issues when selling a house power of attorney

by Catherine Balistreri 4 min read

When you have lasting power of attorney 'can I sell the house?' is a question which might arise for various reasons. This might be because, for example, the person you have this power over needs to move into a care home and/or the proceeds from the sale of the house might be required to pay for this now or in the future.

Full Answer

Can you sell a home with a power of attorney?

On the other hand, you may have a general power of attorney for an ailing parent who ultimately needs to go into an assisted care facility. With the POA, you will be able to sell the home for them. As the agent in a power of attorney document, you have a fiduciary responsibility to do what's in the best interest of the principal. For instance, you cannot use a POA to sell a home to yourself …

Can you refinance a house with power of attorney?

Power of attorney is not a sale deed. It is merely an authorization. It is not a document conferring any title in the property. Nor any right or interest in the property is transferred to another person. If the property has been purchased through Power of Attorney, the title is not complete. The purchaser is not the owner legally.

What can you do with a power of attorney?

Aug 27, 2019 · It can only be used when the giver is unable to make their own decisions. Property and financial affairs lasting power of attorney. This confers on you as an attorney the power to make decisions about money and property for the giver, for example: selling their home. managing a bank or building society account. paying bills.

Can a power of attorney transfer a house to themselves?

For further information about selling a property as a power of attorney, speak to Percy Hughes & Roberts. We will offer support and guidance throughout this legal process. Contact us by calling 0800 781 3894, or fill out a “ Quick Enquiry” form and we will get back to you at a convenient time.

image

Can you sell a house if you have power of attorney?

To reiterate, with a power of attorney property can only be sold if the subject is incapable of making a decision - but the sale must be in the subject's interests.

Can I sell my dad's house with power of attorney?

Answer: Those appointed under a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can sell property on behalf the person who appointed them, provided there are no restrictions set out in the LPA. You can sell your mother's house as you and your sister were both appointed to act jointly and severally.Apr 2, 2014

What three decisions Cannot be made by a legal power of attorney?

You cannot give an attorney the power to: act in a way or make a decision that you cannot normally do yourself – for example, anything outside the law. consent to a deprivation of liberty being imposed on you, without a court order.

Can I buy my mums house if I have power of attorney?

You can buy or sell property on the donor's behalf if it's in their best interests.Sep 17, 2016

Can I appear before the arbitrator with my lawyers?

Yes. The LCA allows the parties in an arbitration to attend arbitration proceedings personally as well as authorize their representatives, such as...

How many arbitrators can be appointed to an arbitration tribunal?

The parties mutually decide the number of arbitrators and the procedures for the appointment of the arbitrators. If the parties do not concede to a...

Is the arbitration agreement valid even though the main contract is void?

An arbitration agreement exists independently of the contract made. Any extension, rescission of the contract or modification, unenforceability or...

What comprises the duty of the parties in the Arbitration?

The parties have to abide by the provisions of the LCA 2010, rules of arbitration centre if the Arbitration is an institutional arbitration and als...

When should I start an arbitration?

Unless otherwise mentioned by any other specific law from the date of infringement of legal rights or interests, Arbitration should be initiated in...

Am I Required to File My Income Tax Return in India when I am filling my return regularly abroad?

Any individual, whether NRI or not, is liable to file ITR if his/her income is above INR 2,50,000 subject to certain conditions.

Do I need to file ITR even if my gross income does not exceed the exemption limit?

In certain cases, even if the total gross income does not exceed the exemption limit, an individual will have to mandatorily file an income tax ret...

How can NRI avoid double taxation?

If a person has paid tax on the sale of property in India, then he can get a tax credit of the taxes paid in India, which will reduce his tax liabi...

How is the tax liability of an NRI determined?

Determination of Tax on an individual's income depends on the source of such income and the residential status in India.

I am an NRI. I have stayed in the UK for the past five years. Am supposed to File My Income Tax Retu...

Any individual whose income exceeds INR 2,50,000, irrespective of them being NRIs or not, has to file an income tax return in India.

What is POA in law?

Power of attorney (POA) rules vary depending on the state. There are several types. A POA can be limited or general. It can also be durable or non-durable.

What is a general power of attorney?

A general power of attorney allows you to do anything the principal can do. That includes handling all finances and transactions, including a home sale. Depending on the situation, some banks may be uncomfortable with a large transaction like a home sale done with a general POA and may ask you to have a specific POA for real estate created.

Can you sell a house with a POA?

With the POA, you will be able to sell the home for them. As the agent in a power of attorney document, you have a fiduciary responsibility to do what's in the best interest of the principal. For instance, you cannot use a POA to sell a home to yourself for far less than market value if that's not in the best interest of the seller.

What can a realtor do for you?

A professional realtor can help you understand what repairs need to be made and what changes won't really matter to buyers. Don't assume you have to pay an arm and a leg to get full-service real estate help, either.

Can a power of attorney be used if the principal is incapacitated?

