Category Archives: Real Estate

A Vacation Home for the Next Generation

Feeling nostalgic about summer vacations? Me, too. One of the most tangible forms of inheritance is a vacation home. Parents often express the wish that their children not sell the cabin in the woods. This is particularly so when it … Continue reading






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Not All Deeds Are Created Equal: An Estate Planning Vocabulary Tip

  “Great acts are made up of small deeds.” Lao Tzu In the legal world, the word “deed” is confusing. Used by itself, it usually refers to a document transferring title to real estate. There are different types of such … Continue reading






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Can I Avoid Probate of My House by Holding It in Joint Tenancy?

  Joint tenancy might be a convenient estate planning shortcut, but it also brings some undesirable risks. Joint tenancy is a form of ownership of property where two or more people hold title to the property with right of survivorship, … Continue reading






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Hidden Perils of Refinancing

Be informed when refinancing a home in a living trust. The secret is out. Refinancing contains hidden perils for homes in revocable trusts. Recently I received a call from a client who fortunately had the good sense to question what … Continue reading






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How to Fund a Living Trust, Part 1

Funding a living trust refers to transferring assets into the trust. If a trust is a box then funding the trust means putting assets into the box.  For assets that are titled, such as real estate, accounts, stocks and bonds, … Continue reading






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