Winter View of Property
Buying mountain property presents unique considerations that a buyer must understand prior to purchase (actually, prior to submitting an offer). Buyers must ask the right questions and include the appropriate contractual contingencies in order to protect their interests.
Winter is actually the ideal time to shop for property; underbrush is gone so property lines are visible, leaves are gone so the view potential is obvious, AND our belly-crawling forest friends are hibernating. Make sure you partner with an expert in property on the Highlands Plateau so that you are an educated buyer.
Some considerations are:
- Has this lot been recorded with Macon County?
- Are the trees blocking the view on this property or the neighbors? Can I cut trees?
- Who owns the mountains in the view? Could they be developed?
- Are there restrictions? Are there easements?
- How much will the foundation cost on this building site (believe me, the costs can vary greatly)?
- Can a septic permit be obtained and for how many bedrooms? Has one ever been denied?
- What is the water source and what is the initial/ annual cost? Is there adequate water?
- Who maintains the roads and is there an annual cost? What does it include (will they come if it snows)?
- Who will remove a tree if it falls and blocks the road?
- What did comparative properties sell for?
- Is DSL an option?
- Do mobile phones work?
- Will my real estate agent get out of the car and walk all property lines with me?
- Will my real estate agent show all properties for sale on the Highlands Plateau, in and out of the city limit?
