I was considering buying an old two story home and older country general store on two lots. Everything was fine and dandy until I requested to see the survey. The side of the house hangs 30 feet over the left side of the property line, and the front of the home and store hang 5 feet over the front of the property line, which is against the road. The house has been there since 1920 and the store since 1907. I asked the owner if there would be a problem with this, and she said no. Is there some sort of time permit for older or historic buildings? To the left of the house is supposed to be a road, but there isn't. Should I find out with the local officials before I offer to buy the home? I don't know anything about encroachment laws. thanks for your help.

Reply to post by kimpy, on April 09, 2001 at 19:20:58:

oops, just wanted to add that besides 30 feet of the house hanging off the property line on the west side, the old owner has a large amount of trees, fruit vines, and uses about 8 feet or so of land to the west of the home. The part of the home that is hanging out of the property boundaries is over 80 years old. I don't see how the land was not re surveyed in all this time to include the house and surrounding land and be taxed as such. thanks.