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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Explore answers to common questions about real estate and estate planning.

    About

    The Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section (RPTE) of the American Bar Association offers a comprehensive collection of FAQs to help you better understand key legal concepts in real estate and estate planning. Whether you're a legal professional, property owner, or someone planning for the future, these resources provide clear, reliable answers to common questions. From buying and selling property to drafting wills and managing trusts, our FAQs are designed to guide you through complex legal topics with confidence and clarity.

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    Real Estate FAQs

    Real Estate and Property FAQs offer a quick overview of common real estate topics. They’re not legal or accounting advice, and laws vary by state. For answers tailored to your situation, talk to your lawyer or accountant. The FAQs are grouped into three sections: residential real estate, commercial real estate, and a glossary of key terms.

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    Estate Planning FAQs

    Estate Planning FAQs offer a practical overview of the estate planning process, which involves working with trusted advisors—like your lawyer, accountant, and financial planner—who understand your goals, assets, and family dynamics. It covers more than just passing on property after death; it can also address personal matters and tax strategies. While a will is often the central document, effective estate planning may include a range of tools tailored to your unique situation.

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    Featured Real Estate FAQs

    Home Buying Resources (English)

    Home Buying Resources page provides a comprehensive guide for first-time homebuyers. It covers essential topics such as assessing financial readiness, understanding mortgage options, and navigating the home purchase contract. Tools to mortgage calculators, rent vs. buy comparisons, and links to trusted advisors such as realtors, financial planners, and HUD-certified housing counselors. It also offers insights into hidden costs, closing procedures, and post-purchase responsibilities, making it a valuable resource for anyone preparing to buy a home.

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    Recursos para la compra de vivienda (Spanish Version)

    La página de recursos para la compra de vivienda de la American Bar Association ofrece una guía completa para compradores de vivienda por primera vez. Aborda temas clave como la preparación financiera, las opciones de hipoteca, y cómo entender los contratos de compra. También incluye herramientas útiles como calculadoras hipotecarias, comparaciones entre alquilar y comprar, y enlaces a asesores confiables como agentes inmobiliarios y consejeros certificados por HUD. Además, proporciona información sobre costos ocultos, el proceso de cierre y las responsabilidades posteriores a la compra, siendo un recurso valioso para quienes se preparan para adquirir una vivienda.

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    Estate Planning Essentials: A Practical Video Series
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    Lifetime Issues, Gathering Information, and Planning for Disposition of Property

    This episode covers health care decision making and property management, durable power of attorney, health care proxies, and much more.

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    Basic Will and Trust Drafting

    Gain insight on basic will and trust drafting including bequests, survivorship issues, powers of appointment, ademption, tax apportionment and much more.

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    Fiduciary Issues and Ethics

    Learn about personal representatives, trustees, trust protectors, powers vs. duties, breach of trust and remedies, compensation and other common issues.

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