Question: We're thinking about buying a B&B, but a friend said you have to have business
zoning. Is that true?
Answer: No. Most B&B's are operated in large homes, at least that's how most get started. These are typically single family residences converted to a B&B. I've seen a three bedroom home turned into a two room B&B. Of course, any zoning authority could create restrictions that you should check, but most counties and cities will authorize a B&B, provided you meet the basic guidelines for operating a B&B. Many zoning ordinances have a special section devoted to B&B's and other home enterprises. Here's a Trap for the Unwary: Be aware of the possibility that there is a restriction in the CC&R's. These are the covenants that put restrictions on how your property may be used. Most CC&R's do not restrict B&B's, but some do.
Submit your questions to chuckmarunde@gmail.com.
Personal Recommendation: For a wonderful stay at a local B&B, I strongly recommend one of our finest B&B's in the entire region right here in Sequim. Lost Mountain Lodge. Check out their website and facilities. You'll be glad you did, and tell them Chuck Marunde sent you.
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Bed & Breakfasts on the Olympic Peninsula are popular, especially for the Seattle crowd. There are many here, and they are great.
If you're interested in buying a B&B, this is a pretty specialized area, and that goes for selling, too. I strongly urge you to get a very experienced and knowledgeable professional to get it right. You're going to run a large business, and it's success will depend at the outset on you getting the purchase right.
Having been a real estate lawyer, I have been an Adviser to many B&B owners on many aspects of their business. I once litigated a case for over a year, protecting a B&B owner from a neighbor's claims that the zoning and covenants did not allow a B&B. We won, and the B&B continued to serve happy customers for years.
My expertise includes buying and selling, business evaluation, tax issues, marketing your B&B on the Internet, and much more. Since I get paid on a commission basis only, all of this is free to my clients.
Chuck Marunde, J.D.
Broker/Owner
Sequim & Port Angeles Real Estate
618 South Peabody St., Suite I
Port Angeles, Washington 98362
tel.: 360-775-5424
fax: 866-733-7135
chuckmarunde@gmail.com