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Questions and Answers on Fair Housing
The purpose of the fair housing laws is to protect a person's right to own, sell, purchase, or rent housing of his or her choice without fear of unlawful discrimination. The fair housing laws are intended to allow everyone equal access to housing. State and Federal fair housing laws prohibit discrimination in the housing market on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, handicap, or familial status. To discriminate against a person on the basis of his or her membership in one of these protected categories is against the law. This information focuses primarily on the fair housing laws as they are applied in the State of North Carolina.
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Residential Subdivisions and Planned Communities - Q & A's
As North Carolina becomes an increasingly urban state, more and more people are purchasing homes and lots in residential subdivisions and planned communities. In these subdivisions and communities, there is usually a homeowner association that may be responsible for maintaining the common areas of the development and the enforcement of "restrictive covenants." Many purchasers seek residential subdivisions and planned communities with restrictive covenants (sometimes referred to as "restrictions") because they believe the covenants will help assure consistency in the neighborhood and the preservation of property value. Restrictive covenants may address everything from whether single or multi-family housing is permitted to the type, size and color of construction.
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HUD-1 [Housing and Urban Development "Settlement Statement Guidelines]
The following are instructions for completing / understanding Sections A through L of the HUD - 1 settlement statement, required under Section 4 of RESPA and Regulation X of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (24 CFR part 3500). This is the form that is 'typically' used for all residental home sales / closings.
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What is Radon Gas?
Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. Your home can trap radon inside. Any home can have a radon problem.
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Condo & Townhouse Q & A's
Every condo or townhouse development also has "common areas" of the property (recreation areas, sidewalks, parking lots, etc.). Condo owners share ownership of the common areas with other owners, while common areas in townhouse developments are usually owned by the homeowners' association for the benefit and use of unit owners. You can request additional information -- just check this option and complete the short eMail information form.
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Offer to Purchase and Contract and Guidlines
This Sample of an Offer to Purchase and Contract with Guidlines are provided to assist anyone in understanding the content and intent of the form. The Offer to Purchase and Contract is the most important document in any real estate sale and it is imperative that it accurately reflects the entire agreement of the Buyer and Sellers. These guidelines include general comments about contract completion as well as suggestions and explanations regarding selected contract provisions.
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Guidelines for Completing The Offer To Purchase And Contract
These guidelines are provided to assist agents and attorneys who are completing the Offer to Purchase and Contract on behalf of Buyers and Sellers. The Offer to Purchase and Contract is the most important document in any real estate sale and it is imperative that it accurately reflects the entire Agreement of the Buyer and Seller.
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Home Inspections -- Q & A's
For most persons, purchasing a home is the largest investment they will ever make. It is no wonder then that many homebuyers employ professionals to inspect the structural and mechanical systems of the home and report to them on their condition. Sometimes sellers also employ Home Inspectors to alert them to problems with their homes which could arise later in the transaction. But normally Home Inspectors are employed by buyers. For this reason, this brochure is written from the viewpoint of the potential homebuyer.
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First Time Home Buyers, IRS Tax Information - IRS Pub 530 - 2004
This publication provides information for first time home-buyers. Your first home may be a house, condominium, cooperative apartment, mobile home, houseboat or trailer.
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Avoid The Most Common Buyer Errors
Some buyers, however, caught up in the excitement of buying a new home tend to overlook some items. When you have a systematic plan before you shop, you’ll be sure to avoid these costly errors. Here are some tips on making the most of your home purchase.
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Buying Your First Home?
Many renters are starting to think about purchasing a home of their own. This article highlights several factors that should be considered when purchasing a home.
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How Not To Pay Too Much For Your Home
This article helps you become a savvy buyer, by pointing out some of the pitfalls inherent in the home-buying process.
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A Smooth Home Purchase in Six Steps
Buying a home can be an emotional, time-consuming, and complex process. There are a few things that you can do to help make the process go as smooth as possible
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User Friendly Guide to North Carolina Real Estate Practices
A General Overview of the Steps Followed in Purchasing Property
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Three Free Credit Reports a Year
Thanks to the way provisions in a new federal regulation are being administered, you can keep tabs on your credit report more frequently than consumer experts typically advise -- and you can do it for free, beginning December 1, 2004 if you live in the West. See the article for additional coverage of the USA and activation dates.
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Inspections & Services Disclosure
It is recommended that all prospective purchasers obtain the services of professionals or licensed contractors to perform applicable
inspections in connection with purchasing a home. It is important that you be aware of and consider certain conditions or issues that
may or may not affect the property you wish to purchase, before writing an offer. It has been our experience that although the existence
of one or more of these conditions or issues is not necessarily negative, buyers want to be informed of their potential existence so they
can give these issues further consideration or choose to have further investigations or inspections.
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Glossary of Terms
Glossary of "Mortgage Terms" appropriate to Buying or Selling a house.
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Working with Real Estate Agents
This article addresses the various types of working relationships that may be available to you. It should help you decide which relationship you want to have with a real estate agent. It will also give you useful information about the various services real estate agents can provide buyers and sellers, and it will help explain how real estate agents are paid.
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