesn’t cover any improvements made since the condo was created.

“Bare walls” covers common areas only – and not any interior walls or the fixtures inside a unit.

Make sure your condominium documents require the right coverage – and that your agent is providing you with that coverage.

One last word on insurance. It’s sometimes worthwhile to get your personal unit owner’s policy from the same insurance carrier or agent that handles the building. You may be able to avoid finger-pointing by two different insurance companies in the event of a claim.

© 2012 George Warshaw.

George Warshaw is a real estate attorney and author. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts, and estate plans. George welcomes new clients and questions at metro@warshawlaw.com.

 

Do You Need A Lawyer to Buy A House?

18 Jun

MetroBoston, Publication Date June 18, 2012
By Attorney George Warshaw

If you are getting a mortgage the bank will hire an attorney to examine the title and conduct the closing. Do you really need to hire and pay for your own lawyer as well?

The role of the lender’s attorney is to implement the loan, not advise the buyer on legal matters or assist in the purchase and sale agreement.

If a title examination shows an easement giving someone the use of or the right to go across your property, as often occurs, the lender usually won’t care but the buyer might.

Or if an examination reveals a restriction on the color you can paint your house, the ability to add a deck, or a myriad of other common matters, the lender will likely not care.

Chances are you won’t even be told about any of a number of matters affecting the property. They’ll just be listed in a form that you might not even see at the closing.

Don’t count on the lender’s attorney to provide any advice if a problem arises. Their job is to collect the money, clear any liens, pay the seller, and get the lender’s papers signed.

So be a smart buyer: save the pennies on something else. Hire your own attorney and get personal legal advice.

©2012 George Warshaw

George Warshaw is a real estate and estate planning attorney in Massachusetts. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts for individuals and families. George welcomes new clients and questions at metro@warshawlaw.com.

Improving Your Credit Score

14 Jun

Metro®Boston, Publication Date: June 13, 2012
By Attorney George Warshaw

If managing your finances in today’s economy isn’t hard enough, add the need to manage your credit score.

That thing called a “FICO Score” can cost or save you money. When mortgage lenders quote rates they generally presume a certain numerical level of a credit score. Drop below that level and the interest rate offered goes up. Drop too much below and you may not get a loan at any price.

To get a good score first make sure you pay your bills on time. I’ve recommended in past articles the virtue of putting all credit cards on an automatic monthly minimum payment taken directly from your bank account. You won’t miss a payment that way and you can always pay more.

Less well known is the balance you run on each credit card.

Let’s say you have two credit cards each with a $10,000 credit limit.  You owe nothing on one and $6,000 on the other. Your credit score might be better if each card had a $3,000 balance.

Scoring formulas look at how much of each card and all cards that you use.

Try to keep the amount owed well below 40% of the allowable credit on each card and below 40% of the total owed on all cards.

George Warshaw is a real estate and estate planning attorney in Massachusetts. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts for individuals and families. George welcomes new clients and questions at metro@warshawlaw.com.

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Legal Advice: Laws, and court decisions interpreting them, change frequently and this article is not updated as laws change. The content and information contained in this article is neither intended as legal advice nor shall establish an attorney-client relationship.

What’s Often Overlooked in a Home Inspection

6 Jun

Metro®Boston, Publication Date: June 6, 2012
By Attorney George Warshaw

A home inspection is a “must” for a person buying a home or a condo, even if (and sometimes especially if) the home or condo is brand new.

Too often home buyers bemoan after the purchase that the broker advised them that an inspection wasn’t needed because the home or condo was brand new. Just because a new home or newly renovated home or condo is new doesn’t mean the work was done right, or the appliances, plumbing or electricals were properly connected and functioning.

I love reviewing an inspection report that uses digital photographs with big red circles to pinpoint problems requiring repair. So much of time wasted in a purchase is spent trying to describe what needs to be done or arguing over whether the condition is a problem.

A photograph with a nice red circle indicating the problem often ends the discussion and simplifies getting a quote from a repair person.

Here’s my suggestion in interviewing an inspector: ask if the report will contain digital photographs of the problems encountered; or better yet, ask if you can review an existing report online to get a sense of the quality of the inspector’s work.

George Warshaw is a real estate and estate planning attorney in Massachusetts. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts for individuals and families. George welcomes new clients and questions at metro@warshawlaw.com.

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Legal Advice: Laws, and court decisions interpreting them, change frequently and this article is not updated as laws change. The content and information contained in this article is neither intended as legal advice nor shall establish an attorney-client relationship.

 

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Things to Know About Condos

2 May

Metro®Boston, Publication Date: May 2, 2012
By Attorney George Warshaw

If you are buying a condo there are three things that are commonly overlooked.

First, condominium living is not for everyone. You are living in a building with others, some of whom you may not like, and others whom you may adore. You won’t know that in advance.

In larger condominium buildings a problematic neighbor or two is rarely much of problem. Besides, you have a management company and an administration to step in if needed. In small condominium projects, one crazy owner can make your life hell.

In smaller buildings it is wise to ask about the people in the building before buying: do they get along? Is there anyone that others complain about?

Second, buyers will carefully inspect the condo before buying, but rarely ask the seller about noise. Has the seller made or received any noise complaints? Are children roller skating on hardwood floors overhead?

Buyers also rarely ask about leaks. Have there been any water leaks into the apartment or from the apartment in the last several years?

Last week I posted the Due Diligence Checklist that I use when checking out a condo. See http://georgeinthemetro.com or email me for the list – and contact me if I can be of help in your purchase!

© 2012 George Warshaw.

