got a shock this evening

Terri in WV · #1 02/04/13, 11:18 PM

I've been looking for property for a while now. Called about one this evening that was very promising. It had pretty much everything I was looking for. A house that fit our needs, outbuildings, fencing, 12+ acres, small community and good schools.

Will I be looking at it? Nope, not after the real estate lady told me that there are no farm animals allowed. No farm animals allowed!

I asked her if she was kidding me. She said no, not even chickens or ducks.

What are they thinking? I'm still floored by it. I can understand if one is living on a little lot in town, but 12 acres?

AngieM2 · #2 02/04/13, 11:21 PM

that is really dumb. Like you say, in town 1/2 acre it is understandable, but 12 acres.

What are they expecting a buyer to do with it?

harvestmoonfarm · #3 02/04/13, 11:32 PM

Sounds like what we've been running into. People who have acreage won't allow animals, including one 85-acre farm that's listed for rent. Makes absolutely no sense.

ChristieAcres · #4 02/05/13, 01:26 AM

You can probably grow all the fruits and veggies you want, but wow,

Whisperwindkat · #5 02/05/13, 04:27 AM

We looked at one like that. Way out in the country, surrounded by large farms and no farm animals allowed and only allowed 2 domestic animals according to the covenant. Yeah right.

foxtrapper · #6 02/05/13, 05:28 AM

As for the documentation of this no farm animals allowed claim. I've seen real estate agents make all kinds of claims about things being allowed, or disallowed. Almost every time it was all made up.

sewserious · #7 02/05/13, 05:32 AM

I would check with the county. Usually this stuff is online. Look up the property in question and pull the original deed and any others since it was originally sold/parceled out and see if that is really true.

rockhound · #8 02/05/13, 05:33 AM

A title search is the only way to root out any old (or new) covenants. If it's not printed on the deed, it's just hearsay.

Micheal · #9 02/05/13, 06:11 AM

Did the agent explain the "why" no animals?
Is it within town/city limits, part of a home/owners/assoc, zoned residental, along with a host of other reasons I could think of, but unless you get the reason(s) why you'll never know if'n there may be a way around that reason(s).

haypoint · #10 02/05/13, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockhound

A title search is the only way to root out any old (or new) covenants. If it's not printed on the deed, it's just hearsay.

No. Zoning Ordinance isn't going to be in a Deed, but it has the force of law. Read their Zoning Ordinance before you give up.
Because that restriction makes it harder to sell, I'd guess the past owner has already tried to get it changed and failed.

Helen and Scott Nearing, famous homesteaders kept no animals, grew huge gardens, wrote books and lived long lives.

suzyhomemaker09 · #11 02/05/13, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haypoint

No. Zoning Ordinance isn't going to be in a Deed, but it has the force of law. Read their Zoning Ordinance before you give up.
Because that restriction makes it harder to sell, I'd guess the past owner has already tried to get it changed and failed.

Helen and Scott Nearing, famous homesteaders kept no animals, grew huge gardens, wrote books and lived long lives.

Zoning ordinances aren't generally listed...but Covenants are...our deed lists all the Covenants for our property...not that there are many

homemaid · #12 02/05/13, 07:11 AM

Contact the township supervisor and get a list of Township ordinances. This should tell you what is and isn't allowed. Do not take the real estate persons word they may have someone else in mind to purchase this parcel.

BarbadosSheep · #13 02/05/13, 07:11 AM

I bet they allow horses. Around here, it's common to find large mini-farms where horses are the only animals allowed. they are trying to create horse communities. But these farms are usually only 5 acres ir so. I am really surprised that a lot as large as the one you found won't allow stock. That's crazy! Who on earth would want that much land and not have the option to get stock if you wanted to.

grandma12703 · #14 02/05/13, 07:12 AM

We have noticed that as well in the past before we bought our place. Home in the country on 20 acres, no animals....makes no sense.

JawjaBoy · #15 02/05/13, 07:14 AM

Is the property within city or town limits? If so, check with the city/town hall as to zoning. If not, check with the county or go to the clerk of court. The clerk of court will also be able to look up the property's deed work. If the property is outside city/town limits, I would be very suspect of the no animal rule.

One more example of why I will probably never leave this place.

Janette1 · #16 02/05/13, 07:18 AM

I almost don't have enough info to write this, but there are new agriculture rules developing where, in some areas, animals may not live within one mile of a produce growing farm(fruits and vegetables). I don't know if Kentucky is like that or not, but I think it's that way in CA. It's called GAP (good agricultureal practices). This program is trying to put the clamp down on produce grown all over the country. I know that there are quite a few Amish who live in Kentucky and, of course, since they use horses for their power, they are pretty worried. I know the ones who live here in Missouri are worried.
Anyway, this could possibly have something to do with the regulations.

**Shrek** · #17 02/05/13, 07:31 AM

Its called rural gentrification and many cities and county governments are implementing zoning to attract those wishing larger homes and parcels because of the higher taxes.

One of our county commissioners is trying to rezone historically strictly ag zones to being restricted to horse stables only as they want more of the rural areas in large parcels with McMansion type houses and horse hobby farms. No poultry. swine or cattle only horses.

foxtrapper · #18 02/05/13, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockhound

A title search is the only way to root out any old (or new) covenants. If it's not printed on the deed, it's just hearsay.

HOA rules generally aren't on a title, as an example. If for no other reason than because they can be changed. Covenants are frequently not recorded into a title. Easements and right-of-ways don't have to be on a title either, they can be recorded separately.

Neither a title search nor a reading of the deed itself are an end-all be-all of these restrictions.

haypoint · #19 02/05/13, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janette1

I almost don't have enough info to write this, but there are new agriculture rules developing where, in some areas, animals may not live within one mile of a produce growing farm(fruits and vegetables). I don't know if Kentucky is like that or not, but I think it's that way in CA. It's called GAP (good agricultureal practices). This program is trying to put the clamp down on produce grown all over the country. I know that there are quite a few Amish who live in Kentucky and, of course, since they use horses for their power, they are pretty worried. I know the ones who live here in Missouri are worried.
Anyway, this could possibly have something to do with the regulations.

There are two GAP, one you speak of is a USDA program:

http://tiliancenter.wordpress.com/documentation/vb-usda-gap-certification-what-is-it-is-it-right-for-me/
It is taking steps to avoid the problems that have happened with spinich and cantilopes. You can be certified or not.
There is also the Generally Accepted Practices in the Right to Farm Bill.
http://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-1567_1599_1605---,00.html

Molly Mckee · #20 02/05/13, 10:01 AM

I am assuming this is a place for sale. I'd call another realtor or as others have said check myself. If its a rental, they may have had bad experiences with allowing animals. They might reconsider with references and a large deposit. The problem is you can't find renters willing to pay a deposit large enough to cover the problems bad renters with animals will cause.