Homebuyer Knowledge
Neither the Ludlow Real Estate Group, nor its agents are able to give advice in certain matters that may relate to the purchase of a property, including but not limited to matters of law, taxation, financing, surveying, wood-destroying insect infestation, structural soundness or engineering.
Independent Home Inspections
You are strongly advised to hire an independent, licensed home inspector to thoroughly investigate a property for its present physical condition, including, but not limited to electrical, plumbing, heating/cooling systems, and water/sewer systems, structural components and built-in appliances. Opinions from contractors, friends or handymen may or may not be considered when it comes time to negotiate repairs with the Seller.
Measurements, Square Footage & Acreage
If the measurements, square footage or acreage of a property is of important concern, you are advised to verify these measurements by hiring an independent contractor such as an appraiser. All figures you see in print, on the MLS and associated search engines, are calculated by the listing agent who represents the Seller. These calculations and are deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.
Surveys
It is highly recommended that you order a survey on your property to determine important physical characteristics such as encroachments, utility easements, flood zone designations and property lines. If you ever plan on erecting a fence or other type of property line delineation, you will want to know exactly where the property lines lay.
Flood Insurance
It may be necessary for you, the Buyer, to obtain flood insurance if any part of your property is located within a federally designated flood zone. Prior surveys, real estate agents or plat maps found on county websites should not be relied upon to reveal these hazard areas. Many lenders will require a flood certification as part of their loan process.
Mold, Radon, Lead Paint, Asbestos, Synthetic Stucco, USTs
You are strongly encouraged to seek professional assistance in determining the presence or existence of toxic substances in your home which can be hazardous to your health. Your own research on the internet is a good place to begin your education into these substances. But, if there is any indication of the past or present existence of any toxic substance, a licensed home inspector or qualified specialist should be consulted.
Well Water & Septic Systems
If your property is not serviced by the city or county and contains a private well or septic system, it is recommended that your prospective purchase be tested and inspected by licensed professionals to determine water quality and supply.
Polybutylene Piping
Simply the existence of PBP is not necessarily a problem. However, some homes built in the late 80s and early 90s have experienced leakage issues, yet others have remained completely dry without incident. There exists a class-action suit regarding the fittings used on these pipes. It is strongly recommended that your home inspector check for the existence of PBP and any potentially related existing or past problems.
Siding
Many homes in our area may be finished with a siding material which has been determined to be defective. Class action law suits have been filed on the manufacturing companies which produce materials such as Masonite Hardboard and Masonite Omni Wood. We strongly recommend a qualified inspector examine any siding materials to determine the product and existing or potential problems.
Appraisal
An appraisal of your property is strongly recommended to ensure your purchase price does not exceed the actual value of the property. You are still advised to retain the services of a professional appraiser even if your purchase is all cash.
Building Code/Zoning Compliance
Your should always consult with government agencies, local zoning officials, and subdivision HOA management to be sure your intended use will comply with local zoning regulations. If the property has been modified, or if you intend to expand the footprint of the home, it is your responsibility to ensure these changes comply with local building code. This should be done prior to making an offer.
Homeowners Association
It is recommended you inquire about the existence of a Homeowner Association and review any existing or proposed restrictive covenants, regulations, fees and assessments prior to making an offer.
Taxes & Legal Consequences
The purchase of property has legal and tax consequences, and the buyer is advised to consult with appropriate advisors regarding this transaction. Counties, cities, and other fire department jurisdictions will have different property tax rates; the buyer should verify this information with local government agencies.
Home Warranty Plans
There are a variety of home warranties available to cover components of the home. The Buyer is advised to obtain an extended (one year) mechanical home warranty by requesting it of the seller in the offer or purchasing one themselves.
Wake County Public Schools
Wake County school attendance plan is in a constant state of change. If this is important to you, we strongly recommend that you verify the school assignment for any home you might be interested in before making an offer. You may do that by calling Wake County Schools at 919-850-1921 or by visiting http://www.wcpss.net/schoolmain-html.
