Category Archives: Buying a Home

Adding your same sex partner’s name to the deed of your home is relatively simple. You would need to complete a quitclaim deed, have it notarized and file it with your county registry of deeds. Some states also require witnesses or your partner’s signature on the quitclaim deed before it can be filed. Although the process is simple, the consequences of adding your partner to your deed should be seriously considered before taking that step. Unless you prepare a contract setting out your partner’s responsibilities in relation to making payments […]

Whether you can obtain a VA loan with your same sex Veteran husband depends on a number of factors. The Veteran’s Administration, VA, issued Circular 26-13-18 in September 2013 in response to the President of the United State’s directive that the Executive Branch stop enforcement of the statutory language in Title 38, U.S. Code, defining spouse as someone of the opposite sex. The VA stated in that circular that it would determine whether same sex married couples qualify for a loan on a case-by-case basis. The VA sent another circular […]

If no legal precautions were taken before his/her death to secure your right to live in the house then his family may have the authority to kick you out. It will depend on issues including who will be inheriting the property through intestate laws or a will. Family members who have no right to the home cannot kick you out. According to Lawyers.com, if you and your partner were married and live in a state that recognizes same-sex marriages, you may have other legal options available to avoid being kicked […]

You’ve been trying to sell your home for months, or maybe you’ve been trying to buy one, but just haven’t found the right house.  Sometimes, the issue is that there are too many houses on the market or that the market is down and no one is buying.  Sometimes there are too few houses for sale and you can’t find the perfect one.  But sometimes you just need a different realtor.  Finding a realtor you really connect with can actually be one of the determining factors in how long it […]

You’ve found the house of your dreams and your offer was accepted!  You’ve also found the perfect buyer for your home, and everything is lined up for the sale!  But you’re not out of the woods yet.  Now you have to move, and that can be a headache of its own.  Here are some tips for making the move as easy as possible. Remember, the closing date of the sale is when the new owners take official possession of the property.  That means they may want to start moving in […]

When you’re looking for a house to buy, one of the things most realtors suggest you do is make a list of must-haves and would-likes.  But some people aren’t sure what to put on these lists, and they end up either putting things on the wrong lists or making their must-have list too long.  Here are a few different tips for making your lists that will help you figure out exactly what should go on each. When looking for an electric fireplace installation to enjoy a winter night, this indoor […]

Buying a house in your neighborhood is complicated enough, but it gets even worse when you’re trying to relocate to another state.  Trying to make a long-distance purchase makes the entire process much more stressful, but there are a few different things you and your realtor can do to make it easier. While it’s always good to have a realtor you trust when looking for a home, it’s almost vital you have a great one when you’re trying to buy real estate in another location.  Since you won’t be able […]

One of the things you’ll hear about when you begin to the house-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage.  Some people don’t go looking for financing until they’ve found the perfect house, but there are a few reasons why you should talk to a financial officer first and get pre-approved for a loan. Most people assume that they need to have a house in mind before they can go ask for a loan from a bank or other lending institution, but usually, the cost of the house has nothing […]

If you’re a member of the LGBTQ community and are thinking about buying a house, you might not immediately think of finding a gay or lesbian real estate agent.  After all, why would their sexual preference make any difference in their ability to find you a great home?  However, there are a few reasons why you might want to seek out a gay or lesbian realtor, especially if you’re new to the area and are looking for some specific things in your neighborhood. Because they’re a part of the local […]

If you’ve never bought or sold a house before, you may go with the first real estate agent you find.  In some cases, this works out okay.  The agent understands your needs enough to help you find the house you’re looking for or to market your house in such a way that it sells without too much trouble or gets close enough to your asking price that you’re satisfied.  However, if it’s not a good fit, you’ll find yourself stressing over the entire process.  That’s why it’s important to pick […]