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Provides advice to homeowners in the United States with regards to the taxation of capital gains. Possibility of avoiding paying taxes on the profit from the sale of a principal residence if the homeowners had lived in the house for two years before the sale and bought a replacement home of equal or greater value.

Delves into home ownership of same-sex couples in the U.S. Issue of addressing the manner in which title to real estate is held; Definitions of tenancy in common and tenancy by the entirety; Discussion of joint tenancy with right of survivorship.

Backing Out of a Lease QI recently signed a lease and sent in my first month's rent and security deposit. I haven't moved in yet, but I would now like to get out of the lease. Is it possible to recoup my rent and security deposit? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Putting Up a Parking Lot QThe backyard of our small Bronx condominium is being ripped up and a parking lot is being installed in its place. The number of spaces has dwindled with each engineering report, and parking will be available for fewer than half the apartments. There is talk of permanently assigning spaces only to some owners, by using a lottery. Is this legal? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turning a Co-op Into a Condo QIs it possible to convert a co-op into a condominium? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From Rent-Controlled to Market-Rate QThere is a big apartment in our building that is occupied by an elderly rent-controlled tenant who pays an extremely low rent. When this unit becomes vacant, does it become rent-stabilized or free-market? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renting and Owning in the Same Building QIs it legal to live in a rent-stabilized apartment and to also own a co-op in the same building? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Declining to Renew Stabilized Apartments [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Using One Broker For Buying and Selling [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Making Room For Family Members [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A Condo's Rules Are Getting Tougher [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

WITH cold weather and the holidays fast approaching, thoughts of winter getaways are on the minds of many homeowners: a rustic cabin in the snow for the skier, a cabana in the Caribbean for the beach lover, a pied-a-terre in the sky for the city adventurer. But all three would be less enjoyable if homeowners were worried about things being safe back home. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Q We're interested in buying a co-op. How can we familiarize ourselves with the building's rules and records before making the seller an offer? Are the building's rules accessible to any inquirer? A ''This letter touches on a very sensitive issue involving the prerogatives of co-op boards,'' said Andrew S. Berkman, a Manhattan co-op and condominium lawyer. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A New Condominium Isn't Ready on Time [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article reports on federal and state laws that protect U.S. military members from being improperly evicted from their homes while they are on active duty.

The article reports on the fire dangers of aluminum wiring present in the estimated two million homes in the U.S.

Provides information regarding water heaters for home use in the U.S.

Provides information on the damages caused by carpenter ants to a house. Application of insecticide to reduce carpenter ants.

Reports on the use of a sewage basin system in installing a toilet in a basement of a house in the U.S.

Reports on the cost of the installation of elevators or dumbwaiters at home.

Provides advice on how to deal with a foot of snow in front of one's home. Danger of shoveling incorrectly which can cause strains, sprains and even heart attacks; Need for a shovel that is comfortable and fits one's ability; Need to pace oneself and ensuring that one's boots are not slippery.

Recommends books on residential real estate. "The Ultimate Guide to Buying and Selling Co-ops and Condos in New York City," by Neil J. Binder; "The Co-op Bible: Everything You Need to Know About Co-ops and Condos," by Sylvia Shapiro; "Simon's Guide to Cooperative Organizations Under Revised Article 9," by Stanley R. Simon.

Deals with the difficulty of seeking financing for the construction of modular homes.

Offers information for people considering the purchase of raw land for the construction of a home. Experiences of David Wade, who purchased raw land that was man-made; Tips for buyers, including the availability of water and septic systems; Importance of finding out whether or not the land can support a planned structure; Proximity of the property to other properties.

Focuses on the factors involved when deciding to buy an insurance policy for a home.

Discusses the benefits of having electric submetering in residential buildings.

Deals with important documents that a house buyer must sign and why it must be signed.

Focuses on the increase of real estate Web sites on the Internet in the United States. Description of what most such sites offer; Advice for buyers on the best strategy for searching for a home online; Comments from realtors about the Web sites and their services; Benefits and drawbacks to finding a house online; Outlook for such sites in the future.

Offers tips on what to look for when purchasing a house. Tricks adopted by designers to make rooms appear bigger; Buyer should insist on seeing a copy of the contract; Statements by David Clurman, a Manhattan real estate lawyer; Cautions to be adopted by buyers.

Presents information on home automation where computers take care of the home. Questions which Tim Shriver, president of Home Automated Living of Burtonsville, Maryland asked his computer; Reference to the HAL2000 home automation system; How the system works.

Focuses on how some people sell their houses at a loss, and how it could impact on them. Problems faced by sellers when they sell a house at a loss; Comments from Eugene Casey, a realtor with Coldwell Banker in White Plains, New York; Possibility of a real estate agent persuading a lender to allow an owner to sell the property at market value; Further details on the issue.

Presents information on babyproofing a house. Common errors which are made by parents; Comments from Drs. Joel Fein and Victoria Levin; How children can be protected from electrical outlets; Products that are harmful to children.

Offers advise for the sale of homes that need repairs. Comments from Ed Gitlin, the owner of Benjamin Realty, a real estate agency in Syosset, Long Island.

Looks at the taxation which persons who sell their homes at a profit may face. Various ways for persons to avoid paying taxes on an appreciated house; Effect of divorce or death of a spouse on homeowner's eligibility for over-55 exclusion; Taxation of profits attributable to business use of a home.