Homebuyers Guide

Items to Consider		For Additional Information Contact:
Regulations, Legal Requirements, Local Assessments		(See Key on Pg2)
___	Have you checked on existing planning regulations and zoning permits?	HCPC, ZI
___	Do you need to obtain a drainage easement? What other easements are on your property?	HD, CR
___	Have you checked specifications for any needed driveway culverts, road ditch, and open drainage ditches?	CE, DOT, TT
___	Have you checked regulations regarding easements along ditches for operation of ditch maintenance equipment?	CE, SWCD
___	Are there existing utilities which may have right-of-way across the property, such as underground pipelines and transmission lines?	PUCO, HCRWSD, RWSD,UtilityCo.
___	Always be sure to determine location of underground utility lines BEFORE doing any digging!	OUPS Call toll free 1-800-362-2764
___	Are there restrictive covenants or deed restrictions?	CR
	Are corners or boundaries of lot marked with iron pins or concrete markers? Can you find each reference point mentioned in the deed description?	CE, Private Surveyor,Attorney
	Does lot have a clear title?	Attorney
	Are there easements or mineral rights involved?	Attorney
	What is tax structure for real estate, city income tax millage, property taxes, any special assessments?	CA, Attorney
	Will you need to do any work in road rights-of-way?	CE, ODOT, TT
	Is there a city/village income tax?	City/VillageOfficials
	Have you checked on water and sewer assessments?	CA,Attorney
	Will there be ditch maintenance assessments?	CA,SWCD
	Natural Features and Drainage Characteristics
___	Are the natural features of lot acceptable (drainage, wet areas, trees, streams, etc.)?	SWCD, OSUE, NRCS
___	Can acceptable natural features be preserved at a reasonable cost?	SWCD, OSUE, NRCS
___	Could there be problems for off-lot surface water?	SWCD, OSUE, NRCS
___	Is property located in floodway/flood plain?	HCPC, SWCD, OSUE, NRCS,ZI
___	Have you checked on flood insurance coverage?	Local Insurance Agent
___	Will landscaping be needed? Will there be problems for landscaping (wetness, shallowness, droughtiness)?	SWCD, OSUE, NRCS, Nurseries
___	Are there any trees that could be saved for shade?	OSUE
___	What are prevailing wind directions? What about future windbreak plantings?	SWCD, NRCS
___	Does lot have adequate water supply for geothermal heating?	SWCD, NRCS
___	Are you considering solar energy? How would this affect placement of your home?	SWCD, OSUE, NRCS
___	Will trees or other nearby buildings obstruct solar heating source?	SWCD, OSUE, NRCS
___	Is your lot considered a wetland? Will you need a 404 permit?	U.S. Army Corps of Engineers