A durable power of attorney will continue even if the principal becomes incapacitated or mentally unable to carry on their own affairs. You may have this in place if your family member has Alzheimer's, for instance.

What is a power of attorney?

Power of Attorney is an authorization in writing given by a person (grantor/ donor/principal) to another person (attorney/agent) to act on his behalf. Principal confers authority on his agent to perform specified acts on his behalf. PoA can be general or special.

What is POA in real estate?

POA is used to carry out the assigned tasks. In a sale transaction, the title gets transferred to the buyer only if the sale deed is executed and registered as per law. Registered sale deed ensures verification of the title and prevents dubious transactions. General Power of Attorney is not a substitute for sale deed.

Why do people use power of attorney?

People use it for sale of the property to evade stamp duty and registration fees. General Power of Attorney is used to sell a property even if the title of the seller is not clear. In the case of agriculture land, if the property is to be sold for residential purpose, it has to be converted.

What is a sale deed?

The seller transfers the ownership rights in the property to the buyer. A sale deed is the primary legal document which evidences the sale of a property. The sale transaction is complete when the sale deed is executed and registered as per law. When the property is purchased through General Power of Attorney, the title over ...

Can an NRI be present in India?

They cannot be present physically in India for all transactions. In case of transfer of property by sale, an NRI must mention the reason for issuing the PoA. It must contain the relation of the NRI with the agent. The instrument authorizes the execution and registration of the sale deed to complete the sale transaction.

Is a power of attorney a deed?

Power of attorney is not a sale deed. It is merely an authorization. It is not a document conferring any title in the property. Nor any right or interest in the property is transferred to another person. If the property has been purchased through Power of Attorney, the title is not complete. The purchaser is not the owner legally.

What is a lasting power of attorney?

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets someone - for example your Mum or Dad - appoint one or more people (known as 'attorneys') to help them make decisions or to make decisions on their behalf.

What is a health and welfare lasting power of attorney?

Health and welfare lasting power of attorney. This gives you as an attorney the power to make decisions about things like: the giver's daily routine, for example washing, dressing, eating. medical care. moving into a care home. life-sustaining treatment. It can only be used when the giver is unable to make their own decisions.

When was the EPA created?

If your giver has an old style of Power of Attorney, called an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), created before 1 October 1987, then the rules are different.

Can a power of attorney be sold?

To reiterate, with a power of attorney property can only be sold if the subject is incapable of making a decision - but the sale must be in the subject's interests. 6.

What is a life sustaining treatment?

life-sustaining treatment. It can only be used when the giver is unable to make their own decisions. Property and financial affairs lasting power of attorney. This confers on you as an attorney the power to make decisions about money and property for the giver, for example: selling their home. managing a bank or building society account.

Can a donor disbar you from a power of attorney?

The donor can legally add extra instructions and/or guidance for their attorneys, such as whether you can make power of attorney gifts to family for example or how they prefer to invest. They could also disbar you as a power of attorney selling assets or selling their house by writing this into your document. 3.

What is a lasting power of attorney?

The term ‘lasting power of attorney’ is given to a legal document, which appoints a person as the main decision maker for someone who can no longer make decisions for themselves. Below is our guide on selling someone’s house as their attorney.

What happens when a donor makes a LPA?

When the Donor made the LPA he or she may have placed in it a restriction. For instance the Donor may have specified that the LPA was not to be effective (even if it has been registered) unless a medical practitioner certifies that the Donor is incapable of dealing with his or financial affairs.

How long does it take to get an EPA registered?

It takes a minimum of 6-8 weeks for an EPA to be registered. If you intend to sell the Donor’s house it is advisable to start ...

What happens if a water pipe bursts?

If a claim arises, for instance, a break-in occurs, or burst water pipe causes damage and the property and the insurers were not notified the property was unoccupied the insurers may refuse to pay out under the terms of the policy.

Do you have to pay council tax on a nursing home?

If the person you are an Attorney for is a permanent resident in a nursing home, he or she is exempt from paying council tax on the property. Likewise, United Utilities no longer charge water rates if a property has become unoccupied because the owner has moved into a nursing home permanently.

What is POA in law?

This type of POA outlines the limited powers of the agent as stated by the grantor and/or their attorney. These POAs are becoming more common due to the amount of fraud and theft committed by agents with a general durable power of attorney.

What is a durable power of attorney?

General Durable Power Of Attorney. This is the standard POA agreement for wills, estates, and finances. Agents can buy and sell property, pay bills, and conduct other financial business for the grantor. Durable means it remains binding should the grantor become incapacitated or pass away.

What is a limited POA?

This is a simple, limited POA that allows the agent to make healthcare and medical decisions should the grantor become incapacitated and require guardianship. It’s essential to recognize that this type of POA carries an extremely low risk for the agent, and no agent will be held financially responsible for the medical bills of the grantor.

Can a POA cause financial chaos?

