Is Your Home Lot About to Get Smaller?

Those of you on Mockingbird Lane might have this question:
DEAR BOB: I recently bought my first home. It is on a busy street with a very small front yard and no street parking. Shortly after moving in, I received a notice that the city plans to widen the street and take four feet from the front of my property. This will necessitate taking down a big, old, beautiful tree and leave only a few feet from my house to the sidewalk. A neighbor said all the neighbors knew about the street widening, and the city claims to have notified all owners. What are my rights? The seller said nothing about this on the seller’s disclosure statement. If I would have known of the city’s plans, I wouldn’t have bought the house. What should I do? –Mary E.

DEAR MARY: If there was a real estate agent involved in the transaction, he or she claims to be a “professional” and should have notified you of the proposed street widening, which adversely affects the desirability and market value of your home.

Home sellers have been known to lie. That is apparently what happened in your situation. The city will probably offer you a small amount for taking the four feet of your property.

To be sure you aren’t cheated I suggest you hire a professional appraiser to evaluate your home’s market value both before and after the taking. You should also consult a local real estate attorney to discuss the possibility of rescinding the sale if that is what you would like to do.