George Warshaw is a real estate attorney and author. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts, and estate plans. George welcomes new clients and questions at metro@warshawlaw.com.

___________________________________________________________________

Legal Advice: Laws, and court decisions interpreting them, change frequently and this article is not updated as laws change. The content and information contained in this article is neither intended as legal advice nor shall establish an attorney-client relationship.

George Warshaw is a real estate attorney and author. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts, and estate plans. George welcomes new clients and questions at metro@warshawlaw.com.

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Condo Due Diligence

27 Apr

Metro®Boston, Publication Date: April 25, 2012
By Attorney George Warshaw

Expanded Content:

Buying a condo? The condo market has heated up. Do you know what to look for – or look out for? Here are a few of the things that you should consider or ask about:

The Budget.

  • Is the budget adequate to cover the operating costs or running at a deficit?
  • Are any Unit Owners more than 30 or 60 days in arrears in monthly payments?
  • Are there any sharp increases in specific expense items?

Reserves.

  • Do reserves meet the Fannie Mae minimums (10% of budget + separate insurance deductible)?
  • Are reserves for improvements and major repairs sufficient?
  • Have there been major increases or decreases in reserves or expense items over time?

Repairs, Improvements and Assessments

  • What repairs are presently planned?
  • Any special assessments or improvements currently in effect, planned or being discussed?

Litigation

  • Is the association involved in any litigation?

Occupancy

  • How many units are owner-occupied or rented?
  • Have there been any sound and noise complaints?

Condo Docs:

  • Verify parking rights, locations and space numbers.
  • Review recorded condo plans. Do they match the present layout of the unitt?
  • What exclusive use rights are assigned to the unit? Who pays for repairs/maintenance for exclusive use areas?
  • Are there restrictions on pets?
  • Are there limitations rentals?

Board of Directors and Unit Owners Meeting Minutes

  • Do the minutes indicate upcoming major repairs, improvements that could result in a special assessment?
  • Do the minutes indicate upcoming increases in fees or charges?
  • Do the minutes indicate problems that you should know about?

My view: ask for two years worth of minutes.

Call or email me if I can be of help in buying or selling your condo, or if you have questions you need answered. metro@warshawlaw.com, 617-262-7800.

 © 2012 George Warshaw.

George Warshaw is a real estate attorney and author. He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts, and estate plans. George welcomes new clients and questions at metro@warshawlaw.com.

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Is Your House Haunted?

18 Apr

Metro®Boston, Publication Date: April 18, 2012
By Attorney George Warshaw

The Amityville horrors right in your neighborhood.

A murder, a suicide or unimaginable event occurred years ago. You hear cries and whispers at night. It’s eerie.

It’s your home?

You didn’t know it when you bought, but now you want to sell or rent your house or apartment. Can you sell or rent it without disclosing it was the scene of a violent crime or haunted? Will you be sued if you don’t?

Under Consumer Protection Laws, real estate agents usually have to disclose all facts that would be material to a person making an offer.

When it comes to “psychologically impacted” property, the answer is “not unless you’re asked.”

Several years ago, the Massachusetts Legislature adopted its own form of a “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” policy where the real property was the site of a felony, suicide or homicide, or an alleged parapsychological or supernatural phenomenon.

Section 114 of chapter 93 of the General Laws protects a seller, landlord or a real estate agent from failing to disclose to a buyer or tenant that the real property is or was “psychologically impacted” – unless the seller, landlord or agent was asked about the possible occurrence of an event at the house or apartment and then failed to disclose it.

And if your house is haunted, well, there’s always Ghostbusters!
© George Warshaw 2012

George Warshaw is a real estate and estate planning attorney in Massachusetts.  He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts for individuals and families. George welcomes new clients and questions at metro@warshawlaw.com.

_________________________________________________________________

Legal Advice: Laws, and court decisions interpreting them, change frequently and this article is not updated as laws change. The content and information contained in this article is neither intended as legal advice nor shall establish an attorney-client relationship.

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What’s Most Overlooked in an Offer to Purchase?

27 Feb

Metro®Boston, Publication Date: February 22, 2012
By: George Warshaw

You’re out shopping for a new home. You’re not too worried about getting or needing a loan to finance your purchase.

You submit an offer, it’s accepted, but the appraisal comes in lower than your offer. Can you cancel your purchase or renegotiate the price?

Quite often, no!

Buyers who finance 80% or more of their purchase price have a built-in protection.  The bank will turn you down if the appraisal comes in less than the purchase price.

Borrow more than 80% of the value of the home and the bank has too much risk.  80% LTV (Loan-to-Value) is considered the maximum safe-lending benchmark.

But, if you finance less than 80% of your purchase price, you may have no safety net. Let me explain by example.

Buy a home for $500,000, but request a loan for only $250,000 (i.e. 50% LTV). You may care if the appraisal comes in at $400,000, but the bank won’t. That’s because the appraised LTV is still well below the 80% safe-loan benchmark.

The time to protect yourself is in your offer. Ask your broker or attorney whether your offer should be subject to an appraisal of no less than the purchase price of the house.

It may protect you in the end.

© 2012 George Warshaw.

George Warshaw is a real estate and estate planning attorney in Massachusetts.  He represents buyers and sellers of homes and condos in Massachusetts, and prepares wills, trusts for individuals and families. George welcomes new clients and questions at metro@warshawlaw.com.

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Legal Advice: Laws, and court decisions interpreting them, change frequently and this article is not updated as laws change. The content and information contained in this article is neither intended as legal advice nor shall establish an attorney-client relationship.

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