One thing that I would suggest is asking if the retention pond is a temporary retention pond or if it is permanent. If the subdivision is still under construction, there is a good chance that the retention pond is only temp and will be removed once the subdivision is complete (this is something that is done often in Paulding county). This would be a question that I would have your buyer’s agent inquire about. If you don't have a buyer's agent, I would suggest that you hire one to represent you through this transaction. If the retention pond is temp, I would suggest having it written in the contract that the retention pond is to be removed once the subdivision is complete. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me and if you need a buyers' agent, I am very familiar with Paulding county new construction.

Thu May 8 2008, 09:58

Insects can be an issue. Resale should be your biggest concern.

Get the builder to discount the home as much as possible and negotiate for the builder to plant some trees or put up a privacy fence to block it from view if possible.

Mon Apr 28 2008, 07:32

The most common "problem" I hear potential buyers discussing related to retention ponds are about children safety issues. Small children will be drawn to the site like magnets, and unless the area is well protected, it could be a hazard. You'll be able to guess the degree of the safety hazard based on how large, deep, etc the site is and whether it is fenced.

The second most frequent complaint I hear about these ponds is that they draw insects.

The bottom line: I would make sure that you are getting some fairly significant pricing concessions on the home, simply because there is a perception issue at hand, and that will eventually affect you on the resale of this home. That means that future buyers will have the same concerns that you are having, and (in order to sell the home) you may need to be less expensive than the houses that are farther away from the pond.

Mon Apr 28 2008, 04:41

If the retention pond is properly landscaped it should not represent much of a problem. Most times that I see them as a problem is when they become overgrown and no one has the responsibility to maintain the appearance. Find out who is supposed to maintain the pond. Is it the responsibility of the HOA? Is there an HOA? If there is an HOA the pond should be part of the common areas and maintenance should the HOA responsibility.

Sun Apr 27 2008, 04:43