Questions answered by Karl Mathias Schmitz III

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Is real estate belonging to a municipality but leased to a non-profit org considered private property while leased?

Karl's answer | Answered on March 24, 2014

Leasing property does not change the ownership in fee. A property lease is a "contract" between the lessor and the lessee, with specific rights...

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Property deed with husband & wife on deed. Husband deceased.Joint tenancy not on deed. Is the deed Tenants in common?

Karl's answer | Answered on November 13, 2013

When they took title, provided that the deed was to "Mr. Smith and Mrs. Smith, husband and wife", an estate by the entireties was created without...

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Does a Florida HOA/BOD need to have a formal, open HOA meeting to terminate and/or modify the services of theHOA's attorney ?

Karl's answer | Answered on October 24, 2013

I agree with the other answers and would add the following: the existence, or not, of an attorney-client relationship is whether the client feels...

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We are about to buy a house from an owner. what do we need to look out for? how much does a real estate attorney cost?

Karl's answer | Answered on September 24, 2013

I agree with the reply of Attorney Deason as well. The cost of a real estate attorney, and the value you get for that cost, is fairly remarkable...

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I had a friend move in 6 months ago. We are simply not compatible. The friend is refusing to move out. What is my next step?

Karl's answer | Answered on July 24, 2013

I agree with Attorney Deason. In Florida, if there is no lease agreement, an unwanted guest is removed through the statute governing unlawful...

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FL LANDLORD QUESTION - TENANT SAID HE WAS CLEANING THE HOUSE BUT DID NOT CLEAN ANYTHING.

Karl's answer | Answered on July 08, 2013

The specific answer to your question is dependent upon the language contained within your lease. A typically lease will allow you to deduct...

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Who secures the PMI or holds the policy, the lender or the borrower?

Karl's answer | Answered on June 25, 2013

PMI is for the benefit of the lender, and is typically required where your equity at the time of the loan is less than 20% of the value of the...

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I bought a house in my name only for a 30 year mortgage. I want my brother who lives with to have equal ownership

Karl's answer | Answered on May 17, 2013

I concur with the answers previously provided. When creating a tenancy in common, you may elect the percentage ownership, i.e.: 50-50, 25-75,...

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Do I need a real estate attorney?

Karl's answer | Answered on May 17, 2013

I must agree with Attorney Deason. If your parents received a life estate through the deed, this does not typically require that they maintain...

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I closed on a short sale house in Florida

Karl's answer | Answered on May 17, 2013

You should review the "Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2009". Your "tenant" would appear to fall within the category of one of the two...

Karl Mathias Schmitz III's Answers (16)

Is real estate belonging to a municipality but leased to a non-profit org considered private property while leased?

Property deed with husband & wife on deed. Husband deceased.Joint tenancy not on deed. Is the deed Tenants in common?

Does a Florida HOA/BOD need to have a formal, open HOA meeting to terminate and/or modify the services of theHOA's attorney ?

We are about to buy a house from an owner. what do we need to look out for? how much does a real estate attorney cost?

I had a friend move in 6 months ago. We are simply not compatible. The friend is refusing to move out. What is my next step?

FL LANDLORD QUESTION - TENANT SAID HE WAS CLEANING THE HOUSE BUT DID NOT CLEAN ANYTHING.

Who secures the PMI or holds the policy, the lender or the borrower?

I bought a house in my name only for a 30 year mortgage. I want my brother who lives with to have equal ownership

Do I need a real estate attorney?

I closed on a short sale house in Florida