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Homebuyers Rights

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Real Estate Agencies in Seattle

Homebuyers and Tenants Rights

Homebuyers, as well as tenants, are protected under the Fair Housing Act. The Fair Housing Act prevents discrimination on the grounds of race/ color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and handicap (disability.)

In regards to homes, they may not:

1. Refuse to sell or rent,

2. Refuse to negotiate for housing,

3. Make housing unavailable,

4. Deny a dwelling,

5. Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling,

6. Provide different housing services or facilities,

7. Falsely deny that housing is unavailable for inspection, sale or rental,

8. Persuade owners to sell or rent a dwelling,

9. Deny anyone access to a membership of facility or service related to sale or rental of housing.

Despite the legislation that is currently in place, both with the Fair Housing Act and supporting Acts, many of these violations are still occurring, and it can be hard to catch people actually discriminating in a concrete and documented manner. Violations and complaints can be reported to HUD.

HUD handles complaints dealing with:

1. Housing discrimination

2. Bad landlords in federal housing

3. Manufactured housing

4. Land sales

5. Deceptive contractors

6. Fraud, waste, and abuse

7. Customer Service

Detailed Civil Rights Laws for individuals seeking housing

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Loan Information and Requirements

Fannie Mae Lending Services

Types of Mortgage Insurance Loans Provided by HUD:

Many down payments on HUD loans can be as small as 3% compared by the traditional 25%.

1. FHA Loan

2. HUD Insured Energy Efficient Loans

3. HUD Insured for Condominiums

4. HUD Insured Loans for Rehabilitation

5. HUD Insured Loans for Disaster Victims

6. HUD Insured Loans for Special Credit Risks

7. HUD Insured Reverse Mortgages for Elderly Homeowners

HUD Seattle:

Seattle Regional Office 909 First Avenue Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98104-1000

JOHN W. MEYERS Regional Director

(206) 220-5101 Fax (206) 220-5108

Region X Seattle WA

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Real Estate Agencies in Seattle

Hundreds of real estate agencies exist in Seattle; some of them are regional or national chains, others are owned by a family and only have one or two local offices. Real estate agencies are where people should look for homes, condominiums, townhouses, or any other sort of property that they are interested in purchasing.

1. Windermere

2. John L. Scott

3. Century 21

4. ReMax

Legal Information for Purchasers

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 Last Updated:
06/03/2004

Contact the researcher at: klogan@u.washington.edu