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What Is a Certificate of Occupancy?

Reblogger Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Real Estate Agent with Front Gate Real Estate Broker 11085

If you are buying a new home, a final step in the homebuilding process is for the city or county to perform a final inspection and issue the Certificate of Occupancy.  Read on for a more detailed explanation.

If you are interested in new construction in any Brandon MS neighborhood, put my years of experience to work for you.

Original content by Belinda Spillman CRE# 40005863

What Is a Certificate of Occupancy?

 

If you have ever purchased a brand new home, you might have heard the builder throw around the term “CO”.  Many times they will explain that the buyer cannot move in without the “CO” (Certificate of Occupancy). 

 

Once the home is complete, the builder must coordinate with the City to perform a final inspection on the home and issue a Certificate of Occupancy.  This documents is proof that the home is in liveable condition and everything passes the building codes set forth by that local government agency.  The builder must provide proof that the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued to the buyer and the lender.  This is the final step and coincides with the building permit that was obtained before the building was constructed.

 

Having this final inspection is beneficial to the buyer.  The City Inspector will check everything in the home to make sure it is in accordance with local building guidelines. 

 

If you are buying a home and your builder says you need to delay closing until the “CO” is issued, be patient.  You never want to close on a new structure until it has the Green Light from the City.

 

Belinda Spillman
Aspen Lane Real Estate
Managing Broker/Owner

(303) 884-2026

www.AspenLaneRealEstate.com

Belinda1126@hotmail.com

 

 

Comments(10)

Belinda Spillman
Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO
Colorado Living!

Hey thanks for the re-blog Pat,  This is good information for all looking into new homes.

Oct 29, 2015 07:15 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Great choice for a reblog, Pat. We know this stuff and it's easy to assume that the "public" and homebuyers know it, as well. But often not so much.

Oct 29, 2015 07:56 AM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

Good advice here.  Thank you for the repost.  Making any move too soon out of impatience can certainly be costly.  Mark

Oct 29, 2015 08:05 AM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Pat - Thank you for the very good information on the Certificate of Occupancy.

Oct 29, 2015 08:44 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Belinda Spillman - My pleasure. Obtaining the CO is one of the many things Realtors ensure is taken care of to protect our buyers.

 

Oct 29, 2015 12:18 PM
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Pat. Belinda Spillman does a great job explaining what a C of O is, some areas of the country do a better job than others when it comes to the inspection process.

Good choice for a re-blog.

Oct 29, 2015 07:58 PM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Good morning Pat. This is a good post to reblog. Thank you for reblogging.

Oct 29, 2015 09:05 PM
DEANNA C. SMITH CERTIFIED MOBILE NOTARY
Certified Mobile Notary Signing Agent - Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Highest Ranked Certified Mobile Notary in Virginia

Thank you for the re-post Pat Starnes.   This is a simple and specific information piece that can be shared with my clients.   I do construction loans here in Virginia and the "C O" is a major hurdle for clients to overcome.  

Oct 30, 2015 01:08 AM
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

CO's are different for many counties some are more particular than others. but is always required before keys are given

Nov 01, 2015 02:50 AM
Winston Heverly
Coldwell Banker Access Realty - South Macon, GA
GRI, ABR, SFR, CDPE, CIAS, PA

Loved your read today, hope this becomes a beautiful & successful week.

Nov 05, 2015 12:04 PM