Q: My husband just passed away. He did not have a Will or Trust, and our home was his separate property from his prior marriage. His son is now anxious to sell the home in order to receive his inheritance share, but that would force me out of the home with nowhere to go. Do… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Housing
What Happens To My Medicare Premium If I Sell My House
Q. I am in my 70’s and receiving Social Security and Medicare. I am considering selling my home and moving into a Senior Living facility. I heard that the sale might affect my Medicare premium and Social Security benefits. Can you shed any light on this? A. I believe so, and you heard correctly if… Read More »
Help with Delinquent Mortgage and Property Tax Payments
Q. My wife and I have missed a few home mortgage payments this year, and we are behind in our property taxes. I heard there is a program that might help us out. Do you know anything about it? We don’t want to lose our home. A. Yes. In California, the program is called the… Read More »
The Tax Consequences of Selling a Home After the Death of a Spouse
Q. My husband died last year, and I am now considering selling our home and relocating to be closer to our daughter. I am concerned, however, about the potential tax consequences when I sell. Can you provide any information on this point? A. Yes. The biggest concern when selling property is capital gains taxes. A capital… Read More »
Should We Sell Mom’s Home To Pay For Her Care?
Q. Our mother is in assisted living and may need to go into a nursing home soon. To raise money for her ongoing care, we are thinking of selling her home which is now vacant. Any thoughts as to whether that makes sense? A. Well, here’s the thing: selling mom’s home may undermine her ability… Read More »
What Happens To Our Home Loan If My Spouse Predeceases Me?
Q. My husband and I married years after he purchased what is now our home. We are both now up in years, and we still have an outstanding home loan that we pay on each month. What happens to the home loan if he predeceases me, as my name is neither on the title to… Read More »
New California Homestead Exemption
Q. I hear there has been a change in the state Homestead Law. Can you comment? A. Yes, indeed. A new Homestead Exemption went into effect at the beginning of 2021, and it is good news for California homeowners. But first, a bit of background for those readers who might not be familiar with the… Read More »
How the $1.9 Trillion ‘American Rescue Plan Act’ Will Help Seniors
Q, I know that Congress and President Biden recently approved a new law that adds significant money into improving vaccinations and other COVID-19 outreach, but I wonder what other provisions are in the new law that might help seniors. A. Good question. The AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT of 2021 (“ARPA”), R. 1319, was narrowly passed… Read More »
Evictions Halted in California Through September 30, 2021
Q. I lost my job due to the Covid Pandemic, and now find that I am having difficulty paying my rent. I am worried about being evicted from the home my wife and I are renting. Is there any advice you can offer? A. Yes. Governor Newsom just signed Legislation (AB 832) on June 28,… Read More »