When same sex partners, or any other couple, purchase a home, there are certain types of insurance services that are important to purchase to protect you. If you obtain a mortgage to finance your home, the lender generally requires title and mortgage insurance. Below are types of home insurance that may be required. Note that laws in different states vary regarding the types of insurance that is required. Title Insurance A title is your deed of ownership of the home. […]

Vermont is one of the smallest states in the country, and it’s also one of the least populous.  That means that even though it’s small in area, people aren’t packed on top of each other.  Real estate, especially real estate located in the suburbs or out away from major cities, often comes with a nice bit of land attached to it.  But due to its proximity to New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, trips to large cities take very little […]

If you are having problems with noisy neighbors, there are steps that you can take to resolve the issue. Many times, the neighbors do not know that they are causing a disturbance and the first of the steps outlined below may resolve the issue. Document the Disturbance When your neighbors make too much noise, you should document the times and dates that it occurs. You should also keep a list all efforts that you make to resolve the problem, including […]

When purchasing a home, you will hear many different terms. When you make an offer, you will do so on what is usually a standard form that is called a purchase offer agreement. That is the document that outlines factors including the price you are willing to pay and any contingencies that you would like met. This document will not become a legal contract until you, your partner and the sellers sign it. Following are some other definitions for lingo […]

In 2004, Massachusetts made headlines and LGBT history by becoming the first state to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple.  This action came after the November 2003 case of Goodridge v. Department of Public Health.  The state’s Supreme Court made the decision that same-sex couples had every right to legally marry, and the result sent shockwaves through the country.  It was also the first battle in the fight for marriage, a fight that has seen more and more […]

Purchasing a vacation home can be exciting when you consider that you will have a place to go anytime that you choose to do so, but along with the advantages, there can be disadvantages. Following are some drawbacks to purchasing a vacation home with your same sex partner. Mortgage Unless you have the money to purchase a vacation home outright, you will have to pay a mortgage. Generally, the required down payment and mortgage interest rate will be higher on […]

Purchase offers are generally completed using a standardized purchase agreement form that sets out the details of your offer. That document is not legally binding on either you or the seller of the property until it has been signed by both parties the buyers and sellers. When completing a purchase agreement form, you should consider the following issues. Contingencies Some of the contingencies that you may want to consider include: 1.   Will you need to sell your current home, […]

Some people move to a new city for work.  Others do so to be closer to their family.  But some people contact a gay or lesbian realtor because they want to move to further their education.  There are many great universities in the country, but some of them are more welcoming towards LGBT students and educators than others.  Here are a few of the universities that are more accepting and diverse as ranked by the Princeton Review for 2014-2015. The […]

As the third largest city in Ohio, Cincinnati has its share of diverse neighborhoods.  The city was a boomtown during the 19thcentury, exploding outwards to become, at the time, the sixth largest city in the country.  It’s often considered the first true American city since it was the first large city to be founded both inland and after the Revolutionary War.  It’s also an interesting melting pot of different cultures, including the LGBT community. Like many cities, Cincinnati does have […]

Buying a foreclosed home is a great way to get an excellent deal. The downside is that you may be buying more than you bargained for if the home has been sitting vacant for a long period of time. In most states, foreclosed homes are sold as is with no warranty. This means that you get what you see and will be responsible for any and all repairs that are needed. Following are some tips for those who would like […]