real estate professionals,and the

RISMedia - Residential Real Estate's Largest Independent News & Information Service - Immediate access to industry news,top real estate professionals,and the nation's most respected product and service firms real estate referral,real estate training,real estate education,real estate news articles information consulting expertise real estate professionals reference resources industry worldwide database national regional state real estate referral,real estate training,real estate education,real estate news articles information consulting expertise real estate professionals articles information consulting expertise real estate professionals reference resources industry worldwide database national regional state real estate referral,real estate training,real estate education,real estate news reference resources industry worldwide database national regional state real estate referral,real estate training,real estate education,real estate news Today's News Products/Services Article Search Events Feedback Login Real Estate Magazine Realtors/Services Power Broker Report Real Estate Leadership Power Broker Event Realestate Magazine Feedback Daily News Feedback Advertising Opportunities Feedback Other Feedback Today's Real Estate News Get our free News Feed Existing-Home Sales Trend Lower in November Sales eased 1.7% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.97 million units in November from a pace of 7.09 million in October More. Inverted Yield Curve Influences Mortgage Rates Fixed mortgage rates fell slightly this week, as long-term interest rates declined following a large decrease in new home sales More. NAR Provides Access to Updated Study of Emerging Legal Issues in Real Estate Study tracks historical data regarding more than 90 different legal liability issues faced by real estate professionals More. Pitching Property in the Blogosphere Real estate blogs rising in popularity at a time when the Internet is becoming more important in home-buying process More. Todays HOME Spun Wisdom New Years resolution: Adopting a healthy diet More. November Illinois Home Sales Nearly Even with Last Year Median Price at $202,000 Total home sales down less than 200 from the prior year More. 2005 California Housing Market Eclipses Previous Records Sales of detached, existing single-family homes are expected to reach 635,000 this year More. Housing Costs Up in Western Massachusetts Prices outside of the city are up much faster this year than in the Boston area More. NAR PULSE: NAR Welcomes Federal Guidelines on Specialty Mortgages The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS on Dec. 20 welcomed proposed guidelines from the federal financial regulatory agencies on specialty mortgage products that allow consumers to defer repayment of the home mortgage principal and interest. More. NAR PULSE: Terrorism Insurance Readied for President The U.S. House and Senate have reached agreement on extension of federal terrorism re-insurance for an additional two years, setting the stage for signing by President George W. Bush. The legislation increases the point at which federal backstop assistance kicks in from $5 million this year to $50 million in 2006 and $100 million in 2007, and creates the President's Working Group on Financial Markets (which includes the Treasury secretary and the Chairs of the Fed and SEC). NAR supported extension to ensure the availability and affordability of terrorism coverage, vital to the financing of commercial properties. More. NAR PULSE: New Resort Certification to Serve Growing Second-Home and Resort Market To better serve the growing second-home and resort real estate sector, a new certification for REALTORS called the Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) will be offered by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS. The new certification program was announced at the 2005 NAR Conference & Expo in San Francisco last October. More. Sedgwick CMS Holdings Agrees to Acquisition by Fidelity National Financial FNF will acquire company for $635 million More. RE/MAX Moves to No. 8 in Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Study Company moves up in ranking More. W.C. & A.N. Miller to Help Build a Town Town of Haymount will be new venture for Miller More. Millionaires Bank on Orange County, Calif., Homes At a time when half of all county homes sell for more than $600,000, one out of six crosses into seven-figure territory More. Todays HOME Spun Wisdom Looking for a good quote to add to your New Years toast? Here are some thoughts on ringing in the New Year from some of historys most notable quotable. More. Online Marketing: New Years Resolutions for Your Web Site Commentary by Israel Rothman More. Sharp Increase in Average Time Needed to Sell a Home: Survey 75% of respondents say homes in U.S. now taking more than 30 days to sell, up from 39% in second quarter; new sales data suggests more balanced market emerging More. Floridas Lake Worth Favors Industrial Park over Building Affordable Townhomes Leaders want seven-acre mobile home park to become part of growing industrial area More. Top Mistakes of Home Buyers and Sellers in 2005 Mistakes made in 2005 may help those looking to buy or sell in 2006 More. Home Buyers Put Faith in Concrete Recent hurricanes, higher energy costs cause for more concrete structures More. California Median Home Cost Up 16.2% But sales are down 11.2% compared with last year More. Training & Business Development: Final Four Days for $125,000 Deadline for Real Estate Apprentice is approaching fast More. Todays HOME Spun Wisdom For 2006, make one resolution as a couple. Here are some guidelines. More. State Home Sales Slide For the first time in 47 months, the median price of a home in two Santa Barbara County, California markets declined from its prior annual level More. