HOUSE CALLS What Lies Ahead

Q: My husband passed away six months ago. While we were married, he bought our house in his name only. I have been paying the mortgage, however, my name is not on the mortgage or deed.

What happens now? Can the bank force me to sell, or will they just take the house altogether? What lies ahead? -- K.H.

A: Banks do not usually call in a mortgage when a spouse inherits a property. You should be able to keep the house, as long as you can handle the payments. That's assuming you did inherit it.

When someone dies, no matter how simple the estate, a lawyer should be consulted to answer exactly what you're asking -- what paperwork is needed, what happens now and what lies ahead?

Q: My husband and I own a two-year-old upscale home in Florida. The unique house is hurricane-proof and has state-of-the-art electronics, elevator, professionally decorated rooms, boat lifts, access to the Gulf and the list goes on.

We want a broker who can properly market our house internationally without bringing "unapproved" lookers. The brokers that I have talked to so far are at a loss for where to start. -- L., Mendon

A: My usual advice is to contact agents who are already active in one's neighborhood. In your case, it would be brokers who are currently handling unusual and upscale properties. Try searching the Internet to see who's advertising Florida listings in your price range.

Edith Lank will respond personally to any questions sent to her at 240 Hemingway Drive, Rochester, NY 14620 (please include a stamped return envelope). Or readers may contact her at askedith.com or edithlank@aol.com.