There’s a rooster living somewhere around me that crows at the crack of 8:30 :-) I believe he resides in the adjoining neighborhood that allows chickens.
I appreciate that he’s a late riser, and it always makes me smile when I hear that he’s finally awake!
Chickens aren’t allowed in my neighborhood under the Protective Covenants- and some newer neighbors are upset about that. But, this post isn’t about chickens, only a reminder to make sure the covenants match your lifestyle, before you buy.
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And of course, this applies to any real estate purchase anywhere.
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When I first heard that people were upset about not being able to have chickens, I wondered how that could even happen. There are safeguards built into the real estate contract so that buyers know what the rules/covenants are before they acquire the property…so, this should be a non- issue- Right?
And, you might be wondering, too-
why would anyone buy a home in any community where the HOA Covenants don’t match their desired lifestyle?
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Well, it happens when buyers do not receive or fail to read the Protective Covenants.
“Covenants”, sometimes called “Restrictions” basically set out rules within a community that can restrict the use of the property. They can apply to a number of things, like fencing, animals, clothes lines, RV parking, commercial uses, house colors…etc.
If you are a first time home buyer, how can you avoid this happening to you?
When you want to purchase a property in Colorado, usually there is a date and a deadline in the Colorado Real Estate Contract, to allow time for you to review the covenants, together with other information, collectively called “The Association Documents”.
At any time before the Association Document Objection deadline, if you discover that the covenants are not to your liking or if there is something that you cannot live with, you have the ability to cancel the contract (and get your earnest money deposit back).
When you are under contract to buy:
1. Be aware of the time frame provided to review the Association Documents, there is a deadline – so don’t let the deadline pass you by
2. Make sure that the documents are provided to you. They might be posted on a Community Website, or linked in your Title Commitment, or both – or you may get a packet of printed materials AND
3. Finally, read them, so you know what’s in there.
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Reading covenants is not on anyone’s list of fun things to do, but it is so very necessary.
It’s far better to read them, rather than go through with the purchase and find out you can’t use the property the way you thought you could.
Because, after you move in, (like the rooster that crows 3 hours after sun up), it’s too late!
That’s why I’m like a Mother Hen (pun intended) , checking up to be sure my buyer clients have read the covenants for their chosen community, within the given time frame… BEFORE they buy
Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO
www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net
970-231-5756 phone or text- email: mary@redfeatherlakes.com
I specialize in the Red Feather Lakes and Livermore area, Fox Acres, Crystal Lakes and Glacier View Meadows communities, when you want to buy or sell your mountain home, call me- I have your best interests at heart.
The information contained in Mary’s blog is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and the opinions and views expressed in these articles are solely those of the author.
I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.
REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.
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