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Author Launch the Great American Homeowner Challenge New Year's Eve Times Square 2006 celebration to kick-off campaign to inspire long-term financial success through homeownership More. List of Real Estate Training Courses for Real Estate Designations Updated Prominent real estate designations and certifications that are managed by an equally long list of real estate associations, institutes, councils and societies are now available for review in one spot More. MLSSoftware.com, RealBird Partner to Provide Map-Based Searching Services MLSSoftware to resell a branded version of RealBirds service to its clients More. Training & Business Development: The Magnificent 12 Four more industry leaders now in official judges lineup for Real Estate Apprentice More. Training & Business Development: Profiles in CourageThe Entrepreneur Agent The short cut to fearlessness More. Training & Business Development: Becoming 100% Invested in the Present Making the customer feel as though they are the only one is key More. Real Estate Continues as Prime Investment for 2006 Second consecutive year that industry has been one of the top investment choices in the survey More. Action Against Fraud Urged Jury calls for new $2 deed-filing fee to fund a new real-estate fraud prosecution unit More. Houston Home Sales Near Record Single-family home sales increased by 8.7% to 4,735 in November, up from last year's 4,357 More. Number of Homes for Sale Hits Nine-Year High in Orlando However, existing-home sales through November remained on pace to set a 13th consecutive annual record More. Todays HOME Spun Wisdom Hosting a New Years party? Here are some resolutions to think about to help you enjoy your own bash. More. Nations Strong Housing Market Seen Simmering Down in 2006 Economists: production will ease back next year to 2004s historically healthy levels More. Bankrate: Mortgage Rates in a Holiday Holding Pattern Average 30-year fixed rate mortgage dipped from 6.34 percent to 6.33 percent More. Most Homeowners Oppose Proposal to Replace Home Mortgage Interest Deduction Presidents tax reform panel would eliminate other consumer deductions More. ABN AMRO Mortgage Ranks Highest Among Primary Mortgage Lenders Highly satisfied customers refer their loan originator to others more than twice as often More. Todays HOME Spun Wisdom Regifting and exchanging 101some tips on the dos and donts of regifting More. Builders Take Steps to Curb Homes Sales Backlog of units becoming a problem for some companies More. Foreclosure.com Adds Content That Helps Subscribers Make Smart Property Decisions State-specific Foreclosure Laws and How to Buy Foreclosures offer helpful tips More. Weichert, Realtors Expands with Four New Franchises in New York and Massachusetts Company now has 31 opened affiliated offices and 11 company-owned offices in New York More. Prudential California Realty Launches Architectural Collection Division 15-year architecture and design expert to spearhead new division More. NAR PULSE: Historically Strong Home Sales Expected in 2006 The housing market for 2005 is headed for a fifth consecutive annual record, and sales activity in 2006 is expected to be the second best year in history. For more information, click here . More. NAR PULSE: NAR Launches RESPA Compliance Tools as Part of Awareness Campaign The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS has launched four new tools to help real estate professionals better understand and comply with the requirements of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) as part of NARs RESPA Awareness Campaign. For more information, click here . More. NAR PULSE: New Resort Certification to Serve Growing Second-Home and Resort Market To better serve the growing second-home and resort real estate sector, a new certification for REALTORS called the Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) will be offered by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS. The new certification program was announced at the 2005 NAR Conference & Expo in San Francisco last October. For more information, click here . More. Wealthy Americans Remain Confident Home Values Will Increase PNC survey finds fewer than one in 10 expect decline in value of their primary homes More. Housing Market Strengthens in November Record year for single-family home construction expected More. -- Current Issue Previous Issue Past Issues Reprints Realtor Solutions CURRENT ISSUE April, 2005 Past Issues -- Daily News Email Submit your email address to receive a daily news email from rismedia.com SITE SPONSORS Today's Profile Barbara Reynolds A Smooth Transition Poll Has your market become a buyer's market? Yes No Don't know Results Polls

