The military presence plays a huge part in San Antonio’s continued economic and population growth, but with it comes the difficulties of encroaching residential space near the bases, including Camp Bullis. Active since 1917, Camp Bullis is a military training facility and despite its massive size in the north-central/western area of San Antonio, few don’t notice it until they hear the sound of gunfire or notice the increased presence of military vehicles or aircraft when training exercises are taking place (our office is located near Camp Bullis and we often hear the sounds of machine guns off in the distance during the day). If you’re not expected it, it can come as quite a surprise.
Buying or Selling a Home Near Camp Bullis?
In real estate, we always talk about disclosure and with an active military base in your backyard, things are no different. Although not required as a disclosure, the city of San Antonio provides a voluntary disclosure for use by those selling homes in the area of Camp Bullis (aka the Awareness Zone). The Camp Bullis Awareness Zone Voluntary Real Estate Disclosure Statement (PDF file) is a brief document that explains some of what a potential buyer can expect from living close to an active military base like Camp Bullis. While not required by law, owners wanting to sell their homes in the area might want to include the Camp Bullis Awareness Zone Voluntary Real Estate Disclosure Statement along with their Seller’s Disclosure. Will it discourage some potential buyers? Possibly. In cases like this, it is always best to disclose your knowledge fully though, as a buyer could buy your home and feel that they were mislead about living near an active military base and what that means to them as homeowners. When people feel they’ve been mislead, it usually ends up in the legal system and that’s something that no one wants when buying or selling a home.
image courtesy of U.S. Army Environmental Command