ZONING

Land is divided into zones for purposes such as residential, commercial, and industrial. If you
plan on running a business from your home, be certain you can do so before buying the house.
'Check the zoning laws and any HOA rules in the area in which you are considering,'
recommends Trickey. 'You need to make sure you are allowed to conduct the business activities
you are contemplating. Laws and rules vary by locale, so be thorough in your review.

EASEMENT
Your dream home may include a shared driveway, private road, or a portion of property that a
local utility must access to maintain elements on poles or buried underground. 'When someone is
granted an easement, they are granted the legal right to use the property, but the legal title to the
land itself remains with the owner of the land,' says Trickey.