Some towns to preserve their uniqueness and maximize property values have passed what are referred to anti-monotony ordinances, preventing builders from constructing two homes next to each other that are identical. In subdivisions being constructed by a single builder building just five different models of homes, the builder will flip floor plans and change roof lines to vary the elevations of the homes and comply with the ordinance.

Special Service Areas (SSA’s)

In an increasing number of communities, Special Service Areas are being created. Traditionally developers have always been financially responsible for installing the infrastructure in a subdivision; streets, curbs, sidewalks, street lights, water and sewer. Over the past 10 years, more towns have been setting up SSA’s. The town issues a bond to raise money for the installation of a subdivision’s infrastructure. Each lot in the subdivision will have a special assessment that they must pay in addition to their general real estate taxes. These special assessments will typically be for several thousand dollars and might last for 10 years or more. Homes in SSA’s should sell for less than similar homes in other subdivisions because of the special assessments on the SSA properties.

Recent hurricanes, Katrina, Rita and Wilma, have prompted record flood claims. These storms have caused $23 billion in flood claims which is more than 10 times the $2.1 billion that it collected in premiums last year. Approximately 4.7 million property owners carry flood insurance policies. That is estimated to be only 40% of the property owners that are required to carry the insurance.

Methamphetamine is processed using ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. Properties that have been used for the production of Methamphetamine are considered environmental nightmares. Many over the counter cold and allergy tablets contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. Meth is often made in illegal mom an pop labs in a residential unit. In addition to these chemicals, other chemicals that are used in the production of meth are highly toxic. Lab operators routinely dump the waste from its production into sewage systems, streams and rivers. The chemical vapors produced during the production process permeate the walls and the carpets making the residence uninhabitable. Cleaning up a meth site will cost thousands of dollars and should be done by trained personnel. Law enforcement estimates there are over 7,700 mom and pop meth labs in the U.S. manufacturing under 10 pounds of meth.

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Last updated 07/10/07