Sometimes, it can be as easy as doing a minor-subdivision of land and changing zoning or just obtating exceptions and permits.

Originally posted by Rob K:...if there's no permit involved.How could there not be?

DO NOT buy anything with a bad roof - you can replace all the windows on a weekend and maybe without permits.

Lets assume that you disclosed all the known defects, you pulled and closed all necessary permits etc is there something you need to pay extra attention ?

Check with you local government (without giving the address) to see if this is something that needs to be permitted or not.

I am not sure of Texas but we allow developers to file for zone change and permits before title is conveyed.

Neighborhood improvment programs as grants and loans will be cut.First time buyer money from CDBG funds can go down.All agencies will be letting people go without pay, long term, more foreclosures and unpaid rents.Fed funds that go to cities will dry up, cities tighten the belt, may take longer to get approvals, inspections, fewer cops to support neighborhood property crimes issues, county offices may get backloads, permits and filings slow, makes searches more difficult, slows closings.GDP will drop a half point, slows the economy, fewer jobs, fewer buyers and qualified renters, construction slows, inventory increases and prices fall or at least slows growth.

I have seen a room built that simply took in an existing above grade window and built a closet which worked fine in a basement and it was not permitted (permit not pulled), the sheetrock had to be cut for an electrical inspection, it passed, it was approved with some money.

I know some cities in FL that will take 10 cents on the dollar or that will forgive them entirely (with a lengthy before and after inspection process and all work done up to code and with permits).

Specify how payment will be made, who will buy materials, get permits, etc.