Land For Sale Acreage

North Carolina Land for Sale | Asheville NC Land and Large Acreage Tracts Home | Featured Listings | MLS Search | About Us | Contact Us Horse Farms | Land | Luxury Homes | Condos & Lofts | Waterfront Property | Commercial | 1031 Exchange Phone Us 828.694.1558 North Carolina Land For Sale Acreage in the Greater Asheville NC Area I f you are seeking North Carolina land for sale, Sheelah Clarkson Asheville Real Estate Agency is pleased to assist you . We serve as buyer's agents helping national and international investors locate tracts of mountain land that are suitable for investment, 1031 exchange , or private estate property. As a land specialist, Sheelah Clarkson is a member of the Realtors Land Institute (RLI), the only national organization comprised of licensed real estate professionals who broker, sell, lease, manage, and develop land. This influential affiliation gives our agency the leverage and network necessary to identify and procure large acreage land tracts on behalf of our buyers and investors. Featured Land For Sale Our featured land for sale is a rare 228-acre tract of land in Waynesville, NC . This property has been passed down in the family for generations and is available on the open market for the first time. With frontage on all sides of an intersection along major Highway US 276 less than 1 mile from the city limits , this acreage is ideal for a major mixed use development or urban village. The prime location with multiple access points, level land, and nearby utilities make this acreage a developers ideal. View more information on this Waynesville NC land . Our featured investment land includes 101 acres and 62 acres near three pretigious Cliffs Communities with views to The Cliffs at Glassy in upstate South Carolina. This acreage is perfectly positioned for a private mountain estate, high end residential development, or a national retreat center. The 101-acre tract lies adjacent to more than 1,700 acres of the Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve , protecting your year round mountain views. Both offer paved road access and access to utilities. These land tracts are within easy driving distance of Greenville SC, Hendersonville NC, and the GSP Airport. View more details of this prime acreage. If you would like to see other properties on the market, contact us with your acreage requirements. Also, a number of land listings can be found in the Farms and Land section of the Asheville MLS or the Lots and Land section of the Tryon MLS . Ask us for more information on specific listings that interest you. Finding NC Mountain Land for Sale The magnificent vistas and ecology of our western North Carolina highlands have drawn people here for centuries. However, locating large acreage tracts of North Carolina land for sale can be challenging. Why? Portions of our most spectacular mountain ranges are protected by state and national agencies. More than one million acres are contained in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. State parks and forests also hold thousands of acres. In the Brevard and Hendersonville area alone, The Gorges State Park and the Dupont State Forest protect more than 20,000 acres of pristine mountain land. Large acreage tracts are rare and exclusive mountain land for sale is not always listed in a public MLS. However, a number of significant land tracts in western North Carolina are still available if you know how to find them. Most real estate agents focus on houses and residential lots. Few realty professionals excel in the sale of land and acreage, perhaps because this specialty area is unique, requiring knowledge of an extensive geographic region, willingness to travel the back roads, and an in-depth understanding of land tract zoning, characteristics, and markets. Our North Carolina Land Services As large acreage buyer's agents, we cover 11 counties in the greater Asheville NC area, a wide territory that spans some of the most stunning mountain land and pastoral foothills in western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. We help match your investment needs with the most appropriate land tract. We understand how the unique characteristics of a property can impact your proposed use of the acreage. For instance, the topography in western North Carolina varies greatly from rolling foothills that provide an exceptional location for horse farms , to steep mountains with scenic vistas, to valleys suitable for agri-business. Zoning and restrictions vary from county to county as well. We serve our buyers and investors by tapping into a network of land savvy specialists throughout our region to locate acreage for a variety of purposes, including property for 1031 exchange , land for investment, and acreage for private luxury homes and estates. We know this region. We drive the back roads. And we are pleased to work closely with qualified buyers who are ready to purchase land. Contact us to discuss your needs regarding large acreage land tracts for sale in western North Carolina. North Carolina Land