I received two phone calls yesterday, from a political polling survey. I quickly hung up each time. Then a telemarketer called my cell phone. I also hung up. Walking through Boston, at the end of the day, two people tried to stop me for a “60 second survey about my health care preferences”. I kept walking. I had nether the time or desire to speak with these privacy invading, time wasting fact finders. Continue reading
Deed from Company Requires Red Tape
I represent a real estate developer who’s company is organized in Massachusetts as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). In order to record the deed from a recent sale, I took a slightly absurd journey. Continue reading
Filed under Real Estate
Masshealth Cracks the Safe For Repayment
The Massachusetts Division of Medical Assistance flexed its muscles last month and showed its broad power to recover assets paid on behalf of nursing home residents. The Essex Superior Court decided the rightful owner of a large sum of cash found in an abandoned safe which formerly belonged to Daher’s Shoes Inc. in Methuen. Continue reading
Filed under Estate Planning
Christmas Once Banned in Boston
While outlawing the celebration of Christmas sounds extreme, it happened in the 1600’s. Check out this amazing holiday/legal history published by the Massachusetts Travel Journal: Continue reading
Filed under General
Acting Perks Abound on Movie Set
Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to perform as an extra on a major movie set. My one day role was to protect Kevin Bacon’s by shooting at the heroes, Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds. While on set, a Screen Actors Guild union representative handed me a rate sheet showing some interesting facts about actor compensation. Continue reading
Filed under General
Paving Over Easement
Question: My property is subject to a 20 foot underground utility easement. I want to pave over the easement to access my new garage. The terms of the recorded easement do not address my rights. Am I allowed to pave over the easement area. Continue reading
Filed under Real Estate
Short Sale Shows Slice of Life
While government officials take their political standoff to the streets, seeking to affect public opinion and gain sympathy, a quiet example of real economic struggle occurred in my office. The tale spans six years and aptly summarizes the fallout and effect of america’s economic woes. Continue reading
Filed under Real Estate
Medallion Signature Needed For Stock Transfer
Question: I am transferring stocks and must obtain a medallion signature guarantee stamp on the transfer form. What is this and how do I get one? Continue reading
Filed under Estate Planning
Realtor’s attention focused on second deal
Question: I accepted an offer to sell my home to a developer, who will rennovate and flip it within the year. My realtor added a counteroffer term obligating the buyer to use her listing services when the house sells again. While, the buyer and I initially supported her venture for future business, the developer changed his mind after working with her for a few days. He still wants to buy my home, and the terms are advantageous. However, my realtor doesn’t want me to sign the p&s contract with him, unless he agrees to give her the second listing. She is pressuring me to take a significantly lower offer from a buyer who will agree to her terms. Is this normal? Continue reading
Filed under Real Estate
