Here is another timely reminder of the possible implications of buying or selling a home that has been improved without benefit of a building permit. We have written about this before on our blog (See post What No permit? ).
We recently represented the seller of a home that had an outstanding building permit that had not received a final sign-off from the local jurisdiction. The sellers disclosed the situation and provided a copy of the building permit issued as well as the contract with the builder they hired to complete the modification. The building code and zoning ordinance have changed in such a way that the modification in question could not be replicated today.
The home sold in a multiple offer. As the sellers considered the offers that were presented, one of the determining factors was that the agent representing the ultimate buyer of the home documented that they had accompanied the buyer to the building department and they had researched the issue. The sellers understood that the buyers had done their “home”work ahead of time and that they were fully informed of the situation and the possible implications.