Legal

6 articles on the legal side of buying, selling, and owning a home — closings, deeds, disclosure, and the state-specific rules that catch people off guard.

Escalation Clauses: How They Work When You're Competing for a Home

You’ll learnHow an escalation clause works, with a hypothetical example

The Listing Agreement, Explained: What You're Signing When You Hire an Agent to Sell

You’ll learnThe three common types of listing agreements and how they differ

Selling an Inherited Home: Probate, Taxes and the Decisions Heirs Face

You’ll learnWho has the authority to sell, and how probate, trusts and other transfers differ

After the Home Inspection: How to Ask for Repairs, Credits, or a Price Reduction

You’ll learnHow to sort inspection findings into safety, major-system and maintenance items

Selling a Home With Tenants in Place: What Owners Should Know Before Listing

You’ll learnWhy a sale usually doesn't end an existing lease, and who that means can buy

North Carolina Is an Attorney State: Why an Attorney Is Involved in Your Real Estate Closing

North Carolina requires an attorney, not just a title company, to close a home sale. Here's why, and what that means for buyers and sellers.