Understanding Deed Restrictions Before You Sell
When it comes to selling your home, there’s a lot to think about—pricing, timing, inspections, and more. But one thing many homeowners overlook is deed restrictions. These legal limitations, often buried in paperwork from years ago, can have a major impact on what you’re allowed to do with your property and how (or if) you can sell it.
Let’s break down what homeowners need to know when dealing with deed restrictions—and how Midwest Cash Offer can help you move forward with confidence.
What Are Deed Restrictions?
Deed restrictions—sometimes called restrictive covenants—are legal limitations written into a property’s deed that dictate how the property can be used. These restrictions are typically established by:
Developers who want to maintain a certain appearance or quality in a subdivision.
Homeowners Associations (HOAs) that manage neighborhood standards.
Previous property owners who include specific clauses in the deed before transferring ownership.
Once in place, these restrictions “run with the land,” which means they stay in effect even as ownership changes over time. That means if you purchase a home with deed restrictions, you’re bound to follow them whether you were aware of them or not.
Many homeowners don’t even realize they exist until they try to renovate, rent, or sell the property, only to find that deed restrictions limit what they can legally do.
Deed restrictions can impact:
Property usage (residential vs. commercial)
Physical changes or improvements to the home
Occupancy or rental arrangements
Landscaping, exterior design, or even paint color
Violating these rules can result in legal action, fines, or being forced to undo changes already made—making it critical for homeowners to be informed before listing their home for sale.
Common Types of Deed Restrictions
No Commercial Use
Many residential properties have clauses that strictly prohibit operating a business from home—even a small one.
This can be problematic if your buyer plans to use the garage as a studio, office, or workshop for a business.
Architectural Control
Restrictions might require HOA approval before making any changes to the home's exterior.
This can include fences, new windows, roofing materials, or even the color of your front door.
These rules preserve neighborhood aesthetics but can make selling difficult if the buyer wants to renovate.
Minimum or Maximum Square Footage
Some neighborhoods restrict how large or small homes can be.
This limits the ability to add extensions or convert garages into living spaces, which could affect buyer plans or property value.
Vehicle Restrictions
Certain subdivisions do not allow RVs, boats, or trailers to be parked in driveways or on the street.
Buyers who own these types of vehicles may reconsider if the property won’t allow them.
Landscaping or Maintenance Requirements
Some HOAs require homeowners to keep lawns manicured, trees trimmed, or gardens weed-free.
If a home has been vacant or neglected, the seller may face fines before a sale can close.
Pet Restrictions
While uncommon, some older deed restrictions can include limits on animal types, sizes, or even breeds.
Rental Limitations
Some properties prohibit short-term rentals like Airbnb or even long-term leasing altogether.
This is a deal-breaker for investors or buyers looking for income-producing properties.
Occupancy Rules
These rules may limit the number of unrelated people who can live in the home or set specific age requirements (such as in 55+ communities).
Each of these restrictions has the potential to delay or derail a sale if discovered too late. That’s why it's crucial to do your homework—or better yet, work with a company like Midwest Cash Offer that knows how to handle these issues with speed and clarity.
Key Things to Keep in Mind
Check your deed: Before listing, review the deed and any HOA documents to uncover restrictions.
They affect value: Some buyers may be turned off by too many restrictions, reducing your pool of potential buyers.
They can’t always be removed: Deed restrictions can be difficult or impossible to modify without court intervention or unanimous HOA consent.
You’re legally bound: Violating them—even unknowingly—can lead to lawsuits, fines, or forced property changes.
How Midwest Cash Offer Helps Homeowners
At Midwest Cash Offer, we’ve worked with thousands of sellers, many of whom were dealing with confusing or frustrating deed restrictions. Here’s how we step in:
We buy as-is — Even if your property has restrictions that might scare away traditional buyers.
We simplify paperwork — Our team helps you understand what restrictions exist and what they mean for your sale.
We take care of the details — No need to navigate legal complexities on your own.
We close fast — With no waiting for bank approvals or buyer hesitation over restrictions.
Whether your property is under strict HOA control or has long-forgotten restrictions from decades ago, we help you move on without the stress.
Ready to Sell Without the Hassle?
You don’t have to let deed restrictions slow down your life. Contact Midwest Cash Offer and find out how we can help you sell quickly, easily, and without the red tape.
