Disclosure

While it may not reduce the actual value, a cluttered landscape can detract from the positive aspects of your home. Take action by reviewing your local laws, which should be on file at the public library, county law library or City Hall.

For example, a typical junk vehicle ordinance requires any disabled car to either be enclosed or placed behind a fence. And most cities prohibit parking any vehicle on a city street too long usually no more than 72 hours.

It also may be worthwhile to check into local zoning ordinances. An operator of a home-based business usually is required to obtain a variance or permanent zoning change in residential areas. In addition, if the neighbor's repair work produces loud noises, he may be breaking local noise control ordinances, which are enforced by the police department. Once you have a copy of an ordinance that addresses the problem, your troubles may be almost over. The neighbor probably has no idea that what he is doing is actually against the law. In most cases just presenting a copy to him will resolve the problem.But if the neighbor does not respond, report the violation to the appropriate authority.

According to experts, sellers do not have to disclose other offers.

Obligations to disclose information about a property varies from state to state. Under some strict state laws, the seller and the seller's broker, if there is one, are required to disclose attracts materially affecting the value or desirability of the property which are known or accessible only to them. Items sellers often disclose include: homeowners association dues; whether or not work done on the house meets local building codes and permits requirements; the presence of any neighborhood nuisances or noises which a prospective buyer might not notice, such as a dog that barks every night or poor TV reception; any death within three years on the property" any restrictions on the use of the property, such as zoning ordinances or association rules.