Sellers property size versus county records size

[Keith A.]

I have a wholesaler trying to sell a property that he says is a 3/1 and according to the county records online shows it as a 2/1. He also said it was closed prior as a 3/1.

What is the best way from a due dilligence perspective to find out which is actually correct?

[Bill Gulley]

Go by the sq ft first, if the county and seller are the same or very close I'd ask if the 3rd bdr was added by the previous owner. A conversion may not have had a permit.

Probably an error at the county, they concentrate on sq ft, not beds and may have been recorded wrong.

A lender usually does not check county records they go off the appraisal, that's their job. Title doesn't state it either.

I'd only be concerned with an illegal addition/rehab, and it may not be an issue in your area, so check with the county. It won't matter what it closed as last time. Depends on the county ho they treat such issues. Clear it up before you buy. :)