Mecklenburg Times: News for Mecklenburg, Union and Iredell counties Real Estate, Development, Construction, and Community News in the Charlotte area and throughout Mecklenburg, Union and Iredell counties

DEAR BENNY: I am currently moving out of a condo I have been renting for more than 19 years. This is the only unit my landlord owns, so I have the idea that most landlord-tenant regulations do not apply. I ...

Tagged with: deposit

NOTE TO READERS: I just received a call from a scammer; he told me he was from the U.S. Treasury Department and that I owed the IRS some $5,000 dollars. I contacted the IRS and was told this is a ...

Tagged with: commission

DEAR BENNY: Ten years ago when I bought my current home for cash and had no mortgage, my banker convinced me I should have a $250,000 HELOC. Not knowing what I know now, I took it. He said no costs ...

Tagged with: HELOC

DEAR BENNY: The rules and regulations of my condominium association prohibit the leasing of units for less than six months. I am on the board of directors. Recently, we learned that several owners have signed on to Airbnb, and have ...

Tagged with: rentals

DEAR BENNY: We are seriously underwater on our mortgage and are concerned that the bank may soon try to foreclose. Are there any programs that can assist us in saving our home? – Rebeccah DEAR REBECCAH: There are a number ...

Tagged with: underwater homes

DEAR BENNY: We plan to sign a contract to buy a single-family home in a residential neighborhood. Our agent suggested we obtain a termite inspection. The house is all brick, so we question whether this is needed. Does the FHA ...

Tagged with: Insects

DEAR BENNY: I recently made an offer to buy a condominium. I knew there was a lot of activity for this property so I included an escalator clause, prepared to go up as high as $25,000 more should a higher ...

Tagged with: condo

DEAR BENNY: I don’t know if you can help me, but I don’t know where else to turn. About 10 years ago my husband and I were talked into buying a time share in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  We paid ...

Tagged with: timeshare

DEAR BENNY: I just read your article regarding whether or not to have a home equity line of credit (HELOC) and you highly recommended it. I would like to share a situation that occurred to us where I don’t feel ...

Tagged with: HELOC

DEAR BENNY: You have answered questions from freshman real estate agents, so I am taking the liberty to ask a question. I just started studying for the real estate exam, and would like to understand the concept of a real ...

Tagged with: contract