Single Family / Multi-family Property Layout

[Cody Jensen]

I've been looking into listing of multi-family properties on the market, I'm confused, Some properties that show pictures/description saying that they have been divided and are selling as multi-unit properties are listed under "House type" as "single family" properties on zillow or trulia etc, but then there are multi-family properties that are listed under "Multi-family" properties?

Have you ever ran across this?

[Mike B.]

@Cody Jensen.. yes, as Mr. Opara noted, those are your two options. Something that worked out great for me, was when I was house hacking, looking for a multifamily property in Philly. In my search, I found a duplex, that was listed as a SFH. It was easy to spot since it was a corner property with 2 separate doorway entrances (one in the front and one in the side towards the rear of building). At any rate, In looking through zoning records, I found it was zoned RSA-5 and the 1st floor was previously commercial, but had since been legally changed over to a living residence and thus the building was legally zoned (via a variance from the 90s) as a duplex. With a little work, you can find hidden gems like this sometimes but be careful of places advertised as duplex, etc.. always check the zoning