Valuable lessons learned in 2015

With the rise in home prices and the drop in distressed mortgages, I received fewer questions in 2015 about foreclosures and short sales. Still, many people are struggling to afford their mortgages.

If you find yourself in this position, communicate with your lender and, hard as it may be, don’t give in to the bureaucracy you encounter.

There are solutions available to homeowners who stick with it, but none for those who give up. As with any legal issue, document everything that happens because this can make a huge difference in resolving the problem later.

I heard from many readers frustrated with their community associations.

If you plan to buy a home in an association, you’ll have to accept the restrictions that come with that.

Also, maintenance dues often increase, and special assessments are bound to happen. Be ready with a savings reserve.

If you do have a dispute with your association or the board, it’s imperative that you take the time to read the governing documents.

This can be difficult to do, even for lawyers, but the resolutions to most problems are right there waiting to be found.

Finally, and I believe this is the most important lesson I have learned in my years as a practicing attorney, you need to do the research.

Read the contract, check that you really don’t need a permit, open and read the boring letters from your lender, check the Internet and don’t stop until you are satisfied that you know what’s happening.

Thanks for reading and writing in, and I wish you a happy, healthy and successful 2016.