The roommates I have had in the past have definitely not done their part to keep the house up, and now there are several repairs that need to be made. I need to be able to make some profit off of the sale of the property. What should I be doing to get the sale process started? Can I sell my home in its current condition? Do I need to get a home equity loan to make home improvements? -- e-mail
Answer: As you found out, being a landlord is hard work, particularly with a transient student population.
How much profit you "need to be able to make" doesn't matter. The only thing that counts is what buyers are willing to pay. To find out, look at lawn signs and ads, and then call three different real estate brokerages that are active in the neighborhood.
Ask them to send someone over to advise you about which repairs are necessary and how to show the house best at the least expense. They'll know what price you're likely to get on the open market. The advice will be free, and you won't have any obligation until you sign up an agent to market the property.
FAMILY DISAGREES
Dear Edith: My siblings and I own property as joint tenants. Unfortunately we been having our differences, and I have been wanting to sell my portion. My brother and sister don't want to buy my portion. Can I still sell my portion without them agreeing? -- E.P.
Answer: You have the right to sell your share, but where will you find someone who wants to be a partner with your brother and sister?
You also have the right to force a public auction of the property ("partition"). That's an expensive and messy process, but perhaps a letter from your lawyer, mentioning the possibility, might make your siblings more cooperative about finding a solution.