Mrs. Lank: I am interested in buying a condo that is currently rented out. The seller says that the lease isn't up until for seven months and therefore I couldn't move in until then. If I bought this condo, would I be forced to become a landlord? ...

Dear Edith: I bought a house this summer, and in light of the National Association of Realtors' admission that they've been overstating home sales since 2007, I'm wondering if that faulty data may have made me overpay for my house. -- L.

Answer: ...

Ms. Lank: How can I purchase an investment property without putting 20 percent down? I currently own my home. -- email

Answer: These days, lenders are being extra-careful, and they do require substantial down payments on non-owner-occupied ...

Edith: I have a modest home. Similar houses in my neighborhood in much better condition are selling for twice what I paid for mine in 1980.

I want to sell the house, but it has numerous problems. Disclosing them to a buyer would greatly lower the...

Dear Edith: I applied for a mortgage three months ago and still don't have a closing date. The bank made several mistakes (an employee checked the incorrect boxes), which caused the application to be denied, and now it must be resubmitted. The ...

Ms. Lank: In a couple of years, my wife and I will retire (we'll be 69), sell our house and rent an apartment on the fringe of suburbia for a year. In that time, we'll look for a place to retire. How long do I have to buy another dwelling before I...