Expert: Dick Dennis - 9/28/2009

Question
My wife and I are looking for housing and the banker said that this house we where looking at was in a fly zone. And the bank wouldn't finance the property because it was in a fly zone. Is this true.. Even if its a usda loan and the property is rural? What other zoning should I be aware of?

Answer
Real estate is local, no matter where you look, Michael. And anything having to do with zoning, is definitely local within that county. You must talk with the local zoning officials, being the county planners, etc. If your prospective loan is sanctioned by USDA, then it would seem there is a bank somewhere within your area that would actually finance that. Banks in rural areas expect that. It sounds unusual that you would have a problem.

However, why would you want to live in an area in which airplanes are flying over continuously? Or is it farming/spraying planes that they are talking about? Then for sure, it would seem reasonable to expect a "flyzone." Keep on looking. I am sure you'll find a bank that will finance. I do wish you well.

Dick Dennis