In recent months, homeowners across the country have fallen victim to a new wave of scams targeting property owners. One of the latest schemes involves fraudulent “recorded deed notices” sent via mail or email, purporting to be official documents requiring immediate action. These deceptive notices, which often have a return address of “Washington, D.C.” with…
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In a monumental development that could reshape the landscape of real estate transactions across the nation, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has reached a settlement that addresses the changes in the commission structure for real estate agents. The National Association of Realtors lost a $1.8 billion jury verdict last year and was facing other lawsuits…
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I recently saw a post written by a funeral home in Massachusetts about a transfer on death deed, that seems to have gone viral. According to Facebook, the post was shared over 83,000 times. That’s how I saw it; because people who I know shared it. Unfortunately, while there are some really helpful tips in…
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Estate planning is a critical aspect of financial management that often gets overlooked; however, given the unique challenges and responsibilities women face throughout their lives, effective estate planning is essential for ensuring financial security, protecting assets, and providing for loved ones. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of estate planning for women, common considerations,…
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In December 2019, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act marked a pivotal moment in retirement planning, introducing substantial revisions to beneficiary distribution rules. However, its impact was swiftly eclipsed by the onset of a global pandemic, diverting attention from its provisions. Now, with the nation gradually shifting focus beyond the pandemic’s…
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Even though it’s the shortest month of the year (even during a Leap Year!), February brings forth many significant milestones. Those of us in the northeast eagerly await the Groundhog’s report hoping for warmer days ahead, many people think of February as the month of love with Valentine’s Day on the 14th, it is often…
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Probate can be a complex and lengthy process that many people wish to avoid when planning their estates. While it’s possible to sidestep probate through various means, such as trusts, joint ownership, and beneficiary designations, individuals often make critical mistakes in their attempts to avoid probate that sometimes cause more harm than going through probate.…
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While “pre-approval” and “clear to close” may sound similar, they serve distinct purposes and signify different milestones in the mortgage approval process. Since February is known as the start of the Spring real estate market, many people are likely sprucing up to list their homes for sale and others are getting their ducks in a…
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A Will, also referred to as a Last Will and testament, is the document that most people consider essential to ensure that their wishes are carried out after their passing. On the other hand, many people do not think that they have enough money to warrant having an Estate Plan. While both are integral parts…
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January is a time of reflection and resolutions. People often think about goals for the new year, and relationship repair is one of the most admirable. We are also on the heels of many family gatherings, some of which may have been strained, awkward, or uncomfortable. In our practice, we see the lasting and detrimental…
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