Roads & Highway Development
Local, state and federal road projects are underway throughout Wake County. The largest of those projects is the “I-540 Outer Loop”. For information and to determine the possible impact on the property you wish to purchase, please contact the local planning office or NCDOT at www.dot.state.nc.us.
Airplane Noise & Flight Patterns
Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU) is located in Wake County along with several smaller airports located throughout the county. Depending on the location of your new home, you might experience aircraft-related noise from time to time. The RDU Airport Authority is constantly considering changes to the airport. For specific information on flight patterns and other airport activity, please refer to www.rdu.com.
Railroad Service/Train Tracks
There are several active railroads within Wake County. Please refer to a local map for those locations in relation to your new home. Trains are scheduled by various organizations including AMTRAK, Norfolk Southern and NCDOT.
Adjoining Properties
It should be understood by you, the Buyer, that the Seller, or the Seller’s representatives cannot represent or guarantee the zoning or land usage for the property beyond the boundaries of the subdivision as recorded. Please contact the local town or city planning staff for additional information.
Utility Easements/Power Plants
The recorded subdivision map will reflect all easements known on the property at the time of recording. Wake County is also the home of the Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant operated by Progress Energy. It is located along the far western border of the county off US Highway 1 South. Their web address is www.progress-energy.com or call (800) 443-8395.
Solid Waste Facilities
One of the county’s operating Municipal Solid Waste Facilities is located on Durant Road between Falls of Neuse and Capital Blvd. It will soon be replaced by a new facility planned on Highway 55 between Apex and Holly Springs. There are other types of landfills operating, but none receiving garbage. To obtain additional information you can contact: Wake County Solid Waste Management – 919-856-6186.
North Carolina General Assembly
The NCGA has provided for a web address for the public to have access to the address of registered convicted Child Sex Offenders. That address is http://sbi.jus.statc.nc.us/. Such problems are not more or less common in the Triangle than elsewhere in other metropolitan areas. The General Assembly has deemed that this information is not a material fact in respect to real property transfers, but the Seller and their representatives feel you have the right to know how to obtain this information.
Closing
The funds required for your closing must be in the form of a cashier’s check or a certified bank check made payable to the closing attorney. The exact amount will be provided by either your Selling Agent or your loan officer one day before closing. In addition, make sure to bring your drivers license or other form of photo ID to the closing. The entire process should last about an hour to an hour and a half. Please understand that although your closing is scheduled for a specific time and date, there may be unexpected changes to the schedule which can not be avoided. These changes may alter your closing time and/or date by hours or even days. Be advised that your new home is not officially yours until the transaction has been closed, funded and recorded.
Moving
A last minute change in the closing date and/or time may throw a wrench in your moving plans, as you will not be able to move into your new home until it is 100% yours. It is always a good idea to schedule your moving plans for the day after your scheduled closing and maintain a contingency plan just in case.
Home Insurance
As you near your projected closing date, your lender and closing attorney will need your Homeowner’s Insurance information. Please contact your Insurance agent to let them know you are purchasing a home.
Lender
It is highly encouraged for you to remain in constant communication with your mortgage lender throughout the entire purchase process. It is necessary for you to wrap up details: loan approval, lock-in rate, and proof of homeowners insurance to ensure that your loan package will be delivered to the attorney promptly.
Utilities
As you near your expected closing date, it is your responsibility to contact local utility companies to make sure that services are transferred to your name for the day after closing.
Change of Address
It is always a good idea to contact your local postal carrier to let them know you have a change of address. This will ensure that you do not lose any important mail or documents during your transition.
Walkthrough
A final walkthrough of your purchase is recommended as you near close of escrow. This walkthrough is typically done the day before closing, once the sellers are completely moved, and all repairs have been made. The walkthrough should only take about 30 minutes. The objective is to make sure that everything is the way you initially viewed the home, normal wear and tear excluded, and that all repairs have been completed in a workmanlike manner.
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