Dealing with Wetlands Issues and Your Massachusetts Home Purchase 

I recently showed a home to a client who was interested in a particular area and neighborhood.  The home was in good condition and had wonderful curb appeal.  There was only one outstanding issue.  There were wetlands in the back of the property. 

What exactly are wetlands? 

Wetland is a regulatory term for land that is sometimes submerged by water.  This could include inland marshes, creeks, rivers, ponds, meadows, swamps, brooks, intermittent streams and drainage ditches. It can also indicate land which may become wet only seasonally. 

Because of the laws protecting these lands, there are a number of rules restricting what can be done on the property.  If the wetland is very close to the home, for example, you may not be able to expand by building a deck or even an outbuilding.  This is also a problem if you want to install an in-ground pool.  

The rules go further by stating that you cannot disturb the vegetation in any way.  The home in question happened to have a large growth of brush in the back that the buyer thought was unsightly.  His plans would have been to completely remove it from the back yard. However, since it was a designated wetland it would not have been possible to do so.  

Most people are not deterred from buying a home that contains some wetlands on the property as long as the lot is large enough. Sometimes an adjacent wetland can actually be viewed as a positive feature since it will provide for a degree of privacy since no construction can ever take place on it.  

There are a number of towns in the area that have some potential for wetlands including, but certainly not limited to parts of Hopkinton, Ashland, Southborough and Holliston.  If you are concerned with this possibility you need to check with the town's department of conservation.  They will have maps on file of designated wetlands and can let you know if they are on any part of the lot you are buying. 

It may or may not affect your decision to purchase but it is important information to know the location of wetlands and whether or not it will have any affect on the use and enjoyment of your new home. 

Copyright 2010 "Dealing with Wetlands Issues and Your Massachusetts Home Purchase  "

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Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel - (508) 881-6230

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