b'MB-106 2022-23 Relo - Single Page_MB-706.qxd2/14/20222:29 PMPage 72BUILDING YOUR HOME MOVEMKEChoosing aPurchasing Land should seek legal assistance and/or con-sult with the local building inspector HomebuilderIf you do decide to buy a lot on yourbefore you buy. Some of the things you own, understand that lot prices varyshould consider are: Whether you are buying a condo, aconsiderably between communities and townhouse, or building a house, yousubdivisions. Legal descriptions of lots Deed Restrictions: Ask the seller for want to know that you are buying aare either lot & block or mete &a copy of the deed so you can review good quality home from a reputablebounds. Lot & block parcels are theany restrictions or covenants that builder. This can be done by askingmost frequently used legal description,may affect the land you are buying. friends and colleagues or by contactingespecially within subdivisions. TheySome subdivisions, for instance, limit the Metropolitan Buildersstate the actual lot dimensions and ref- the building materials you can use to Association, (mbaonline.org), an organi- erence a certified survey that is kept onbuild your home, specify how your zation that represents approximatelyfile at the local county courthouse.home must be placed on your lot and 800 companies in the region. Mete & bounds parcels are often usedmay require a third party to approve to describe isolated or scattered lots. Ifyour homes design. They may even Colleagues and online searches canthe seller uses a mete & bounds legalprohibit you from leaving cars in the provide you with a list of activedescription, you should have your prop- driveway. Once you have signed the homebuilders and the price ranges oferty surveyed to verify its actual bound- deed, you are legally obligated to the homes they build. Visit recently builtaries.adhere to its restrictions.homes and subdivisions. Drive by on a Saturday morning when homeowners may be outside doing chores or errands.Special Drainage: Any purchase offer should Introduce yourself and say you arebe contingent on the parcel not being considering buying a home from theConsiderationslocated in a floodplain and you should builder who built their home. Talk toThere are several issues you need todouble check with the city engineer several owners. The more people youconsider when choosing a lot. Due toor building inspector. In addition, you talk with, the more accurate anthe size of the investment you will bewill want to know how the lot drains impression of a builder you will get.making and the risks involved, youand whether it is a catch basin or run off from other lots. The county sur-veyors office should have topograph-ical maps to identify drainage pat-Questions to Ask Your Builderterns. Electricity/Gas: Check with the local utilities about availability and hookup Following are questions recommended by the National Association of Homebuilders: costs.Will the builder give you references of recent buyers/occupants? Fill: Check with the building inspec- Does the builder have a financing plan established?tor to find out what your first-floor grade elevation will be and to deter- Are there floor plan optionsfor example, can a basement or deck be added?mine how much fill you will have toCan a room such as the basement be left unfinished?buy or cart away from the site.How much customizing can be done versus standard features? Garbage: Find out whether garbage collection is included in your propertyCan appliances be up- or down-graded?taxes as a municipal service or if youAre there any additional fees relating to the home or development?will have to contract with a private company.Will there be a homeowners association? If so, how much are the dues? Sewer/Septic: If you need a septicDoes the builder offer a warranty program?system, make sure the lot has aDoes the price include landscaping? What if the plants die within a year?recentand acceptablepercolation and soil test. Clay soil is prevalent inAre there any restrictive covenants?Wisconsin and can interfere with drainage. If you have poor soil, youWhat are the estimated taxes on the property?may have to install a mound-typeHow is the school system rated?septic system. If you have metro or storm sewer service, find out howAre day care and grocery stores convenient and satisfactory?much the lateral hookups will cost.What about emergency facilitiespolice, fire department and hospitals? Water: Check to see whether youAre there any major development plans for the area in the next five years? will need a well or will have to hook up to a community well or municipal water utility.72 YOUR RELOCATION RESOURCE'