I moderate an Internet real estate forum called “Ask An Expert”. This is a compilation of some of the most interesting questions.

Have a real estate or Knoxville area question you need answered?? If I don’t know the answer there’s a very good chance I know someone who does and can get the information for you. Just e mail me

QUESTION:  Made a huge mistake and bought a house with an ex-boyfriend who left me with a huge house payment, insurance, taxes, upkeep, etc. He has agreed to sign a quit claims deed. My question is, do I need a realtor or a lawyer present when he signs the paper work, does a notary work? Where is the best place to get the paper work and is there any other advice you can give…

ANSWER:  Is your ex-boyfriend also on the loan with you?? If he is, then simply signing a quit claim deed will not remove him from the mortgage obligation although it will remove his ownership rights to the house.The best person to do this for you would be an attorney.The second best (and probably more economical) would be a title or escrow company depending on what state your’re in.

QUESTION:  I bought a house in Tennessee recently and all the information provided (ie, MLS listing and home inspection) stated that the house was on public sewer. Subsequently, a flooded leach field revealed that the house was on septic. I have spent over $7,200 in out-of-pocket expenses to correct the problem. I am suing the realtor and seller, the latter is non-responsive. My lawyer has just advised me that the realtor has made an offer of settlement for $4,000, and states that we should take it and avoid court fees. ANSWER: The only truly reliable way to determine whether or not a house is physically connected to a sanitary sewer system is for the utility company to flush a colored dye down the commode and watch for it to appear at the closest sewer manhole.

Going to court is a crap shoot at best and it’s possible to be 100% right and still lose just as its possible to be wrong and win.

Right or wrong aside you now have to make a decision whether to take the “sure thing” $4,000 and be done with it, or roll the dice and go to court. Maybe you’ll get what you’re asking for or a portion of it; OR you could get nothing and your attorney would still want to be paid.

Have a real estate question?? Send me an e mail and I’ll give you an answer. I do not give legal or tax advice; you should seek a qualified professional for that information.

email me @ Jim Lee or call 865-539-3163. If I’m not in just leave your question on my voice mail and I’ll get your answer as soon as possible.

Buying or selling a home in Knoxville, Tennessee?? Visit my website, KnoxvilleMLS.com for lots of buying & selling tips, search all Knoxville area Realtor listings, and much more.

Jim Lee, Knoxville REALTOR®