Finding a home to buy and negotiating the purchase contract are the toughest parts of the home buying process for most people. But, if you don't plan ahead, and carefully monitor your home purchases transaction, you could find could find trouble ahead.  more...

DEAR BOB: My wife and I separated in April 2003. She moved out and rented a house. We filed for divorce in May 2004. The divorce will be final in January 2005. We own a house together. It is my principal residence where I live with one of our children. The house has appreciated in market value at least $400,000 since we bought it together. The divorce agreement says when the house is sold, within the next five years, the net sales proceeds will be divided 50-50. How far ahead can we sell the house and still both be entitled to claim that $250,000 tax exemption?  more...