Hello. My name is Erik Martin and I am a reporter for a nationally syndicated real estate section published weekly in newspapers across the country (see current examples at gmnews.com/?s=%22by+erik+j.+martin%22). I’m looking to interview realtors/agents, real estate attorneys, lending professionals, and housing industry experts for the following article: PROPERTY PARTNERING PITFALLS: HOW TO AVOID SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS WHEN BUYING A HOME WITH A SIGNIFICANT OTHER BEFORE MARRIAGE. This article will examine the pros and cons of purchasing a home with a girlfriend/boyfriend/partner whom you are not married to, including whose name goes on the title, how bills will be paid, what happens if you break up and more, and will offer tips on what to do/what to avoid. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to. I can either conduct a phone or email interview (with the latter, please email me back full-sentence written responses that I can use as quotes). My deadline is noon central,Thursday, August 11.
QUESTIONS:1. What are the pros and cons of purchasing a home with a significant other to whom you are not married/legally bound?2. Is it better to wait to purchase until you are married/legally bound? Why/why not?3. What are some of the complications/pitfalls of buying a home with a partner to whom you are not married/legally bound? What can go wrong?4. What legal options should the couple explore to protect each of their interests prior to purchasing (e.g., a cohabitation agreement? Common law marriage? Civil union? Domestic partnership?)5. What tips can you provide here: How should bills be paid and by whom, and how should finances be handled? Whose name should go on the title? Should one be the owner and the other a renting tenant?6. What should be carefully discussed/explored by both parties before signing on the dotted line?7. What should be discussed/decided in the event the two partners later break up after the home closing? How can each party legally protect their interests in this circumstance?8. If the couple plan on getting married, what tips can you provide regarding financing the wedding ring/reception/honeymoon that can affect their ability to obtain a mortgage loan?9. Any other thoughts, tips or suggestions on this topic?10. What is your full name, title, company, city/state location, and email address?
Keywords
realtors/agents, real estate attorneys, lending professionals, housing industry experts
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