Buying a house or a piece of land is an exciting but daunting prospect. If you are moving to the lastly admitted contiguous states of the USA, Arizona real estate is most likely on your mind. So, there are some vital things you need to be aware of before you finally decide to buy a property. Read on to know what they are and where you can find more information on the same.
Property ownership or the Property Title
You must ensure that the property’s title is unambiguous and that no one else can lay claim to it. So, perform a title search with the property’s name or registration details. You can do this at the recorder’s office in the county under whose jurisdiction the property falls. You can also search for the title details online if the county has made it available.
Delinquent Back-Taxes
It is your duty to check that the property owner does not owe any tax to the county or any other agency. This is vital since if you transfer the property to your name before the dues are cleared, you will have to shoulder the tax burden. Data relating to taxes paid is usually available online too, but it is a good practice to consult your realtor to be absolutely certain in this regard.
Environmental Hazards
Prior to investing in any property, check for the various environmental hazards that could potentially affect it. There are quite a few websites that provide preliminary information on the risks of exposure to substances like Radon, Formaldehyde, Asbestos, and Lead in Arizona. These websites also chart out areas with risks of hazardous waste and groundwater contamination.
Property Uses
Each city and county in Arizona has unique laws regulating zoning and land use. The laws are administered and enforced differently as well. For instance, in Scottsdale, the law regulates how tall buildings can be, what kind of fences you can put up, and even what types of pets you can keep.
Generally, properties can be used for the following purposes: vacant land, residential land, commercial area, industrial area, and agricultural land, natural resources, and private or government property. So, consult your realtor regarding what you can and cannot use your property for.
Clear Access
The property you intend to buy should have proper access via a legal road. If not, you may find yourself in a landlocked parcel connected only by a privately owned trail, in which case you will have to avail an Easement by Necessity from the concerned owners.
Water Supply
You need to ask your realtor if the property has a water supply. If not, you need to find out if you are allowed to drill wells and how deep you can drill them. The Arizona Department of Water Resources is a good starting point to investigate water supply and groundwater regulations for your property.
Soil
Expansive soil areas are subject to seasonal swelling and contraction based on how much moisture is collected in the soil. So, if you happen to build your house on an expansive soil deposit, the house can be damaged. Hence, ask your realtor to prove to you that there is no expansive soil hazard in the area you plan to construct any structure.
If you are a prospective buyer and are looking to learn more about Arizona real estate, do pay attention to the above points to make the right decision. You can also consult your realtor to help you find the best property to suit your needs.