Sometimes, either through willful intent or blissful ignorance, agents of a POA can cause legal and financial chaos. If the terms of the POA are too broad (as with a general durable POA), the agent can buy and sell property at a loss, mismanage a business into the ground, or even create the appearance of theft or embezzlement unintentionally.

What to do before signing a POA?

Before you sign anything as an agent in a POA, you want to make sure you clearly and thoroughly understand the rules, stipulations, and limitations of the agreement. Even unintentionally violating any of those rules can result in legal and financial liability for you even though you were acting as the grantor’s agent.

Can you give a spouse a POA?

Spouses are considered the first next of kin in the eyes of the law. As such, it is generally unwise to give a spouse POA over your affair s as it could adversely affect them financially and legally should they need to use that POA. Suppose you insist on making your spouse or close relative an agent of your POA. In that case, the recommendation is to use a limited durable power of attorney and not a general power of attorney.

Special Power of Attorney for Purchase of Property: India Format

You can find the format of a power of attorney here ,. You should draft a POA on a green stamp/bond paper or a non-judicial stamp paper of INR 100. The NRI should authorise the power of attorney himself and the Indian Consulate in the country of residence.

Ask An Expert

You should include certain clauses in a PoA to ensure that no loopholes could pose a threat to the NRI/owner/principal in case of a dispute. Some of these clauses are:

Power of Attorney in India for Selling Property

NRIs use Power of Attorney (‘POA’) as an instrument to appoint an agent/attorney to help them sell their properties in India. NRIs find it difficult to come to India and sell their property, and hence, the concept of a power of attorney exists.

Power of Attorney by NRI to Buy Property in India

NRIs often purchase property in India for investment purposes or to have a visiting home/holiday home. However, most NRIs do not have the time to come to India to execute the Sale Deed/Agreement for Sale transaction. Therefore, a power of attorney for purchase of property by an NRI facilitates sale transactions legally.

Power of Attorney to Sell Property in India

Power of attorney to sell property in India also requires authorization from the country of residence. Let us examine a few countries of residence and the procedures related to power of attorney therein.

Permission for Sale of Minor Property

The Indian Majority Act, 1875 specifies the age of majority in India. The Act states that the age of the majority in India is “18 years,” and any individual living in India who is below the age of 18 years is a minor. Minors cannot enter into contracts until and unless their guardians enter into contracts on their behalf.

Can a Guardian Sell Property?

Section 8 of the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956 identifies the powers of a natural guardian or legal guardian.

How to sign a power of attorney?

1. Write the Power of Attorney on a Plain Sheet of Paper. First of all, write a Power of Attorney on a plain piece of paper and sign it. Do not print it out on an Indian stamp paper as it is not valid in the U.S. Along with you; two witnesses are also needed to sign on this document.

Why does a power of attorney end?

A Power of Attorney ends for several reasons. Some of these are listed below: In case of the death of the principal. As a principal, you can end the POA. The court invalidates the POA. You and the agent can mutually agree to end the Power of Attorney.

What is a POA?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document. It gives the ability to a person (an agent or an attorney-in-fact) to sort out financial and other such matters on behalf of a principal (some other person). A power of attorney allows your appointed agent to take legal decisions related to: Financial Matters. Property Related Issues.

How long does a durable power of attorney last?

A Durable POA can either be general or limited. However, it remains in effect as soon as you become incapacitated. A durable power of attorney remains inapplicable until your death unless you reject it.

What is an attorney in fact?

An Attorney-in-fact is an agent who is resolving your issues on your behalf. As you are unavailable to solve your matters yourself, so, you will assign a Power of Attorney to an agent.

What to do if you can't show original documents?

Carry originals of all the supporting documents with you as you may be asked to show those to Consular Officer. If you are unable to display the original documents, then bring a notarized copy of the attached documents.

Is a power of attorney apostilled?

A power of attorney must be apostilled for commercial and company-related matters. Usually, apostilling is done by the Authentication Division in the State Department. However, this is required only for commercial and business-related matters.

image

A. General Powers of Attorney

  • To begin with, we will address the most common question, ‘What is general power of attorney?’ A general power of attorney is used by someone who wants someone else to make financial choices on their behalf, with specific or limitless authority, until their death or incapacitation. If the principal’s mental state has deteriorated to the point where they are unable to make sensible de…
See more on unhappyhipsters.com

B. How to Sell A House Using A Power of Attorney

  • Whether you areinvesting in a house or selling one thatyou have built, you need to understand how a power of attorney (POA) is used to make a real estate transaction. The first thing you need to find out is the type of power of attorney involved. An EPA (Enduring Power of Attorney) governs property and financial decisions, and it takes effect if you lack mental capacity or want someon…
See more on unhappyhipsters.com

C. Seek Professional Help

  • By now, you should have a good understanding of powers of attorney and how they are utilized to sell real estate. These pointers will lead you through the full procedure. Having said that, always seek professional assistance. When drafting general powers of attorney for real estate, it is fairly typical for people to make simple mistakes. This can cause the transaction and closing procedu…
See more on unhappyhipsters.com