Archive for the ‘In-House Legal Deptarment’ Category

Let’s assume you are the primary income producer or half of a dual-income situation and become a proud owner of a new home, rental property, or real estate. You’ve received a mortgage because the lender felt comfortable with your income level and financial situation. What happens if you become disabled and can’t work, or worse, what if you die? Besides the emotional trauma, a surviving ... Full story

A recently published report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development shows an 8% rise nationally in the number of housing discrimination complaints against persons with disabilities. The annual report, which was sent to Congress this year in April as part of National Fair Housing Month, also details HUD's handling of 9,254 housing discrimination complaints and documents significant trends in housing discrimination. In fiscal ... Full story

Housing discrimination often is not as obvious as having a racial slur directed at potential home buyers and renters, or having a door slammed in their faces. Rather, unsuspecting people may be graciously turned away from their choice of housing, even if they are qualified. This year marks the 38th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to: refuse to rent or sell ... Full story

When you decide to buy a home, how do you know which property is right for you? It helps if you know not only what you require, what you can afford, and what you want, but also what you can live with. The obvious factors that typically contribute to a buyer’s decision to purchase a home include location, type of housing (single-family home vs. condominium), architectural ... Full story

Both adults and children can suffer from the effects of lead poisoning, but childhood lead poisoning, which often results from contact with lead-based paint, is much more frequent. In 2004 the ACCESS Agency received a Lead Elimination Action Program (LEAP) Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct a new lead control, education, and abatement program in Windham and Tolland ... Full story

Ever went to a dinner party and heard this conversation? She said: “My friend who just bought her first house told me her lender never returned her calls. Then, when she finally got to the closing, she had to pay way more than she had planned.” He said: “Wow, they must not have told her about all the fees on the good-faith estimate.” She said: “I felt so ... Full story

With all of the benefits a legal will has to offer, it is one of the best bargains available. Depending upon the complexity, wills are fairly inexpensive, particularly given the comfort of having your affairs in place in the event of your death. When you are purchasing a home, you will be around attorneys who have the ability and expertise to draft or revise a ... Full story

At some point prior to the closing of your new home, you must decide how you want to hold title in your new home. You have to decide the name or names of the owners of the property. In my experience, it seems that very little time and attention is given to such an important decision. Make sure to think about all the various options ... Full story

You have done your homework, set goals, saved for a down payment, visited endless open houses, researched interest rates and chosen a mortgage lender—everything a well-informed first-time home buyer is supposed to do. Now it is time to choose an attorney to represent your interests in the purchase of your new home and at the real estate closing. But before making this important decision, you should ... Full story

Perhaps the most overlooked and least understood aspect of buying a home is the title search. The homebuyer has researched and inspected several properties before deciding on a property to purchase. The homebuyer has gone through the process of setting up financing. Add in the countless other decisions a homebuyer must make, and no wonder the title search is seen as a formality to a ... Full story