Lank

Q: We own a Cape Cod-style home built in 1990. Throughout the first floor there is dark stained woodwork and chair rail molding. The upstairs trim and molding is all painted off-white.

I would like to paint all the downstairs doors and trim off-white to brighten everything up. It is so dark. My husband claims that when we go to sell the house, new buyers would rather have the stained woodwork. True or not? — B. S.

A: First off, if you’re going to stay there a long time, you’re entitled to do what pleases you without worrying about potential buyers.

Otherwise — I don’t really know which would have more appeal to buyers.

People sometimes ask, “How come you know all the answers?” and that’s easy. When I don’t know, it doesn’t go in the newspaper. But this time — I don’t know, so let’s invite readers to write in with their preferences, and real estate agents to tell what they’d advise.

Last time we did this, the question was: “Would you buy a home with no bathtub?” and the responses came in just about 50/50.

Stepfather Had No Will

Q: I am writing this on behalf of my wife, whose mother passed away over 10 years ago and at the time jointly owned the home with her stepfather. He passed away last spring and we believe died without a will.

She has two brothers and her stepfather had three children (all adults), two of which reside in the house now. They have spoken about selling the property but have not filed any paperwork with the probate court yet to establish estate ownership as we believe may be necessary to transfer title. Does dying intestate make this a more lengthy process?

My wife would like to see the house sold, since it is not being maintained, and wondered what steps are needed in order to do so? The property is scheduled to go up for tax sale next spring if the taxes are not paid current. Also, if the property was sold and there were net proceeds, what is the likely manner in which they would be distributed among the heirs? — C. T., via askedith.com

A: When your mother-in-law died, that would have been the time to check the status of the house. The husband may have automatically become complete owner of the property. It’s possible a stepdaughter has no claim on his estate.

A lawyer can easily investigate, to tell your wife where she stands and if there’s anything she should be doing at this point.

Lives at Stake

Q: Six years ago, our neighbors had a new furnace installed and their exhaust blows loud, humid poison gas at our chimney cap. I have had the village building inspectors and our mayor pronounce this monstrosity as legal! I have told our village trustees, our police and fire chiefs what happened, but nobody has done anything to help us. I have written to every politician who is anybody in our area, also to several U.S. government agencies and officials, but again nobody has come to our aid!.

I am enclosing copies of two letters I have sent to various people. Also please take a look at three pictures I am including.

Thus, I was wondering if perhaps you could correspond with our mayor and persuade him to change their inhuman building code. Dear Madam, the lives of myself and my family are at stake! — A. E.

A: You could always talk with a lawyer to see if any legal means are open to you, though I doubt it. It may be more useful to consult a heating expert. Perhaps you’d feel safer with some sort of baffle on your own roof.

No Covered Wagon

Q: You recently answered questions about terminologies such as deed, title, etc. which I found really helpful. How about this one: homesteading. What is it? What does it do for me? I bought a house, not a covered wagon. — T. A.

A: In different states, various legal protections are offered for a family home. Sometimes they apply automatically; in other states homeowners must file notice to set them up.

Homestead laws usually state that even if only one spouse owns the property, it cannot be sold unless both agree. The family may be protected from judgments or eviction for certain debts (not including mortgages or real estate taxes.) In some states, homestead laws apply after a death, protecting the home for a surviving spouse and minor children.

Each state had its own homestead rights. You don’t tell me where you’re located, so that’s about as specific as I can get.

Edith Lank will respond personally to any question sent to www.askedith.com or to 240 Hemingway Drive, Rochester NY 14620