Conservancy Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. - Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of REALTORS At Sheelah Clarkson Asheville Real Estate Agency, we believe in the wise use of land. We support land stewardship through such measures as personal responsibility, sustainability, and land conservancy. The North Carolina Conservation Tax Credit Program (CTC) North Carolina boasts some of the most progressive legislation in the nation regarding land conservancy. The North Carolina Conservation Tax Credit Program (CTC) offers financial incentives that encourage both corporate and private property owners to protect the land. Preserving our land benefits both the environment and future generations. Moreover, it can be a smart financial strategy for land owners because it offers substantial income tax credit for those who donate real property for conservation purposes. Land conservancy is a win-win for all involved. You can learn more about the tax credits offered through conservation easements and other land conservancy options by visiting the website of the North Carolina Conservation Tax Credit Program . North Carolina Land Conservancy Organizations A number of nonprofit groups are dedicated to protecting our North Carolina land. We invite you to visit these websites for more information on land preservation in the Tarheel state. The North Carolina Chapter of the Nature Conservancy Durham, NC State chapter protecting more than 100 sites across the state including several sites in western North Carolina. Million Acre Initiative Raleigh, NC State program dedicated to preserving one million acres of open space in North Carolina this decade. Conservation Trust for North Carolina Raleigh, NC Statewide organization working with local land trusts, community groups, and private landowners to protect North Carolina land and water resources. Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy Hendersonville, NC Local organization serving Henderson and Transylvania counties. Pacolet Area Conservancy Lynn, NC Local group focused on the Pacolet and Green River watersheds in portions of Polk County and Henderson County in North Carolina as well as parts of Spartanburg and Greenville Counties in South Carolina. Land Trust for the Little Tennessee Franklin, NC Local trust serving the upper Little Tennessee Valley area that lies along the corridor between the Nantahala and Cowee mountains of western North Carolina. Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Asheville, NC Local conservancy serving Buncombe and Madison Counties plus Highlands of Roan, a major project that preserves 15,000 acres along the North Carolina and Tennessee border. Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust Boone, NC Local trust serving a seven county area in northwestern North Carolina including Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey Counties. National Committee for the New River West Jefferson, NC Local group focused on the protection and restoration of the New River and 5,000 acres of watershed in northwestern North Carolina. Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina Morganton, NC Local organization serving Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Lincoln, McDowell and Rutherford Counties. If you are interested in purchasing large acreage land tracts of land for sale in North Carolina, contact us to discuss the benefits of land conservancy. Sheelah Clarkson is a member of the Realtors Land Institute (RLI) Asheville Real Estate | Asheville North Carolina MLS | Tryon North Carolina MLS | Asheville Homes For Sale | Asheville Condos North Carolina Luxury Homes | North Carolina Land For Sale | North Carolina Acreage | North Carolina Mountain Real Estate North Carolina Horse Farms | Equestrian Communities | Horse Property | Equestrian Property | North Carolina Mountain Land North Carolina Commercial Real Estate | 1031 Exchange Real Estate | NC Waterfront Property | Sitemap | Links | About Us | Contact Info © 2005 Sheelah Clarkson Sheelah Clarkson Asheville Real Estate Agency • PO Box 8804 • Asheville,NC 28814-8804 Phone 828.694.1558 • Fax 828.694.1549 • Email sheelah@sheelahclarkson.com

Buy Property

Buying Property in France Web TransitionsAbroad.com Home Work Study Travel Living As seen in Transitions Abroad Magazine March/April 2000 Related Topics Living Abroad Related Articles Legal Living in France Moving to France Buying a Home in France Property in France How to Find It, Buy It, And Live in It By Phyllis Cohen Buying property in France is not just for movie stars and celebrities. Ordinary people with a passable knowledge of French (or a friend who speaks it) and a lot of patience can acquire a bit of magic too. But before you attempt it, arm yourself with knowledge of how to find your special place, how to buy it, and how to live in it. Finding the Place As you look for what you want, here are several things to bear in mind: Don’t expect American state-of-the-art appliances, floor layouts, or conveniences. Part of the charm of old buildings is that they are old, and that includes the kitchens and plumbing. Decide if you want a pied-à-terre (a small place where you can comfortably stay for several weeks or months at