| Back to Articles |
| Back to
Articles |
By reading this article you are a member of a growing number of digital gatherers. All of the Real Estate Matters articles are responses to questions asked by you the reader and questions I receive in the field. This article is in response to a question regarding zoning.
Having recently returned from a family holiday in Mexico it occurred to me how fortunate we are in these United States. The hotel where we stayed has 200 rooms and a staff of over one hundred. All of the floors throughout the hotel including the guest rooms are solid marble and the hotel is first class in every way.
Walking several blocks in either direction from the hotel one can find an auto wrecking and salvage yard, a restaurant with dirt floors, numerous started but uncompleted structures and many vacant lots that claim nothing more than rubbish and tall weeds. In town a gas station is next to an open air fresh food market and a bank is located next to the local adult bar. The elementary school is located on the main road where speed limits were nonexistent.
When considering the purchase of real property, any vacant property near your choice should be investigated thoroughly . After determining the legal description of the property, a visit to the planning office in the city where the property is located is both prudent and wise.
Ask lots of questions. When it comes to making maybe the largest single purchase of your life, THERE ARE NO DUMB QUESTIONS. Ask to see a copy of the city’s master plan. Most areas in the U.S. have a depository where all the property records are kept. In Johnson County where I do the lion’s share of my business these records are kept in the county seat which is located in the Olathe. You should also find out about how the property is taxed. Specifically you should ask about the mill levy, which is how municipalities calculate property taxes. Then, ask more questions.
A comparison of services like fire department response time and police availability may be another consideration. If your questions cannot be answered in the heat of negotiating, make your offer to purchase subject to receiving the answers you require. Many areas are governed by homes associations. Ask for a copy of the homes association deed restrictions and declaration. If you have a question I can answer here, please ask. I don’t know all the answers but I generally know where to find them.
Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or merely seeking information, rely on me to provide accurate up to date information about the marketplace today.
Send me an e-mail message and ask to be added to my Real Estate Matters e-mail mailing list. Every two weeks, you'll receive a copy of my most recent issue automatically in your e-mail.
| Back to Articles |