Interesting Buy Decision

[Forrest Lundstrom]

Hello all --

I'm looking at a 2000 sqft house (main level) with 1200 sqft walkout basement. The place is almost set up perfectly to rent the top and live in the bottom (fencing, entrances, everything is perfect).

The main question is that it is zoned R-1. Never in the future could I turn it into duplex. I think renting out a level is a grey area, but I am working to clarify this point. Zoning codes simply say that two families cannot live in the same structure walled apart (theoretically doors would be ok ... calling the planning committee).

Would two families in an R-1 house be risky? The neighborhood is on busy streets, and the two families would enter and park cars in different locations (street or alleyway).

What are pros/cons to this living situation?

I'm trying to decide if the house is worth what I would have to pay for it, as it is fairly nice and unique in other ways.

Thanks! --
Forrest

[Jeff S.]

Interesting, R1 in my area is high density with larger numbers meaning more area required per unit, just the opposite of your zoning.

Having a roommate situation would seem to me to be fine. Advertising as a mother-in-law apt may work too. Check with a RE agent and see how they might advertise that type property and check zoning commission too.