I am looking to purchase property and want to do my homework prior to the purchase. Do you have any ideas on what I should research or whom I should contact?
LaDana and Marcy both agree an excellent way to begin researching a property is to visit the neighborhood where the property is located. Visiting the area allows you to see the property and character of the neighborhood. Your next stop should be to visit the nearest local government offices (City, Town, or County). Their staff are knowledgeable about the local area, regulations and requirements, and property history. They can help to quickly gather information and provide guidance on additional items to explore. Following is a list of some examples:
Planning or Community Development (Planner): Check for zoning, requirements, and permits; determine if lots can be divided; confirm if development has been recently approved in the area; obtain information on predicted growth patterns.
Environmental Health or Sanitation: Check for septic permits or other sanitation approvals; obtain new septic permits and verify requirements; check for establishment and operation licensing requirements (campground, recreational vehicles, mobile home parks, bed & breakfasts, hotels/motels, food establishments); obtain information on how to test water.
Public Works (Road) Department: Check for encroachment permits, floodplain permits and requirements, solid waste requirements; and obtain physical address.
Clerk & Recorder: Obtain recorded boundary surveys and subdivision plats; verify ownership; confirm if a property has legal access; check for recorded encumbrances (easements, covenants, private agreements, deed restrictions, and conservation easements).
Treasurer: Verify tax payments are current.
Assessor: Obtain property tax assessment information and market values and determine tax implications when property development occurs or uses change.
Weed District: Check for existing noxious weed management plans; obtain information on managing weeds; develop a weed management plan if none is current.
Road Department: Verify if encroachments are permitted and, if necessary, obtain encroachment permits.
Conservation District: Obtain information on 310 permits (required by persons planning to work in or near a stream or river on private or public land); verify soil types; obtain information on conservation (soil, water, and other renewable natural resources).
Montana’s Ground Water Information Center: Obtain water quality information and well logs showing water depths and flow rates; mbmggwic.mtech.edu/
Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation: Verify if there are recorded water rights; dnrc. mt.gov/divisions/water/ and/or mineral rights, dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/trust/minerals-management.
MSU County Extension Office: Obtain information on agricultural production and cropping, weed management, gardening, and managing acreage; learn how to test water and soil.
Though some of this information may be available online, to ensure you have the current information, it is best to check with the local government offices in person. And you may also want to check out the property in person to consider the location, topographic layout, and the neighborhood aesthetics.
Have a question for Ask Steward? Please send it to: extensionmagazine@montana.edu.