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Oct 11, 2024

Contractor Agreement - What Should Your Document Contain?

From the smallest construction, addition or alteration, to extensive work such as building a new house, this is one document that needs to be comprehensive.

Our free template is especially useful to assist you in compiling your list of all the elements that you need to consider as either contractor or homeowner.

We also offer additional guidelines as to clauses that an owner should not agree to and how to verify a contractor's credentials.

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Oct 09, 2024

Which Caregiving Option Will be the Best Option for Your Children?

When the caring of minors needs to be entrusted to another adult, whether temporarily or on a more permanent basis, there are a number of ways this can be done.

In some instances there will be no need to get the courts involved and you can make use of our free templates, e.g.

• Temporary Guardianship
• Affidavit of Guardianship
• Power of Attorney for a Child
• Child Travel Consent or Medical Consent, etc.

We provide free forms and applicable guidelines for their use and information for the other instances where you do need a court order.

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Oct 07, 2024

Construction Contract Extension Agreement

It's the nature of the beast that constructions or alterations or remodeling will take longer than anticipated.

It is quick and easy for both parties to just note and sign an extension to the deadline (so there will be no late penalties) with our deadline extension amendment.

Another good idea is to note any variation orders e.g. repainting of an area in a different color or moving plumbing points and especially to note the additional costs that may be incurred because of this extra work.

Make use of our free contractor agreements to avoid possible disputes at a later stage.

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Oct 04, 2024

When, and When Not to Use Rental Agents for Investment Properties

Agents can be hugely helpful in marketing and finding suitable tenants for rental properties.

But we do not completely rely on their services and the reasons are simple:

Our real estate properties are a valuable part of our retirement portfolio. We therefore actively get involved in:

• Meeting prospective tenants and doing our own reference and employment checks;
• Inspecting the property regularly and effecting repairs and maintenance as and when before it escalates into a huge job;
• Using one standard lease agreement rather than trying to keep up with clauses and deadlines in a variety of documents.

You can find more landlord tips and all the totally free real estate forms that we use linked to from this page:

Continue reading "When, and When Not to Use Rental Agents for Investment Properties"

Oct 02, 2024

Executor in a Will

How should you choose the executor in your will?

What happens if you do not name an executor?

And what happens if an appointed person cannot or does not want to serve as executor?

Take a look at this article where we show you how you can make the best decision for your estate.

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Sep 30, 2024

Lease Agreement - Should You Have a Guarantor Clause?

The short answer is no. And this is why:

The lease agreement is between landlord and tenant. And all the provisions within the lease pertains to the warranties and obligations of those two parties.

You need a separate Guarantor Agreement!

This legal document has specific obligations set out that the guarantor must agree to and which the landlord can legally enforce should the tenant default.

You can have additional clauses for co-letting and joint tenancies. It's all provided for on our site - and as always, at no cost to you.

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Sep 27, 2024

Rental Application and Upfront Fees - What is Allowed?!

Landlords are allowed to ask a fee to accompany a rental application. Some landlords may also ask for a move in fee to cover any damages caused to the building during the move.

However!

• There is a maximum limit allowed, depending on the country/state.
• There are rules as to refunds and the time limit within which to refund any money.
• A landlord can incur stiff penalties if he accepts an application (and fees) whilst knowing that a tenant will not qualify because of inadequate income.

Continue reading "Rental Application and Upfront Fees - What is Allowed?!"

Sep 25, 2024

Contesting a Will!

Time is of the essence when you want to bring a claim against an estate or challenge the validity of a will!

• Who has the legal right to contest or challenge a will?
• On what grounds can a will be contested?
• What are the costs involved?
• It is a good idea to add a no-contest clause to your last will and testament?

We review these and other important issues regarding family wills.

Continue reading "Contesting a Will!"

Sep 23, 2024

Selling Your Car Privately?

It's quite straightforward to have a bill of sale that spells out the terms and conditions of your agreement.

We've made it even easier for you, and provide two printable legal forms for either:

• Once-off payment for the full selling price. We also make provision for a holding deposit should you need that.
• Installment sale where regular payments must be made until the vehicle is fully paid.

Get your free legal forms here:

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Sep 20, 2024

Which Power of Attorney Form will Serve Your Needs Best?

You don't need the broad permission typically found in a general power of attorney if you only wish your agent, for example, to sell a vehicle on your behalf.

It's very easy to stipulate exactly what, how and for how long you would like your appointed agent to perform any functions for you.

Start off by going through our general guidelines and then choose from our variety of free power of attorney forms to download the specific document that is most suitable for your requirements.

Continue reading "Which Power of Attorney Form will Serve Your Needs Best?"

Sep 18, 2024

Rental Applications - Legal Guidelines

Landlords need to find the best tenant for a rental property but also need to show no bias or discrimination.

So, on what basis can you reject an applicant and how do you need to word your rejection notice?

And how do you assess affordability or should you consider having a third party sign as guarantor?

We'll guide you through many of these (and other) questions and supply the relevant free legal forms and documents.

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Sep 16, 2024

Important Facts About Your Last Will and Testament...

When you draft or review your document or you've been appointed as executor in the will of someone who passed away, you may want to consider the following:

• What can make a will invalid?
• When can a person be disqualified from inheriting?
• Can another person sign a will on behalf of the will maker?
• What is a Testamentary Trust?

Continue reading "Important Facts About Your Last Will and Testament..."

Sep 13, 2024

Buying or Selling a Boat Privately?

It's very simple to spell out the terms and conditions of your transaction.

Take a look at the two free templates we've compiled:

• Where a single payment will conclude the transaction. We've also added an optional clause if a holding deposit will be paid initially.
• Where multiple payments will be made.

Review the guidelines and download or print your sample document.

Continue reading "Buying or Selling a Boat Privately?"

Sep 11, 2024

How to Manage Your Renovations or Constructions

If you're planning to do alterations or a new building project, then cast your eye over our checklist to see whether you've covered:

• Warranty on materials and workmanship
• Insurance by both parties
• Progress payments and the issuing of lien waivers and releases
• The scope of the work
  ...and so much more.

We also provide a variety of free printable contracts and forms for every step or your project.

Continue reading "How to Manage Your Renovations or Constructions"

Sep 09, 2024

Time to Become a Landlord?

There's always a buzz in various media about investment property opportunities - whether commercial or residential - and whether you should or should not put your money in bricks and mortar.

We have always maintained that there's never a really bad time to invest in property. One would try not to buy when the market favors the sellers, but not having a crystal ball, it will be difficult to predict when the market will be at the optimum for buying.

The bigger question is WHERE to invest.

COVID caused many more people to work from home with an increased need for home office space. People also increasingly look towards suburbia because there is no need to commute to city offices.

Take a look at our tips and free legal forms for landlords to assist you with managing your tenants and rental portfolio.

Continue reading "Time to Become a Landlord?"