Within the last decade, more cell phone tower sites have been established. There are many located in suburban towns, cities, and even the countryside. The reality is that mobile connectivity is becoming a necessity for modern life. That has, of course, increased the amount of cell towers throughout the country. While some cell phone towers are obvious, some may be discreetly hidden away. However, that does raise a few questions over property owners planning to sell their homes with a tower in the area. So, do you have an obligation to inform buyers about a cell tower?
It Depends on Your State Regulations
When you plan to sell your home, you need to consider what might increase or decrease value. A cell phone tower might just decrease the value. This is especially true if your home is located within the fall zone (that’s close proximately to the tower). Of course, if the value of your property is hampered by the cell tower, you probably don’t think it’s wise to disclose it. Well, it depends on where you reside. Most U.S. states require the disclosure of all nuisances, including cell towers. That means it’s more likely you’ll have to disclose the cell tower site nearby.
Disclose Before Any Offers Are Made
You should always make it clear your property is near a cell phone tower site. While you might think this is a bad idea, the reality is that, if you don’t disclose and the buyers find out later, there could be repercussions. A buyer could withdraw their offer or sue you in civil court. Remember, the property’s value could be impacted by the cell tower and buyers could accuse you of hiding this issue. It’s not ideal and can create a range of problems later.
Instead, it might be easier to disclose to any interested party – before – an offer is made. That way the buyer can’t say they knew nothing of the cell phone tower site. You could specifically mention that in front of the real estate agent too. This gives the buyer the chance to think about the cell tower site and whether they still want to purchase the home. It’s sometimes easier to disclose and avoid issues later. Find out more at https://www.fairbanksopenradio.org/cell-tower-lease-consultant-7-things-to-look-for/
Buyers Should Investigate the Area
While a seller should always disclose a cell phone tower site in the area, buyers also have responsibility. Let’s say you were looking to sell your home. You advertise it and attracts dozens. A buyer is interested, and you let them know there is a cell tower nearby. If they don’t like it, they can choose not to buy the home. On the other hand, they could decide they still want to purchase the property. That is full disclosure and a smart way to sell a home.
However, let’s say you were the buyer and you purchased it without meeting the seller. Your plans are to rent the home out since it’s a central property. You’d still need to investigate the area. This means looking at what makes the home sellable or rentable. Sometimes, the buyer is obligated to do their own research as much as a seller is obligated to disclose certain aspects. Often, a cell phone tower will be discovered before the buyer has even seen the home; not always, of course.
Full Disclose Makes Sense
Whether you’re obligated to or otherwise, it always makes sense to disclose every piece of information about the property. This not only makes it – sometimes – more sellable but ensure there are no issues with the buyer later. It is easier than you think and can ensure buyers won’t complain to you because of a cell tower. When you have a nearby cell phone tower site, let buyers know and they can decide if your property is worth their time still. More details!
