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This Florida couple bought a vacant lot for $17,500 — then discovered they can’t build on it.
Donna Hartl and her husband bought a lot in Brooksville, Florida. They paid $17,500. They wanted to build their dream home.
However, they found out they cannot build there. A law stops them because a nearby power line is too close. The couple did their research. They checked with the county and got plans made for their home.
Unfortunately, a neighbor told them about the easement. This easement means they cannot build within 100 feet of the power pole. Now, most of their land is unusable.
They still have to pay taxes on the land. The county reduced the value of the land, but they are still stuck with it.
This shows the importance of knowing the rules about land before buying it. Always check public records for easements.
Vocabulary List:
Vacant /ˈveɪ.kənt/ (adjective): Not occupied; empty.
Easement /ˈiː.zə.mənt/ (noun): A legal right to use a portion of someone else’s property.
Unusable /ʌnˈjuː.zə.bəl/ (adjective): Not able to be used; impractical or unsuitable for use.
Barred /bɑːrd/ (verb): Prevented or restricted from doing something.
Research /ˈriː.sɜːrtʃ/ (noun/verb): The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources.
County /ˈkaʊnti/ (noun): A territorial division of a state often with its own government.
