Real Estate Curve

Zoning boards determine how the land is used (or zoned) in a community.

For example, certain parcels of land are set aside for commercial or industrial use. At times homes are included in these areas but mainly the area is used for business purposes. The zoning board approves or vetoes requests for exceptions to the zoning laws.

Changes to the zoning laws will affect the surrounding community so it is important that the board hears both sides of the argument. For example, there may be an application to the board for permission to build a tavern in a residentially zoned area. This would have an impact on the neighborhood in that it would increase traffic, possibly be noisy, etc.

Zoning regulations may also control the housing density in residential areas for single family homes, townhouses or multiple family dwellings.

Developers would be advised to check with the local population to determine how well received their proposal is. At the same time, citizens have the right to oppose proposed changes to the zoning of their neighborhoods and may appeal to the board with reasons for the opposition.

Citizens who feel strongly about the possibility of their lifestyle being altered due to zoning changes may appeal to the press for support and form groups to lobby for the protection of their neighborhood.

Zoning changes can have an impact on property value therefore it’s important that people be aware of the options they have in protecting their neighborhood.

Your first winter in your new home may bring some surprises if you neglected to inquire about utility costs when you purchased the home.

That beautiful, light, and airy home you viewed and bought in balmy summer weather may be a serious drain on your finances in the winter. That nice breeze may now be a nasty draft!

Find out what the owners of a house are paying for utilities before you make an offer. Even if the owners have been meticulous about telling you what they pay, your cost may differ greatly because of lifestyle differences. The present owners may like a very cool house – you may require the house to be much warmer. The present owner may be elderly and just using and heating a couple of rooms while you and your family will need to heat the whole house.

Check and see if windows are double-glazed, if the ceiling is well insulated, what insulation is in the walls and how well the doors and windows seal. There are many ways in which to improve energy efficiency. Modern high efficiency appliances, light bulbs, and heating sources can cut energy use.

Both your local library and electric company are good sources of information on improving the energy efficiency of a home.

There is a familiar odor to be found when we descend into a damp basement. In the absence of that musty odor, you may see water stains on the floors or walls. The presence of dampness need not eliminate a house from your consideration. If the house meets with your approval in other ways, you may want to investigate a little further.

Many basements can be kept dry by making a few adjustments. Perhaps the downspouts are just dumping water right around the house instead of directing the water away. There may even be areas where gutters are nonexistent or in need of repair. The perimeter drains may be blocked.

If this is a house you like, it would be worthwhile having an inspector or contractor come in who can discover the source of the problem and let you know what it would take to correct it. Armed with this information you can then make an offer that takes the cost of these repairs into consideration.

If you do not know a knowledgeable and reputable contractor to deal with, ask your Realtor® for some recommendations.

If you are an investment property owner you’ll want to find a reliable and trustworthy tenant. You’ve worked hard for your investment so use caution before you rent it out.

We’ve all heard the horror stories about property damage and the nightmare having to evict a tenant can be. Avoid this by taking some steps to ensure that your tenant will be someone you’ll feel good about residing on your property.

Make sure you have a list of references including former landlords and employment references. Have the prospective tenant sign a consent form to run a credit check. You don’t want to end up with a “not sufficient funds” call from the bank.

Ask questions. Your property may require yard maintenance. It would be good to know whether your tenant is able to do yard work or whether he expects you as landlord to do this. Pets okay? Find out before you reach an agreement. You don’t to find out later that the “small dog” your new tenants told you about turns out to be Cujo!

Eviction can be a stressful event and it usually follows with worrisome times when you find out your tenant is not as careful with your property as you thought he would be.

Most people are responsible citizens who usually treat others’ property as though it was their own. This is who you want living in your investment so take the time to check carefully. And don’t forget: trust your “gut” instinct. Appearances can be deceiving!