Repairs necessary to make a home marketable are relevant in determining fair market value because needed repairs have a direct impact on what a buyer would be willing to pay. The trial court properly concluded that defendant's dental debt which was incurred prior to the parties' separation was not a marital debt where the evidence presented at trial revealed that the dental work was performed on defendant and the debt was incurred for defendant's benefit only rather than for the parties' joint benefit. Heard in the Court of Appeals 2 June 1997. Hiram C. Bell, Jr. and M. Lynn Smith for plaintiff-appellee. Lana Starnes Warlick and Laura P. Graham for defendant- appellant.
Defendant appeals a judgment for equitable distribution.
On 7 August 1995, plaintiff and defendant obtained an absolute divorce which reserved equitable distribution for a later hearing. The equitable distribution claims were tried 10 January 1996. Defendant appeals from the judgment. N.C. Gen. Stat. The trial court's conclusions in support of an equitable but unequal division will not be disturbed on appeal unless there was a clear abuse of discretion.