COASTAL REAL ESTATE IN NORTH CAROLINA

With more than 300 miles of ocean shoreline, North Carolina boasts some of the mosts spectacular beaches in the nation.  But before buying, you should be aware of other factors that accompany the pleasures of owning property at the beach. Most oceanfront real estate in North Carolina is located on one of the state's many barrier islands. These narrow strips of land between the sea and the sound are particularly vulnerable to ocean forces such as storms and beach erosion, which can pose a threat to your prospective property and undercut its value. Click on the following link for more information about purchasing coastal real estate in North Carolina. Coastal Real Estate in North Carolina

CONDOS & TOWNHOUSES

Due to increased prices of single-family homes and changes in lifestyle, many people either cannot afford or simply prefer not to own traditional single-family homes. In response to their needs, alternative forms of home ownership have been developed. Among these are multifamily housing complexes containing townhouses and condominiums (often referred to as “condos“). Click on the following link to find information on homeowner's associations, condo or townhouse ownership responsibilities and the developer's responsibilities. Condos & Townhouses

EARNEST MONEY DEPOSITS

Payments made before closing are not treated the same in all transactions. It is important to understand the purpose of earnest money and how it will be handled during the transaction. You should always read the contract or offer to purchase before paying any money and CONSULT YOUR OWN ATTORNEY IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE PURPOSES AND DISPOSITION OF ANY PAYMENT, OR ANY OTHER TERMS IN THE CONTRACT OR OFFER. Click on the following link for earnest money deposit questions and answers. Earnest Money Deposits

FAIR HOUSING

The purpose of fair housing laws is to protect a person's right to town, sell, purchase, or rent housing of his or her choice without fear of unlawful discrimination. The fair housing laws 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. Click on the following link for fair housing questions and answers. Fair Housing

HOME INSPECTIONS

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. Click on the following link to find out what a home inspection is, who can perform an inspection and what to expect. Home Inspections

REAL ESTATE CLOSINGS

A real estate “closing“ is the final step in a real estate transaction. At the closing, the buyer pays the purchase price to the seller (usually with the proceeds from a loan), and the seller gives the buyer a deed transferring title to the property to the buyer. Also, funds are paid to an appraiser, home inspector, and/or other service providers, and to pay off banks or others who may have claims against the property. Click on the following link for questions and answers on real estate closings. Real Estate Closings

RENTING RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

The relationship between you (the tenant) and a landlord begins when you enter into a contract - typically a lease. The terms of a lease generally are not dictated by law. However, many of the duties that you owe to each other are controlled by statutory law and cannot be “bargained away“. Click on the following link for questions that frequently arise during the landlord-tenant relationship. Renting Residential Real Estate

RESIDENTIAL SQUARE FOOTAGE GUIDELINES

Other than location, the single most important factor in making a homebuying decision is probably the size or “square footage“ of the home. Not only is it an indicator of whether a particular home will meet a homebuyer's space needs, but it also affords a convenient (though not always accurate) method for the buyer to estimate the value of the home and compare it with other properties. Click on the following link for more information on residential square footage guidelines. Residential Square Footage Guidelines

RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISIONS AND PLANNED COMMUNITIES

In subdivisions and planned communities, there is usually a homeowners association that may be responsible for maintaining the common areas of the development and the enforcement of  “restrictive covenants.” Many 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. Click on the following link for residential subdivisions and planned communities questions and answers. Residential Subdivisions and Planned Communities

TENANT SECURITY DEPOSITS

For the “first time tenant“- and even more “veteran“ renters, the rental process can be a confusing and somewhat unsettling experience. As a tenant or future tenant, the more you know about the process of renting residential real estate, the better you will be able to look out after your interests and carry out your responsibilities under your rental agreement. Click on the following link for questions and answers on an important aspect of the rental process - tenant security deposits. Tenant Security Deposits

WORKING WITH REAL ESTATE AGENTS

When buying or selling real estate, you may find it helpful to have a real estate agent assist you. Real estate agents can provide many useful services and work with you in different ways. In some real estate transactions, the agents work for the seller. In others, the seller and buyer may each have agents. And sometimes the same agents work for both the buyer and the seller. It is important for you to know whether an agent is working for you as your agent or simply working with you while acting as an agent of the other party. Click on the following link for information on the various types of working relationships that may be available to you.           Working with Real Estate Agents