Before you rent space for your business, be sure you understand these basic facts about commercial leases. Renting commercial space is a big responsibility -- the success or failure of your business may ride on certain terms of the lease. Before you approach a landlord, you should understand how commercial leases differ from the

If you sell your home, you may exclude up to $250,000 of your capital gain from tax -- or up to $500,000 for married couples. The 1997 Taxpayer Relief Act contained a big break for homeowners. If you sell your home, you may exclude up to $250,000 of your capital gain from tax. For

Not just a shelter from the elements, your home also serves as a valuable tax shelter. Your home provides many tax benefits -- from the time you buy it right on through to when you decide to sell. Here's a summary; for details, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov. 1. Mortgage Interest If you're filing

Learn when you need help from real estate professionals, and how to find the best one. It’s no secret that real estate agents earn high commissions. Although the commission is usually paid by the seller, the cost may be indirectly passed on to you. And real estate lawyers charge exorbitant hourly rates. This raises the

Flooding, surface runoff, and even leaking sprinklers can spark disputes between neighbors. When water causes property damage -- flooded basements, collapsing retaining walls, or soggy gardens, for example -- feuds between neighbors often result. But the legal issues can be as muddy as the mess in your backyard. Surface Water Runoff and Flooding As

Frequently asked questions to help you deal with troublesome trees. What's Below: Can I trim the branches of the neighbor's tree that hang over my yard? Most of a big oak tree hangs over my yard, but the trunk is on the neighbor's property. Who owns the tree? My neighbor dug up his yard,

Before you build your dream house in the country, thoroughly investigate the surroundings. During the last several decades, more and more city people have migrated to rural areas to pursue their modern American dreams. They seek a peaceful place in the country, away from the noise and crime of cities. Many choose homes in

What you need to disclose to potential home buyers about your property. When selling your home, you may be obligated to disclose problems that could affect the property's value or desirability. In most states, it is illegal to fraudulently conceal major physical defects in your property such as a basement that floods in heavy

Answers to common questions about making offers to buy a home, including strategies in competitive housing markets. What's Below: What's the best way to decide how much to offer for a house? When making an offer to buy a house, what's the best way to protect myself from a deal that might not work

Here's the formula bank lenders use to determine how much mortgage you can afford. Don't start house hunting until you seriously consider how much you can afford to pay. A little advance planning will save you time and money later, because you won't bid on unattainable houses or apply for loans that are out