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8 HOA Loopholes Homeowners Should Know

Dealing with an HOA can sometimes feel like trying to read the fine print on a contract written in another language. You follow the rules, ask for approval, and still end up hearing, “Sorry, the HOA doesn’t allow that.”  But here’s the thing: HOA rules aren’t always as absolute as...

Who Can Change A Will After Death?

A will is supposed to make a person’s wishes clear after they pass away. It can say who should receive their property, who should manage the estate, and how certain assets should be handled.  But what happens if someone wants to change those instructions after the person has died? A...

Can A Life Estate Be Contested?

A life estate can make property ownership a lot more complicated than it first seems.  It gives one person the right to use or live in a property while giving another person a future ownership interest, and that arrangement can sometimes lead to disagreements.  If someone believes the life estate...

How Long Is A Will Valid After Death? (Solved)

Ever wondered what happens to a person’s last will and testament once they pass away?  Most people assume that a document like that comes with a strict expiration date, but the truth is actually pretty surprising! A legally binding will does not simply expire over time after someone dies. Once...

What Happens If You Ignore HOA Fines?

Tossing an HOA violation notice into a drawer and hoping it simply disappears is a tempting reaction, especially when the fine feels petty or unfair.  But ignoring the problem will not make it go away. In fact, silence is often the most expensive choice a homeowner can make.  Unpaid penalties...

9 Disadvantages Of A Lady Bird Deed In Florida

A Lady Bird deed can be a pretty useful estate planning tool in Florida. It can let a property owner keep control of their home during their lifetime while allowing the property to pass to a chosen beneficiary after death, often without going through the usual probate process. Sounds great,...

Can You Transfer Property With A Lien?

Buying or owning property usually feels pretty straightforward. You have the deed, you own the home, and you can decide what to do with it. Then you discover there is a lien on the property. So, what happens next?  Can you still transfer the property, or does the lien stop...

How To Tell If A Trust Is Revocable Or Irrevocable

Trying to make sense of a trust document?  Many trustees and beneficiaries find themselves facing extensive legal paperwork without a clear understanding of what rights or restrictions currently apply.  Determining whether a trust is revocable or irrevocable governs everything from administrative duties and asset distribution to tax reporting and potential...

Are Real Estate Agents Liable For Bad Tenants?

Getting a bad tenant can turn being a landlord into a much bigger headache than you ever expected.  One month, everything looks fine, and the next, you’re dealing with missed rent, property damage, complaints from neighbors, or a tenant who refuses to follow the lease.  If a real estate agent...

What Is A Warranty Deed With Vendor’s Lien?

Buying or selling a home comes with plenty of legal terms that can make your head spin.  One you might run into is “warranty deed with vendor’s lien.” It sounds pretty technical, but the basic idea is easier to understand than it seems.  This type of deed can transfer ownership...