You will know of any disputes or encroachments prior to purchase. Unless provided for differently in the contract, this, too, would be a buyer's expense. Zoning You may want to determine if there are zoning restrictions that have been imposed by local governments designating the type of buildings and how they are to be used, such as residential, commercial, industrial, etc. Your real estate agent should be able to provide this information. Covenants You should also determine what restrictive covenants are in place.
Restrictive covenants are private agreements that restrict the use and occupancy of real property.
Such things as the use of the structure, architectural requirements, setbacks, size of the structure and aesthetics are only some examples. Easements Easements that exist on the property you intend to purchase should also be considered. An easement is a right or privilege one party has to the use of the land of another for a special purpose consistent with the general use of the land. Examples of easements are those given to telephone, electric and cable companies to erect poles, run lines or place underground lines on private property. Easements can be given to people to walk or drive across someone else's land.