RUTHERFORD COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION'S HOME BUYER PAGE

1. Is the yard higher or lower than the street? If the lot is lower than the street, you could have drainage problems and should do further research into the drainage patterns in the area. If the lot is higher than the street then it will most likely drain without any problems.

2. Is the yard graded to slope away from the house? If the yard is not graded to slope away from the house, then the site will drain back to the house and could cause flooding type conditions for the property. Sloping the yard away from the house will provide positive drainage and make it less likely for the lot to have flood type conditions.

3. Are there any sinkholes on the property? You need to walk the lot and make a determination as to the number and location of sinkholes on the property. Sinkholes can contribute to localized flooding and can enlarge in such a manner that the house and driveway may be impacted. Where there is one sinkhole you will most likely have others. Look carefully for they are sometimes hard to find.

4. Does the area have a history of flooding problems? Ask the people who live in the subdivision about any existing flooding problems. In addition, check with the local city or county engineer to see what records they may have on flooding in the area.

5. Is the HVAC unit located in a drainage easement? Check to make sure that there are no buildings or structures located in any drainage easements or ways. Check to make sure all ditches are free of obstructions and all drainage pipes are clear and do not impede the flow of water.

6. What is the zoning on the lot and the surrounding properties? You need to contact your local Planning Department and find out how the area is zoned, particularly any vacant lots. As a general rule, you would be better off not buying next to vacant property. Be sure to ask about any permitted home occupations and conditional uses that have been approved in the general area.

7. Are there any deed restrictions on the lot? Check with your realtor to find out what deed restrictions are on your lot. If the agent does not have that information, you can go to the courthouse and check with the register of deeds' office and get a copy of the deed restrictions for your lot if it is in a recorded subdivision.

8. Is there a Home Owners Association and if so do they have required association fees? Some subdivisions have Home Owners Associations, which require each property owner to pay a monthly or annual fee to support the duties and responsibilities of the Association. You need to check it out. The fees can run as high as several hundreds of dollars. Find out exactly what are the responsibilities of the association. This can be found in the Bylaws, which should also be recorded in the register of deeds office.

9. Is there a history of septic tank problems in the immediate area? Many times septic tank problems will not surface until the rainy season. As such, in order to determine if the house you are interested in has septic system problems you will need to check with the surrounding neighbors and also check with the local government department that is responsible for the approval and enforcement of the state septic tank rule and regulations.

10. Does the Local Government Comprehensive Plan (Long Range Plans i.e. Land Use, Transportation Community Facilities, Recreation and Water and Sewer) impact the lot? Check with the local Planning Department to see what the Long-Range Plans are for the area in which the house you are considering is located.

1. Are there any easements on the lot? The Final Plat will indicate how many, where, and what kind of easements are on the lot.

2. Is any of the lot in a flood plain? If there is a flood plain it will be shown on the plat. Most local governments have regulations controlling building in a flood plain and prohibit building in a flood way. Check with your local Planning Office for definitions of the flood plain and flood way.

3. Where are the permeable soils for the septic tank system located? The final plat will have the permeable soils located and identified for each lot.

4. Is the street in front of the house public or private? The final plat will indicate the ownership of the street and also will show the Right of Way width. In almost all cases the street will be owned by the city or county.

5. Is the dead end street permanent or temporary? Some dead-end streets are temporary and will be extended in the future. The Final Plat will indicate the category of the dead end street (permanent or temporary).

6. Obtain a copy of the Preliminary and the Final Plat for the Subdivision Lot you are purchasing. Be sure to get both plats. Both plats can be obtained from the local Planning Department. The Final Plat can also be obtained from the county register of deeds office.

1. Where is the nearest fire hydrant? The nearer the fire hydrant, the better insurance rate you will have.

2. Be sure and check out the utility bills. This will give you an idea of the monthly utility costs and also could indicate problems with heating and cooling.

3. Flush all toilets and turn on showers and sinks. This should give you an indication of the type of water pressure you have and also if there are any apparent problems with the sewer or septic system.

4. Where are the underground utilities located? The Survey Plat that usually accompanies the deed will locate the utility lines. If you are purchasing an older home the Real Estate Agent should be able to get you a copy of the plat. Otherwise if it was recorded with the deed to the house, it can be obtained from the register of deeds office. Use the call before you dig telephone number, which is provided by your local utilities.

5. Where is the water cut-off valve located? Be sure to ask the owner of the house where the water cut-off valve is located.

6. Where are the septic tank and field lines located? The survey plat should have that information. If not then there should be a site plan filed with the local government office responsible for septic system approval.

1. What is the age of the HVAC, Water Heater, Kitchen Appliances, Roof, and Siding? Find out the age of the various systems in the house and ask about their condition. Be sure to test the heat and air and run the hot water (fill up a tub to see how much hot water is available.

2. It is a good idea to have the house checked out by an independent inspector who works for you.

3. If there is a chimney, check out when it was last cleaned. If it has not been cleaned since the last winter season require that it be cleaned before you close on the house.

4. Be sure to check the house for any cracks in the foundation or the brick. Look for any sag in the roofline of porch roof. Also go in the attic and examine the roof beams for any cracked or broken supports.

5. Find out if there is any lead paint or asbestos in the house. You would only need to do this in older homes. New homes should not have this problem.

6. Be sure to check for trees and large bushes that may be undermining the foundation and the driveway. Also any vegetation that may be interfering with the sewer system (Public Sewer or Septic System).

7. Is the area served by a publicly funded fire department or by a volunteer fire department? Your fire insurance rate may be better with a public fire department. If a volunteer fire department serves you they depend on donations to provide continued service.

8. How is the garbage picked up? Is the house served by private haulers or a local governmental department. Cost may be different depending on where you will get your service. Public garbage pick up may be more responsive to your needs than a private carrier unless there is a lot of competition. There are also convenience centers for waste disposal near neighborhoods across Rutherford County.

1. Local Planning Department

2. Register of Deeds Office

3. Local Building Codes Department

4. Local Water and Sewer Department

5. Local Public Works/ Engineering  Departments

6. Local Governmental Environmental Agency

7. Local Property Assessor's Office

8. County Highway Department

9. Police and Sheriff's Office

10. Fire Departments

11. A  Department of the State, which administers the State's environmental regulations (Septic Tank  Systems)