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| Resources and References |
Canceling a home solicitation purchase - FTC Information
- If you buy an item in your home or at a location that is not the seller's permanent place of business, you may have the option of changing your mind and canceling the purchase. The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC's) Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel purchases of $25 or more. Find out more with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
Other Topics:
Door To Door Solicitation/Home Solicitation Sales
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Consumer "Service Contracts" - FTC Information
- A service contract, like a warranty, provides repair and/or maintenance for a specific time period. Warranties, however, are included in the price of the product, while service contracts cost extra and are sold separately. Some consumers, however, may be paying for more protection than they need. Learn more with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
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Consumer Product Warranties - FTC Information
- When you make a major purchase, the manufacturer or seller makes an important promise to stand behind the product. It's called a warranty. Federal law requires that warranties be available for you to read before you buy even when you're shopping by catalog or on the Internet. Coverage varies, so shop carefully. Learn more about your rights and how to be a smart consumer with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
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Funerals: A Consumer's Guide - FTC Information
- When a loved one dies, grieving family members and friends often are confronted with dozens of decisions about the funeral - all of which must be made quickly and often under great emotional duress. The increasing trend toward pre-need planning - when people make funeral arrangements in advance - suggests that many consumers want to compare prices and services. Learn more about your choices and protections with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
Other Topics:
Other Consumer
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Home Repair After a Disaster - FTC Information
- If your house has been damaged by natural disaster - flood, fire, snow/ice - chances are you're on the hunt for a reputable contractor. Enter the home repair rip-off artist, who may overcharge, perform shoddy work or skip town without finishing your job. Look here for information on how to avoid the scam artist, or reporting fraud and abuse. Provided by the US Federal Trade Commission
Other Topics:
Other Consumer
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Home improvement Scams Alert for Seniors
- Learn about scam artists who use high pressure tactics to sell unneeded and overpriced contracts for "home improvements," particularly targeting older consumers. Information from the National Consumer Law Center.
Other Topics:
Door To Door Solicitation/Home Solicitation Sales
Home Equity Conversion/Reverse Mortgage
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How to Buy a Manufactured Home - FTC Information
- The Manufactured Housing Institute and the Federal Trade Commission have developed this guide to help you through the manufactured home buying process. You'll learn about purchasing a home and its construction, transportation, installation, and important warranty protections.
Other Topics:
Homeownership
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Instalment Land Sales Contracts
- In an ordinary house or land sale, title is put in the buyer's name on the date of sale. If the Buyer took a loan to buy the property, then a lien is placed against his title. But with an Instalment Land Sales Contract title is not transferred to the Buyer until all payment is finished. Good idea or bad? Learn more in this article from Joyce F. Ofsa, a lawyer in Charleston, WV.
Other Topics:
Installment Contract
Homeownership
Contract Deeds
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Magazine Subscription Scams - FTC Information
- Beware of telephone sales pitches for "free," "pre-paid" or "special" magazine subscription deals. An impulse purchase could leave you with years of monthly payments for magazines you may not want or could buy for less elsewhere. Learn how to protect yourself with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
Other Topics:
Consumer
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Reverse Mortgages - FTC Information
- Whether seeking money to finance a home improvement, pay off a current mortgage, supplement their retirement income, or pay for healthcare expenses, many older Americans are turning to “reverse” mortgages. They allow older homeowners to convert part of the equity in their homes into cash without having to sell their homes or take on additional monthly bills. But there are good and bad ones, and some are scams. Find out more with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
Other Topics:
Homeownership
Loans
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Taking the "Bait" Out of Rebates - FTC Information
- Rebate offers can be irresistible to consumers, reducing the price of a purchase. But the Federal Trade Commission cautions consumers against being "baited" by rebates that never arrive or arrive far later than promised. By law, companies are required to send rebates within the time frame promised, or if no time is specified, within a "reasonable" time." Learn more about your rights with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
Other Topics:
Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices
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Unordered Merchandise - FTC Information
- What do you do when you receive merchandise that you didn’t order? According to the Federal Trade Commission, you don’t have to pay for it. Federal laws prohibit mailing unordered merchandise to consumers and then demanding payment. Learn more about your rights with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
Other Topics:
Other Consumer
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Warranties for Newly Built Homes: Know Your Options - FTC Information
- If you’re considering a home warranty it’s important to understand what it covers, how to make a claim, and the process for resolving disputes that may arise between you and the builder or warranty company. Find out more with this information from the US Federal Trade Commission.
Other Topics:
Homeownership
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