Monday, January 17, 2011

Why Other Agents Don't Know

Why is it hard for agents to answer the simple question - "Is the property unrestricted?"

It is NOT HARD FOLKS!!!

Either the property falls under the Bylaws and Covenants of a restricted community - or - they don't!

Enter the buyer who wants to be the owner of unrestricted property.  Maybe they want to operate a business from the home.  Maybe they want to be able to pave their front yard.  Maybe they simply want to be free to use the property they have purchased without anyone else deserving an opinion about it.  It really does not matter...does it?

I am currently working with a couple who is selling their highly restricted and highly desired condo to free up money to purchase an unrestricted property.  He is a chef and she is a teacher.  Both of them have skills that would be perfect for owning their own business.  They want to purchase a property with the freedom to do just that.

Lots of properties on the MLS have "No restrictions" marked on the listing.  Many, many of them are highly restricted.  One agent responded to my email asking for confirmation of her claim of "no restrictions" with the question - "What are you specifically trying to do?"

My answer was - "We are wanting to determine if there are deed restrictions that prevent business use.
Your listing shows no restrictions. Is that correct?"

Today she calls and says that she is checking the bylaws to see if a business can be operated from the house.

Let's use some logic here folks.  If there are bylaws - the property IS RESTRICTED!!!!

Sorry for the rant.  If you may be seeking an agent that can help you to sell your unrestricted property anywhere in the Greater Houston area - make sure they understand the value in having no restrictions.  Otherwise they will market poorly and/or cost you lots of money because of their inability to serve you well.

If you want to find Houston unrestricted property, don't mess around with someone who does not know about restrictions and their affect on the property's use.  You deserve an expert to help you find the perfect property for you.

1 comment:

  1. I find it refreshing to see someone address unrestricted property without negativity. Having visited Tx I returned and checked out real estate in Katy simply to see prices. To see, must sign in so the the sales or should I say foreclosures fill my mailbox. What I have seen is reduced, reduced but homes in old Katy where there are no restrictions are gone in a flash. Sites say, why wouldn't you want to live in a HOA as someone might paint their house pink. My visit took place in a HOA community where someone put in a bug light, orange. He was immediately addressed with "do you think this is Halloween?" and removed it. I find that more absurd then a pink house. I was brought up to be creative, think outside the box yet when it comes to houses, everyone wants them to look the same. Inside you often need blinders when you view because of the colors. Evidently expression stays within. What I don't get is all the homes have wooden fences none of which have been treated and or stained, rotted or fallen apart and weathered taking away from the image they are portraying yet simple choices to YOUR home as simple as a bug light are addressed. Some communities offer many perks that people opt for giving up their rights of choice to have. Other communities offer no perks yet collect HOA fees which I guess is not to have a pink house? Must have to keep up resale of home. Now isn't that a joke as I watch the prices drop.I remember "the good old days" when your home was your home, a place to accommodate your needs and not to forfeit because it might decrease the value of your home.What has happened to living based on other peoples concepts instead of our own wants and needs. Live for today as tomorrow may never come. Enjoy your home, it's your home. Or is it?

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