a time) or a year-round residence. Generally, an apartment is sold with an empty kitchen—four walls and a water outlet. There are stores that will help you design and install your own kitchen, ranging from pre-fabricated cabinets at IKEA to a kitchen created by cuisinistes . Get at least three estimates as well as references before selecting your vendor. If you will be in a city, decide whether or not you will have a car. Parking in Paris is difficult; having a parking place can greatly increase the resale value of your place. France offers a wide variety of locales. Before you go to the effort of buying something, you really need to explore. Paris itself is divided into 20 arrondissements , each with its own character. If you are willing to live in the banlieue , or suburbs, prices drop dramatically. Properties in the countryside are considerably cheaper. Finding the right house or flat is more complicated than in the U.S. There is no such thing as Multiple Listings in France. Only 30 percent of real estate transactions occur with the help of realtors; the rest are directly between buyer and seller. As a foreigner, you might be more comfortable working through an agent, or agent immobilier , who knows the laws of France. Getting Started Let’s say you’ve decided to buy an appartement in Paris. Walk the streets to find an area you like, then hunt down some agencies that look promising. You can also check out the listings and realtors in various magazines, newspapers, and on the Internet. There is relatively little new construction in Paris. Those apartment complexes that are being developed are usually sold when ground is first broken; in other words, you basically buy an apartment two years before it is completed. Occasionally, you will find almost-completed apartments listed in newspapers and real estate magazines.If you are truly brave, you can buy a place at auction. Notices appear in newspapers such as Le Figaro and the International Herald Tribune. Let the buyer beware. At least take an architect with you when you go to look at the offering. Reading Listings No matter where you find your listings, they will all be posted as À Louer (For Rent) and À Vendre (To Buy). They will also tell you what arrondissement (if in Paris) or département (if in the rest of the country) the property is located in. Perhaps most importantly, they will give you the size in square meters and the number of rooms. Most apartments in Paris are small. Studios are 100-200 square feet, some smaller. Three-bedroom apartments are frequently under 1,000 square feet. Listings will tell you how many rooms there are other than the kitchen. A studio is one room. A one-bedroom apartment will have two pièces, or two rooms, plus the kitchen. Bedrooms are almost uniformly small, while the living rooms are comparatively large. Bear in mind that the French follow the European convention of counting the first floor as the ground floor (Rez-de-Chauseé or RdC); the second floor in American terminology is the first floor in Europe. Generally, the higher the floor, the more expensive the property. Closing the Deal Once you have decided on a place you like at a mutually-agreed upon price, you and the seller sign a document known as a promesse de vente . This is a legally binding document that confirms that the seller must sell the property to the buyer. The buyer, however, has 11 days to change his mind. The seller must also provide to the buyer an accurate floor plan of the apartment or house. All sales in France are conducted with notaires. Both the buyer and seller has his own notaire and they confirm that all aspects of the sale are done according to law. If you are buying a condominium, there will be a set of rules that govern the building. As an owner, you are a co-proprietaire and are bound by the laws of the building. Owners collectively determine such things as whether you are allowed to install a satellite antenna on your balcony, whether the building as a whole will subscribe to cable TV, how often and how much money will be spent on repainting the walls, etc. Do not make the mistake (as we did) of not personally reading all regulations before you sign. As a foreigner, it is advisable to hire an avocat , or lawyer, who specializes in real estate. In case of a disagreement, you are far better off having someone who knows the law and knows how to speak French. Tax Considerations Before buying property in France, you should know that the Government of France has very specific inheritance laws. By law, on your death your property is divided equally between your spouse and your surviving children. There are some steps you can take to ensure that the surviving spouse can continue to live in the house or flat. Speak with a lawyer about this before you buy the property. You will pay between 8 and10 percent in taxes and fees. If you buy an apartment less than five years old, however, you will pay only 3 to 5 percent or less. Ask also about property taxes, which tend to be less in Paris than in the country. Generally, you will be responsible for both a land and a habitation tax. A larger question is your residency status. If you reside in France full time and earn a living here, you will become part