Dirt road, shared driveway dilemma..... (Surf City: for sale, houses, neighborhood)

[starrsealife]

I am looking at a house for sale in Hampstead/Surf City area that is on an unpaved private road. I wasn’t sure I’d want a house on a dirt road, since I’ve lived on one before and wanted to get away from that. The road also appears to be shared by several houses. My realtor is finding out about any agreements about how the road is taken care of by the homeowners that use it.

In the meantime, I’d like to get some input about how things generally go in that area. My previous experience was not a good one, so I’d like to hear from others if there is a norm or is it just a crap shoot depending on who shares in the responsibility.

For example, my previous home was on a driveway shared by 4 houses. The shared portion was probably 800 – 1000 ft. long. Only two of us ever paid any money to maintain it and the other two homeowners benefitted from that but never invested a nickel. This included snowplowing as well as grading and being in an extreme northern climate it needed constant winter plowing and yearly grading.

Also at what point does the town step in to take over a road and/or pave a road? I understand that until a year or so ago many roads where I live now were unpaved. Although I am sure those were town roads, I am not sure the roads I am asking about are.

The neighborhood is near Surf City and the roads are Heron Cove and Cordts Lane. Anyone familiar with the area and circumstances?

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by starrsealife

In the meantime, I’d like to get some input about how things generally go in that area. My previous experience was not a good one, so I’d like to hear from others if there is a norm or is it just a crap shoot depending on who shares in the responsibility.

I don't know how things generally go. However, I live in Onslow County (near Surf City), and the private dirt roads seem to have been there forever. Don't expect the county to take over road maintenance. I see the aerial view of Cordts Lane, etc, and the roads don't look bad.

Unless the Realtor finds a specific, enforcable agreement among the homeowners, I would skip that deal.

[LLN]

Assume, no help whatsoever. But find out beforehand. I would be surprised the realtor did not know the answer to such an obvious (and important) question.

[starrsealife]

Cordts Lane isn't bad at this time, but one wash out and that changes quickly. Heron Cove currently has a big washout. Since the road is accessible from both ends, homeowners could be less inclined to pitch in.

I don't expect a realtor that isn't the listing agent (and he isn't) to know everything about all listings. Why/how would they?

I am inclined to pass. An agreement is only enforceable if you take people to court.