Posts by Jonathan White
The Importance of Communication
Whether you are a buyer, a seller, a lender, or an agent representing either side, it’s hard to overstate the importance of communication in real estate transactions. An attractive property and a lucrative offer will entice buyers, but only good communication skills will take a deal all the way to closing. Below are a few…
Read MoreDoes Having a Trust Prevent a Future Probate?
Hint: It Can! Speak With an Attorney To Learn Your Options If you’ve done any estate planning research, you’ve likely seen the word “probate” and all the scary adjectives surrounding it. So what is probate, why do you want to avoid it, and does having a trust prevent a future probate case? At Jordan &…
Read MoreWhat Happens With Your Mortgage After a Divorce?
You’ve begun the divorce process, and now you must determine what to do with the “family house.” Understanding what happens with your mortgage after a divorce can feel overwhelming when you don’t know your options. Read on to learn about your post-divorce-agreement mortgage loan options in Massachusetts. Your Mortgage Options After a Divorce Whether you’ve…
Read MoreLiving Trusts and Taxes: You Must Prepare Properly to Minimize Estate Taxes
Most of the trusts created to minimize tax liability are irrevocable. However, the popular revocable living trust the people use to avoid probate can sometimes also be used to minimize estate tax liability for married couples. The trust must be drafted with this intention to accomplish this goal. Otherwise, the IRS and the Massachusetts Department…
Read MoreWhat Happens if You Do Not Have a Will or Trust
People delay estate planning for many reasons. Some may say, “I’m young; I have plenty of time,” or “My children will inherit everything anyway.” Such reasoning may jeopardize your estate, sour family relationships, and create many complications for your heirs. What happens if you do not have a will or trust in Massachusetts, and why…
Read MoreWhat Are “For Informational Purposes Only” Inspections?
If you’re in the process of selling a house as the realtor or the owner, understanding “for informational purposes only” inspections is crucial. If a buyer requests this type of inspection, you should know the potential consequences and the best ways to respond. Here’s everything you need to know about “for informational purposes only” inspections.…
Read MoreWhen Estate Planning and Real Estate Collide
A revocable living trust can be a great way to handle real estate and keep it out of probate when you pass. However, there are a few key steps you need to take after creating the trust and many estate planning attorneys miss one critical step. You will need a deed transferring the property into…
Read MoreWhat Happens to Your Digital Assets When You Pass Away?
You may be familiar with estate planning or the process of planning what will happen with your finances, real estate, retirement plans, and other assets after you pass away. However, did you know that modern end-of-life planning extends to digital estate planning? This includes your email and social media accounts, subscriptions, electronic files, and virtually all your…
Read MoreSelling Real Estate from an Estate
If you decide to sell a home owned by an estate still in probate, you need to be careful to follow the rules so the transaction will be valid. Generally, the estate must go through formal probate rather than the informal process. The personal representative will usually need to petition the court for a license…
Read MoreDon’t Lose the Value of Your Title Insurance – Get the Right Endorsement After Creating a Trust
Because I work extensively with both real estate law and estate planning, I see one common mistake people make that can cause trouble in the future. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix. Real estate owners often purchase title insurance to protect themselves and their heirs if somebody later challenges the validity of their title to the…
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