Graded Homework

FI 331 Written Assignment

In this assignment, each student will be learning about the government offices that affect the ownership of real estate. Many of the offices are located in each county of a given state as they are a part of the local government. They may have slightly different names, but most names are very similar. City offices can be visited, but this is not required. Written texts, internet websites as well as the class itself are very useful for much of the information needed in this project. Write a short double spaced typed report (2-3 pages) explaining the answers to the questions and what you learned about any of the offices. This should not be a sequentially numbered answer page. It should not be a listing of each office in order, but should be in paragraph form. Attach any materials gathered during the process at the end of the report if you the student feel this is necessary. The following list gives questions for what should be addressed in the project.

A. Government Offices

1. Tax Assessor’s Office
   1. What is the primary function of the office?
   2. What type of property is tax exempt?
   3. Why do we need to know the assessments of our property?

1. Tax Commissioner’s Office
   1. What is the primary function of the office?
   2. What does millage rate mean and how is it calculated by the county?
   3. What does homestead exemption mean and how does a homeowner qualify?
   4. Are there differing homestead exemptions and if so what are they?

1. Clerk of Superior Court’s Office
   1. What is the primary function of the office?
   2. Why do homeowners need to know about deeds?
   3. Why do homeowners need to know about plats?

1. Office of Planning and Zoning
   1. What is the primary function of the office?
   2. Why are there differing zoning classifications?
   3. What are building permits?
   4. Why does the homeowner need to know about this office if and when they decide to build their own home?

1. Natural Resources Conservation Service
   1. What is/are the primary functions of this office?
   2. Why do we need soil surveys in regards to real estate?

1. Agriculture Extension Service
   1. What are the six areas of emphasis in the mission of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System?
   2. How can any of these programs affect the homeowner?

1. Alabama Forestry Commission
   1. Through its mission, how can this office affect the homeowner?
   2. What is the law on outdoor burning in Alabama?