If you're putting any of your own money into the purchase, ask for guidance from a real estate lawyer about both the title and mortgage, and do it promptly. To head off possible problems, the two of you should ask the lawyer's help in drawing up a partnership agreement. That's important when property is bought by not-yet-married couples.
Saleable Toilet
Ms. Lank: What color and type of carpet and toilets make a house more saleable? -- K.
Answer: First off, if the floors are hardwood, many buyers these days prefer that. Refinishing, where needed, would serve as a doll-up.
Otherwise, stick with carpet that won't clash with the furniture that prospective buyers may already own. In builders' model homes you'll usually see beige or light grey carpeting.
As for toilets, that would depend on the rest of the bathroom décor. I was about to recommend a quiet neutral color again, white or ivory. But I have seen some spectacular bathrooms in vivid colors, so perhaps I'll just pass on that. One selling point, though, would be a chair-height "comfort" toilet in a master bath.
Hard To Sell
Ms. Lank: I am about to go through a divorce and unsure about what to do about the house. In this market it's going to be hard to sell. With the mortgage, utilities, childcare and monthly expenses, I would be at least $1,000 short each month. My soon to be ex can't afford the house on his own either. What are my options? -- Via e-mail
Answer: If neither of you can afford the house, trying to keep it is just asking for ruined credit-- for both of you.
No matter how bad the market, anything will sell if the price is right. A real estate broker can tell you how much you're likely to get for the house. If it's enough to pay off the mortgage, put the place on the market at a discount for a prompt sale. If you can't get enough to pay off the loan, contact your lender to see if they have any suggestions. New possibilities keep opening up.