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Thought about buying
a home in a community with covenants, but unsure what such restrictions
mean for you as a homeowner? A look at covenants in Columbia, Md., a
planned community well known for its oversight, shows you what to
expect.
Covenants in Columbia establish certain minimum standards for
land use, architectural design and property maintenance. The standards
are designed to prevent excesses and abuses, while allowing for
flexibility in property utilization.
Each village adopts architectural guidelines which describe exterior
alterations that are most likely to be approved and conditions that are
likely to be violations of the covenants. Covenant violations can
result in court action or a lien being placed on a property. It
is important to have all exterior alterations approved before the work
begins.
The covenants “run with the land” as part of your
deed of ownership and cannot, as a practical matter, be changed.
Therefore, if you decide to buy in an area with covenants, make sure
you and your agent are aware of all the rights and restrictions before
you sign a contract.
Residents and potential buyers should note that local homeowners
associations, such as a condo boards, and individual counties, may also
have rules of their own. Check with your real estate agent. Generally,
information about homeowner associations should be part of your
contract of sale.
All buyers in Columbia should request that a letter of compliance be
provided before settlement, because any existing violations become the
responsibility of the new owner.
A community with architectural controls might be the place for
you, but make sure you understand the restrictions and approval
processes before you buy.
E-mail me for more information on Columbia’s village covenants.
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