Dowelltown

Purchasing Country Property

Buyers of country property and rural real estate should be aware of some special considerations they may not have faced in other markets. For instance, there are no country wide zoning restrictions or strictly enforced building codes in Dekalb County at this writing. While a property owner may enjoy unrestricted freedom, a buyer may need to be more discerning in protecting his or her interests

And that’s just concern to keep in mind as you evaluate the property, or negotiate a purchase. Some others”.

Water: You need to know there’s a viable water source. Find out if city or public water is available, the tap fee, and costs of running a line when buying a home site. If the house uses a well or spring, ask if it’s been tested, and if there’s enough flow for your family needs. Some owners of isolated homes or cabins actually have water brought in by a tanker truck each month.

Waste Disposal: Not every house in every town is on a sewer system. Often there’s a septic system in use. Inquire about its age and capacity. When buying a tract of land, you want to know whether the planned home site “percs”— has been tested and certified for installation of a septic system. If not, require the test as a condition of your offer

Utilities: In town, electricity, water and phone service is virtually guaranteed. Cable, sewer service, natural gas less so. In the country, none of this is a given. In fact, an owner may have to pay considerable fees to have utility service brought into an undeveloped area. Know your options, and costs, before deciding where you’ll put that cabin in the woods.

Boundaries and Fences: Property boundaries, especially on older farms and tracts, can be vague, especially if the deed refers to landmarks long gone. If there’s no survey, insist on one or walk the land with neighbors to make sure there’s no disagreement. Also look at the condition of fencing. Replacing or installing a fence over several acres can be an expensive hidden cost..

Easements and Restrictions: In the country these take many forms. You may need to drive over another’s land to get to yours, or your spring may be their water source. Neighbors may access rights, or the power company has rights to the property to install and maintain lines, or to provide service to others. These should all be spelled out in the deed , and questions or concerns should be addressed before you buy.

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