Owner sells home to neighbors: Is Realtor’s commission owed?

Q: My daughter needed to sell her home. When her neighbors learned the house would be for sale, they said they would like to buy it and an agreement was reached.

But at the finalizing of the transaction, the neighbor's Realtor, with whom they had a contract to find them a new home, claimed a fee on the transaction. Since he had no part in the deal and was not even aware of it, is this proper? -- J.M.

A: If that was a written and signed, "contract to find them a new home," the answer may lie there. The neighbors could have promised to pay their agent if they purchased property within a given period of time from a seller who wasn't paying commissions.

Wife wants name on deed

Q: My husband and I married a few years ago. He already paid off his home and owns it free and clear. I moved into this home with him. We have no intension of moving or selling. How can we get my name added to the deed on this home? -- H.H.

A: The process is simple, involving the signing and recording of a new deed. Any attorney can handle the paperwork for you.

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 e-mail her at ehlank@aol.com.