of the French social system. The taxes are extraordinarily high (more than 50 percent). Again, you should seek the advice of a tax attorney who is familiar with both the American and French taxation systems. You can get a list of attorneys from the U.S. Consulate. Financing If you are able to pay cash for your new home, you will not need a mortgage, and many properties for sale in the country might well be within reach of your savings kitty. If you need a mortgage, things become a bit more complicated. A French bank will issue a mortgage to expats as long as you can show regular income. By French law the total of all of your mortgage payments worldwide cannot be more than 30 percent of your total income.Lastly, you must have mortgage insurance for a large mortgage and a physical examination at the bank’s expense. If you do not fall neatly into an income category (e.g., you are retired without a fixed income), Banque Woolwich is a good resource. The staff are used to dealing with expats and speak excellent English (Banque Woolwich, 9, rue Boudreau, 75009 Paris; 011-331-42-684-221, fax 011-331-474- 203-23; www.woolwich.co.uk ). Mary Fort is branch manager.The good news is that mortgages in France currently have excellent rates. Most mortgages (or “prets”) are for 15 years and currently run 4.5 percent annually. Once you are here in France, an excellent book to read is At Home in Paris , published by the Junior Service League of Paris. It gives all sorts of hints on differences of living in the States versus France (like how to make sure your laundry pipes don’t clog up with deposits). Living in France is a free publication, in English, that gives useful information on housing, employment, banking, insurance, etc. It can be found at various establishments around Paris that cater to foreigners. To absorb the flavor of a buying experience, read Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence or Francis Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun. Both give agonizingly accurate pictures of the adventure of buying property abroad. All in all, buying property in France might seem like a daunting experience, but it is not an unpleasant one. Contrary to France’s reputation of being inhospitable to foreigners, we have found the opposite to be true. With the notable exception of a few surly cab drivers, we have found the French to be polite and helpful. And as we take our evening walks across the Alexander III bridge we can’t help but be amazed that a small part of this City of Lights belongs to us! Real Estate Listings De Particulier A Particulier (From Buyer to Seller), published weekly on Thursdays, is the most popular nationwide resource. L’Hebdo Immobilier (Weekly Realtor), published weekly on Wednesdays, also has an Internet site at www.immobilierenfrance.com . Demeures de France, a bi-monthly publication that specializes in upscale offerings, is in English and in French and also has an Internet site at www.demeures.com . Demeures de Charme is similar to Demeures de France, and is also in English and in French. FUSAC , a bi-weekly free publication for English-speaking residents of Paris, has advertisements for rentals, purchases, and agencies which can help you do either. FUSAC is available at many locations around the city including W.H. Smith and Brentano’s, two English-language bookstores. PHYLLIS COHEN and her husband Bob have taken a year off from their software company, packed their bags, and moved to Paris (See " Moving to France " in the January February Issue of Transitions Abroad Magazine). Web TransitionsAbroad.com Home Work Study Travel Living Disclaimer ©Transitions Abroad

Texas Land Trusts About

Texas Land Trusts Directory: Introduction Maincontent Local Navigation print friendly search Regulations Publications Outdoor Learning Kids Game Warden Grants Get Involved Shop FAQ Calendar Español Experience Texas Fishing & Boating State Parks & Destinations Hunting & Wildlife Land & Water Doing Business Home Land & Water Land Private Tltc Dir Texas Land Trusts About Texas Land Trusts Starting a Land Trust Texas Land Trust Directory Foreword Listing Regional Index About the Texas Land Trust Council ( TLTC ) TLTC Board of Directors and Honorary Council News 2004 TLTC Conference Speech Bulletin Board TLTC Publications Land Trust Resources Texas Land Trusts Top 1-Million Mark in Acres Conserved Texas Land Trusts Directory: Introduction Texas Land Trust Directory A land trust is a local, state or regional nonprofit organization directly involved in protecting land for its natural, recreational, scenic, historical or productive value. Texas landowners have a variety of options available to them which can preserve and protect the special qualities of their property. The land trust organizations in this directory work with landowners to help them meet their long-term land use objectives. These organizations may be willing to purchase land or accept donated properties and easements for conservation purposes. These tools can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the property owner. Land trusts have varying conservation objectives. Some work in specific geographic areas, or concentrate on protecting different natural or cultural