Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

selling home to eliminate debt

My parents own income bearing property, which is also their place of residence. My mother has to go to a nursing home and my dad is unable to take care of the property. Does he lose his right to sell his income generating property, which he can no longer maintain, to eliminate debt? Can my father sell the property for less than market value but equal to the amount owed?


Asked on 1/05/02, 9:43 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Randall Reder Randall O. Reder, P.A.

Re: selling home to eliminate debt

One would need to see how title is held. The

owners of property can sell the property for

whatever price they want. However, there are

tax consequences and closing costs one should

consider. I suggest you make an appointment

to consult with an attorney.

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Answered on 1/07/02, 9:12 am
Peter Gonzalez Sanchez-Medina, Gonzalez, Quesada, Lage, Crespo, Gomez & MachadoLLP

Re: selling home to eliminate debt

Who owns the property? Is it owned jointly by your parents, by only one of your parents or by a corporation with your parents as shareholders? The owner of the property can sell it whenever and for whatever price it wants. However, if the property is encumbered with a lease, the prospective buyer may be stuck with it, and that may be fine if the new owner is interested in continuing the landlord-tenant relationship with the tenant/lessee. Some leases allow landlord's to terminate the lease upon entering into a contract to sell the property. I would have to review the lease. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact my office.

Peter A. Gonzalez

Coral Gables, Florida

305-445-0937

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Answered on 1/07/02, 9:58 am


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