When additions weren't permitted

[Johnny Diamantas]

Hello All, This issue has come up many times for us when evaluating and comping our leads. Let's say I get a call and seller tells me the house is a 4/2, 1200 sq ft and I confirm by viewing the property. However, the appraiser's site lists it as 2/2, 900 sq ft. After I buy & go to list on the MLS, will I be able to sell it as a 4/2, 1200 sq ft? I assume I need to inform the appraiser of the new dimensions before listing? Any advice is much appreciated.

[Joel Owens]

If it's not permitted then it might have been originally grandfathered in but that usually goes away when you bought it. The addition might have to be tore out or brought up to code to be allowed.

Some did un-permitted additions so they could save hiring professionals and getting permits. They also did not want to notify the county or city because they would asses the higher live able sq ft and property taxes would go up as a result.

You can't market something as legal and live able space that was not properly permitted and done to code. 

No legal advice given.