Despite efforts by the NCREC (North Carolina Real Estate Commission) to advise brokers that various stigmas do not create the necessity of consumer disclosure, confusion reigns. This confusion may be due to the law itself which states that murders, suicides, and illnesses do not have to be disclosed—true—but if asked a direct question by consumers, brokers cannot lie. Moreover, there are many different types of stigmas—not just ones associated with death.

The purpose of this course is to provide examples of many different types of stigmas; to review research on the impact of stigmas on property value; to analyze various lawsuits regarding stigmatized properties; and to discuss appropriate disclosure practices and requirements.