In the recent past, the inventory of homes for sale was pitifully low. Now, the number of homes for sale has increased in many areas. However, there are listings being offered for sale on less-than-advantageous terms. An example is the so-called "short sale."

In a conventional home sale, the buyer usually needs only the seller's acceptance in order to go forward with a transaction. However, in a short sale, the lender's approval is also needed in order for the sale to close.  more...

DEAR BOB: I live in a condominium complex where one resident has a pit bull dog (a breed considered by many to be very dangerous), which he allows to run loose. In spite of several letters of complaint to our condo association board of directors, they have done nothing other than to write a letter of warning to the resident in June 2006. The pit bull continues to run loose. If this dog were to bite someone, would the board of directors and the condo association be liable because they have not resolved this issue? --Elizabeth H.  more...