Ask an EXPERT

“Justin, I know that I want my children to get the home and land when I die, so why not just give them a deed now so that they can avoid probate. They don’t care to let me live here and have promised to let me stay here as long as I like.” Tony Answer sponsored by:

Tony, I understand your concern to make sure Answer: that the land you have worked so hard to pay for should end up with your kids, but just deeding it to them outright comes with certain problems that you should understand. The first concern that I have when someone talks about deeding property to their kids is that the kids now own the property. Once your child owns the property, their liability can also attach to the property. So, if they are involved with a bankruptcy, divorce, or being sued for running over someone’s foot in the Wal-Mart parking lot, “your” property maybe a risk of being sold to pay for debts of your child. Also, even if your child never has any liability concerns, the tax determent to deeding property while living is significant enough to reconsider that deed. If you transfer the property while you are living your children could be in for a large tax hit when they go to sell the property. Simple estate planning can avoid these pitfalls. If you created a trust you could see that the children receive the home and land once you pass and even provide for grandchildren as well. Their liability won’t touch the property until it is theirs’ and by that point you will have passed away. They will also enjoy the step up in basis. This protects their interest in the home and avoids capital gains taxes. So if they choose to sell the home after you are gone, they won’t have that large tax liability. If you are thinking about deeding your house to the kids, I would urge you to call today to set up a no-charge strategy session to find out how we can help. To learn more, check out our website,

“’I’m starting to have the same symptoms I remember my dad having with his prostate. I’m getting up in the night more and always know where the next bathroom is located. There are so many options for prostate treatments, how do I know what I need?” Answer sponsored by:

Guys have been battling issues with their Answer: prostates since the beginning of time. We can see this in many family trees, as there is likely a genetic component. Prostate issues are a common problem that have affected many men. Since having an enlarged prostate can make it difficult to get all of the urine out when using the restroom, we try to figure out ways to better drain the bladder. When it comes to treatment, one size does not fit all. All men are different and have different sized prostates that are also shaped differently. One treatment that worked great for your buddy may not be the best treatment for you. There are options including outpatient procedures and more involved overnight surgeries, but before jumping into a procedure there are oral medications to try. Medications work for a vast majority of men, and most men will never need any type of procedure. The options are vast, but talking to your urologist can help you find the best option for you.

“Can you help me about maintaining my furnance, like my AC?” Answer sponsored by:

Answer: It’s not just air conditioners that suffer from a lack of routine maintenance. Did you know a neglected furnace could emit carbon monoxide? Hundreds die every year from this deadly gas, and even more get sick because of it. The primary cause of excessive carbon monoxide in a furnace is the build-up of rust inside the unit. Allowing your furnace to rest unused for six to eight months before running it on full demand can cause damage over time. To prolong the life of your system, have a full system maintenance performed before you turn on the furnace for the first time each season. This regular maintenance and pre-season test reduce the likelihood of system breakdowns throughout the winter. Don’t ignore the importance of furnace maintenance. We check every aspect of your furnace to ensure everything is functioning properly. Our team will perform the following: -Thermostat inspection - Electrical system inspection - Heat exchanger inspection -Burner cleaning - Flame sensor test and clean -Pressure switch inspection - Testing of all safety switches and controls - Testing of induction fan motor - Carbon monoxide test - Gas pressure adjustment if needed -Testing for gas leaks - Testing of capacitor - Testing of motor bearings - Testing of motor amperage Proper maintenance can keep your furnace running like new for years to come. Contact Atchley Air, your trusted AC/Heating professional in the River Valley, today at 479-235-6464! On game day call the Hogs! When your furnace or AC needs work, call us! Contact Atchley Air, your trusted AC/Heating professional in the River Valley, today at 479-235-6464! On game day call the Hogs! When your furnace or AC needs work, call us! Article written in conjunction with atchleyair.com, Ft. Smith’s Air Conditioning & Heating Experts, Atchley Heating & Cooling.