Some time back, a lady sent me an email after reading one of my previous blogs and told me the following story. A couple had recently purchased a home from a builder who constructs a handful of houses every year in another state. By her own admission both she and her husband had failed to do their homework and hadn't checked the reputation of the builder. They didn't know anything about his background, such as, have there been any complaints filed against him? They hadn't asked for or checked any references and in fact, hadn't toured any of the houses he had constructed in the area except for the one they fell in love with and would finally purchase.
Here is what the writer shared with me and by the way gave me permission to share anonymously: Just before both she and her husband closed on the property, they asked to meet with the builder at the new house one more time. When they arrived they had a few questions which the builder seemed willing to answer without any hesitation. The final question they inquired about was: "Would you show us our property lines on all four sides of the house once again, but this time mark them off? We know we want to install a fence so property boundaries are important to us." The builder, one more time, paced off one side of the house (around 40 feet) and tied a strip of cloth to a tree there. He walked off the other sides and marked the land in a similar fashion.
This couple closed on the house, moved in and everything seemed fine until a few months later when they applied for a permit to install the fence. They were shocked to find, according to the city, they had 15 feet of land on the one side of their house (not around 40) and the land wouldn't be available for purchase because the city owns it! Can you imagine if you thought you had 40 feet and instead had 15?
Thru the years I have learned there can be unexpected surprises when purchasing Real Estate. One thing that often happens is prospective buyer's have the potential to get so taken up with a house and property, they so much fall in love with it, that they often fail to see any serious issues associated with the property until later, after the fact when sometimes it is even too late. I urge everyone reading this to understand you need a Realtor. Don't go it alone when purchasing a house or land. Employ the services of someone who regularly does the work of Real Estate.
One More Thing:
Burrows Properties, is packed full of information to assist buyers and sellers with their Real Estate needs. You do not have to choose me to work with you to use the website. Everything on the site is free and you will have NO obligation whatsoever in using any of the material for your personal benefit.
David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Envirian of Warrenton, Warrenton, VA 20186
Phone: (888) 673-7866 x119
Burrows Properties
Credit Tip: Always secure your Mortgage Pre-Approval before going out house shopping. Talk with your Loan Officer to determine if he/she believes you should lock in the rate.
Seller Guidance: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.
Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.
Try this link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale When you land on the main page try one of our custom searches listed on the bottom of the page. No registration is necessary for the Fairfax MLS general search on my site. If you check the box to receive automated updates sent to your email, you will be required to give us your name and a valid email address.
Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!
This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.
David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.
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