County Records indicate property zoned for more BRs than listing

[Colin McVeigh]

Hi all!

First off want to thank the community for what a great resource it is.  Still looking for my first property have had a couple of offers turned down but feel it getting close now.

Anyway - I have a bit of a unique situation that I am hoping someone has come across before and can give me some guidance (I searched previous posts on the boards but haven't found this discussed).

I've been looking at a property that is listed as a 2br/1ba.  It has a finished attic that is not one of the BRs and do not believe the finished attic would meet today's construction code (the property was built in the 40s/50s).  However, when I pull the property records from the County, the County lists the property as a 3 BR (the 3rd BR has to be the attic - there is no other suitable room).  So how should I assess the attic?  The property is obviously more attractive as a 3 BR and I'd love to be able to buy it as a 2 and rent it as a 3 but don't quite know what to make of the disconnect between the listing and the county records.  Appreciate any insight you can offer.