Legal and Financial Tips

Aug. 22, 2024

Who’s Responsible When a Neighbor’s Tree Falls on Your Property?

This year has already brought a series of powerful storms. In July, Hurricane Beryl became the earliest Category 5 Atlantic storm on record, and in August, Hurricane Debby wreaked havoc across the Southeast before causing significant damage in the Northeast. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the ...

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Aug. 1, 2024

Property Taxes Explained: What They Are and How They're Calculated

Owning a home comes with a range of financial responsibilities, and property taxes are among them. These taxes, paid annually to state and municipal authorities, are a significant aspect of homeownership. While the median yearly property tax bill in the U.S. stands at $2,578, individual bills vary based ...

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July 22, 2024

A Complete Guide to Preventing and Resolving Property Line Disputes

A property line dispute can strain neighborly relationships and lead to legal complications if not handled promptly and appropriately. Whether it involves inadvertent encroachments or disagreements over boundaries, addressing these issues effectively is essential for maintaining peace and property rights. Let’s explore what property line disputes entail, key terms to ...

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July 8, 2024

Exploring Tax Implications of Cash-Out Refinancing

Cash-out refinancing presents an opportunity to leverage your home's equity for various purposes, ranging from home renovations to educational expenses or medical bills. However, it's essential to be aware of potential tax implications that may arise in certain scenarios.

Are Cash-Out Refinances Taxable?

No, the funds obtained through ...

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May 9, 2024

What Are Some Ways to Utilize Your Tax Refund If You're Considering Buying a Home?

Are you saving up to buy a home this year? If so, you are likely aware of the various expenses involved, from the down payment to closing costs. However, did you know that your tax refund could assist with covering some of these costs? As explained by Credit Karma, if ...

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March 11, 2024

Securing Your Family's Future: Building Generational Wealth Through Home Equity in 2024

Every parent dreams of providing a foundation for their children and grandchildren to lead healthier, happier, and more prosperous lives. In the realm of generational wealth, where assets are passed down to family members, real estate emerges as a pivotal player. This article explores the crucial role of home equity ...

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March 8, 2024

Unraveling the Mystery of HOA Fees: A Comprehensive Guide

The dream of homeownership is an integral part of the American ethos, with a resounding 74 percent of Americans expressing their agreement, as per a recent survey by Bankrate Financial Security. For homeowners residing in communities governed by homeowners’ associations (HOAs), a host of benefits awaits, ranging from landscaping and ...

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Sept. 1, 2023

Discovering Your Property Lines: Simple Methods for Accuracy and Peace of Mind

As a homeowner, you may have a general sense of where your property boundaries lie—perhaps marked by a driveway, the edge of your lawn, or a fence you have established. However, these familiar indicators might not align precisely with official property lines. It is worth delving deeper to understand the ...

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Aug. 23, 2023

Understanding Negative Equity: Implications and Strategies to Navigate It

Purchasing a home marks the initial stride toward building a solid financial foundation. This journey involves cultivating home equity—a key asset. Home equity is the disparity between a home's market value and its outstanding mortgage balance or liens. In essence, it reflects the cash you would accrue upon selling ...

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July 31, 2023

Fee Simple vs. Leasehold: Understanding the Differences in Property Ownership

As you scroll through real estate listings, you stumble upon a house that seems like a steal—it looks just like others in the area, but it is priced $100,000 less. Curiosity piqued, you notice the term "leasehold" or "ground rent" in the listing, which you have not encountered before ...

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