The Importance of Legal Checks Before You Buy a Home

Legal due diligence is a key step in the home buying process that ensures the property you are interested in is free of legal encumbrances that could cause significant issues down the line. Here’s why they are indispensable:

1. Title Search:
   • What It Involves: A title search confirms the legal owner of the property and reveals any liens, easements, or covenants that may restrict your use of the property.
   • Why It’s Important: Ensures that the seller has the right to sell the property and that there are no legal claims against the property that could be passed on to you.
2. Checking for Liens:
   • What It Involves: Searching for any financial claims like mortgages, loans, or tax liens registered against the property.
   • Why It’s Important: Prevents inheriting any debt associated with the property which can be costly and troublesome to resolve.
3. Survey Review:
   • What It Involves: Reviewing an up-to-date land survey of the property.
   • Why It’s Important: Confirms the property boundaries and identifies any encroachments or zoning issues.
4. Local Zoning and Planning:
   • What It Involves: Checking local zoning laws to understand what the property can be used for and what future developments are planned in the area.
   • Why It’s Important: Ensures the property’s use aligns with your needs and protects against potential devaluation due to upcoming changes in the area.
5. Permit Verification:
   • What It Involves: Ensuring all renovations and improvements on the property are backed by the required legal permits.
   • Why It’s Important: Avoids legal issues related to non-compliance with local building codes and regulations.