Category: Real Estate

February 3, 2024 Off

Betrayed by Family: What to Do When a Will Leaves You Out

By The Admiral Staff

The author advises someone who was excluded from their mother’s will, despite it originally dividing assets equally among three children, to first obtain a copy of the will from the probate court to verify beneficiary status. They caution that the will doesn’t tell the whole story, and assets like retirement accounts bypass probate. The author suggests requesting documentation from the sister claiming the estate was depleted and recommends consulting with a probate attorney immediately, as legal challenges have time limits and can be costly. Potential issues include mismanagement of

January 2, 2024 Off

Navigating the Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Beloved Home

By The Admiral Staff

The article addresses concerns about potential capital gains taxes when selling a home with significant appreciation. Homeowners can often avoid taxes by selling their primary residence, as a profit of up to $250,000 for single filers (or $500,000 for those filing jointly) is exempt from capital gains tax. Any profit exceeding that amount is subject to capital gains tax rates (0%, 15%, or 20% depending on income). The article advises

January 1, 2024 Off

The Handyman’s Tip: A Reader’s Dilemma

By The Admiral Staff

A homeowner was surprised when their handyman announced he was raising his rates and implied they should tip him, sharing a story about another client who tipped $20 per job. The advice columnist argues that a business owner shouldn’t rely on customers to supplement their income through tips and that the handyman’s communication was unprofessional. The consensus among those polled was that tipping handymen is not standard practice, and the homeowner is advised to find a new, more reliable handyman.

December 27, 2023 Off

Millennials Beat the Odds: How Good Credit Unlocks the Dream of Homeownership

By The Admiral Staff

Despite economic challenges, millennials are now the largest group of homeowners in the U.S. A key factor for many is a good credit score, which is essential for mortgage approval and securing favorable interest rates. The article recommends using Credit Sesame, a free service, to check credit scores, identify errors, and receive personalized tips for improvement, ultimately making homeownership more attainable.

November 17, 2023 Off

The Zero-Down Payment Homeownership Secret for Veterans

By The Admiral Staff

Roughly 18 million U.S. veterans may be eligible for VA loans, a significant benefit many are unaware of. These loans allow veterans to purchase homes with zero money down, eliminating a major hurdle for first-time homebuyers. Veterans United Home Loans is the nation’s largest VA loan lender, offering competitive rates, 24/7 support, and a simplified application process to help service members and their families achieve homeownership.