Due diligence in the purchase of a property is critical, a process in which a competent Realtor can guide you. What red flags do you see? What are future problems that can arise? Where can you get answers? What questions should you ask? And how do you build this due diligence into your contract? Let's look at this very public example, all politics aside.
In 2002 Todd and Sarah Palin had a monumental challenge in the sale of their lakefront home. The sale was crucial because the Palins had already constructed a new home and were ready to move in. The Palins' house was built by the original owner too close to the shoreline and too close to adjacent properties on each side, including a carport that stretched so far over it nearly connected the two houses. The Palins had a buyer, but he wouldn't close the deal unless she persuaded the city to waive the violations with a code variance.
Major challenge for any homeowner? You bet? When should this be addressed? When you purchase your property. And a competent, knowledgeable Realtor, preferably with the training and experience of a Certified Residential Specialist, is the expert to call.
I am knowledgeable on Central Oregon homes, on riverfront homes and condos, and on farms and ranches in Central Oregon, which often require much due diligence as a result of unmarked boundaries, unrecorded easements and "gentlemen's agreements" about property uses. County codes directly impact all of these properties, and in the case of riverfront and ranches, state and federal regulations come into play as well.
Make sure any Realtor with whom you work is equally competent and thorough. You never know in the future what may depend on the answers you get before closing. I am sure the Palins wish now as this issue comes to light and their solution to it that they had done some simple due diligence when they bought the property.