In the excitement of buying property, it is easy to get caught up in appearances. Envisioning where the furniture will go, how you will decorate the home, and dreaming about the physical appearance of your new space are exiting. However, if you do not consider you and your family’s future needs, the sparkling, beautiful house that you are thinking about buying may turn into a source of misery a few years into the future.

Here are some practical — albeit not sexy — tips to consider.

Tip - ZONING REGULATIONS; HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS.

If you plan on operating your business from home, you might want to check the zoning regulations before buying. For example, if you repair small engines from your home, the local zoning ordinances may prohibit you from doing so. If the home you are considering is part of a homeowners association and there are restrictive covenants, be sure to read those restrictive covenants (commonly called CC&Rs). Some restrictive covenants prohibit parking recreational vehicles and boats at the home. Others require special garages. Because of zoning or other covenants, there might also be easements around the property that you may not be aware of at first glance. Take a look at the title work and property survey to find out if there are easements that may prohibit your being able to use the property in the way that you envision.

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