All Forum Posts by: James Peterson

Update everybody... I terminated the contract. The issue wasn't zoning, the seller (or her GC) never pulled permits before converting there house to a duplex and adding that ADU. Long story short, its a illegal build. So back to the MLS I go. Thanks for the help everyone. Even though this is a frustrating situation, I was taught a lot about the city zoning laws and zoning laws in general.

Great points. The seller refinanced this property about a year ago and used a VA loan to purchase it. His lender allowed him to refinance, no issues, so I'm now going through that same lender. They don't foresee any issues but I'll follow up after I get the property appraised. Fingers crossed haha.

@Milan Dixon I'm hoping to close a multifamily soon in Columbus. Columbus Georgia is not a high appreciating market but with that said, I would stick to Phenix City and North Columbus as they offer the best school systems and demand. The general forethought here is, the closer you are to Ft Benning, the worse the neighborhood (C+ to D). PM me if you want to talk more, I'm active duty military currently stationed in Columbus and more than willing to share my experiences with looking for a BRRRR and house-hack.

@Milan Dixon I don't think a zone variance is necessary because the property falls under the current zoning requirements. I'm hoping the lender is being overtly cautious and a lender that's willing to take more "risk" is willing to accommodate me. 

I'm under contract for a multi-family house in Columbus Georgia. Its a duplex with a ADU in the backyard
(its zoned SFR-2, up to 4 units are authorized on the lot). My lender essentially stated that they cannot finance this deal because its zoned as a SFH, and if something happens to it, they can only rebuild it as a SFH. Anybody else run into the same issue? I plan on reaching out to a different lender, I'm hoping this issue is primarily lender based and not a concrete "no" across the board.