How do I use a quitclaim deed to put the home only in my name after a divorce? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a quitclaim deed can transfer a former spouse’s ownership interest in the home to the other former spouse, but it only works if it is properly signed, notarized, and…
Can I undo or challenge the property transfer if the buyer didn’t pay what was agreed? – North Carolina Short Answer Sometimes, but not automatically. In North Carolina, once a deed is signed, delivered, and recorded, title usually transfers even if the buyer later fails to pay. The usual remedies are a lawsuit to enforce…
What risks should I watch for when buying a property that has a deed of trust connected to a deceased owner? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the biggest risks are (1) buying from someone who does not actually have authority to convey title after the owner’s death and (2) assuming a deed…
Can we sell the property if it has major safety issues and damage, and what disclosures do we need to make to buyers? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, a residential property can be sold “as-is” even if it has major safety issues or damage, but the seller still must provide the…
What risks am I taking if I accept a quitclaim deed instead of a warranty deed? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a quitclaim deed transfers only whatever ownership interest the former spouse actually has—if any—and it generally comes with no promises about title. A warranty deed, by contrast, typically includes promises (warranties)…
What is the difference between reinstating the loan and paying off the mortgage, and which one buys more time? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, reinstating a mortgage usually means paying the past-due amounts (plus allowed fees and costs) so the loan becomes current again, while paying off the mortgage means paying the…
After the deed is signed, what steps do I take to record it and update the title records? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a signed deed does not update the public title records until it is recorded with the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located. Recording typically…
What happens if the closing happens before we agree on how repair reimbursements will be handled? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, if a home closing happens before the parties clearly agree (in writing) on repair reimbursements, the reimbursement often becomes a post-closing dispute instead of a clean closing disbursement. Once the deed…
How long do we have to take action after a slip-and-fall injury at a business? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, most slip-and-fall injury claims against a private business must be filed in court within three years of the injury (or when the injury becomes apparent). Waiting too long can permanently bar the…
What documents does a lender or title company usually require to confirm I have clear title after an inheritance? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a lender or title company usually wants a clean, recorded “chain of title” from the deceased owner to the heir, plus probate paperwork showing who had authority to…