features; many provide technical assistance and educational programming about land conservation. Also listed in this directory are organizations in Texas that advise property owners on their land conservation options, but do not accept land donations or manage conservation easement agreements. Land trusts are a creative answer to today's land conservation challenges. They offer a flexible, cooperative and effective approach to land conservation. Land trusts are the fastest growing conservation movement today, with new land trusts forming at an average rate of more than one per week. America's 1,200 plus land trusts protect millions of acres of farms, ranches, wetlands, wildlife habitat, urban parks, forests, watersheds, coastlines and river corridors. Contact Us | Help | Accessibility | Media | Site Policies | Complaints | Intranet | State of Texas | TRAILS Search | TexasOnline | Compact with Texans Texas Parks and Wildlife Department , 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744 Toll Free: (800) 792-1112, Austin: (512) 389-4800 Content of this site © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department unless otherwise noted. Last modified: July 29, 2005, 4:38 pm

land for sale because

BLM Info: Land for Sale? Return to Federal Citizen Information Center Home Page Printer-friendly page -- ARE THERE ANY PUBLIC LANDS FOR SALE? Does the Federal Government ever sell public land? The answer is yes. Lands identified as excess to the public's andGovernment's needs or more suited to private ownership are sometimes offeredfor sale. This brochure explains the procedures and where to go for moredetails. First, it's important to understand the Federal Government has twomajor categories of property which it makes available for sale: real propertyand public lands. Real Property is primarily developed land withbuildings, usually acquired by the Federal Government for a specific purpose,such as a military base or office building. If you are interested in realproperty, contact the General Services Administration (GSA). This Federalagency is responsible for selling developed surplus property. Addresses andtelephone numbers for the GSA regional offices are listed in the back of thisbrochure. Public Land is undeveloped land with no improvements,usually part of the original public domain established during the westernexpansion of the United States. Most of this land is in the 11 Western Statesand Alaska, although some scattered parcels are in the East. This land is theresponsibility of the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management(BLM). (Note: Because of land entitlements to the State of Alaska and to AlaskaNatives, no public land sales will be conducted in Alaska in the foreseeablefuture.) The BLM does not offer much land for sale because of a congressionalmandate in 1976 to generally retain these lands in public ownership. The BLMdoes, however, occasionally sell parcels of land where our land use planningfinds disposal is appropriate. We receive numerous questions about land sales and have prepared pageto answer the most common ones. You may also obtain more detailed informationfrom one of the -- BLMstate offices . Where are these public lands? Almost all are in the Western States of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. There are also small amounts in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin. There are no public lands managed by the BLM in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Is any of this land available free through homesteading? No. Congress has repealed the Homestead Act. What lands are available? Although homesteading is a thing of the past, the BLM does have some lands suitable for purchase by private citizens. These are lands that have been identified as unneeded by the Federal Government or as better utilized in private ownership. By law, these lands are made available for sale at no less than fair market value. How are these lands selected for sale? The law states that the BLM can select lands for sale if, through land use planning, they are found to meet one of three criteria: 1) they are scattered, isolated tracts, difficult or uneconomic to manage; 2) they were acquired for a specific purpose and are no longer needed for that purpose; or 3) disposal of the land will serve important public objectives, such as community expansion and economic development. What do the lands look like? Land types vary widely. Some may be desert; some are rural. Some are small parcels of just a few acres; some are several hundred acres in size. Is any land suitable for farming? Any lands with agricultural potential will be clearly identified in the sale notice. However, most public lands have little or no agricultural potential. On the average, what would public land cost per acre? There is no "average" cost. Each parcel is evaluated separately through established appraisal procedures, based on the value of surrounding parcels. Fair market value is determined for each parcel. No parcel can be sold for less than fair market value. How is the land actually sold? The BLM has three options for selling land: modified competitive bidding where some preferences to adjoining landowners are recognized, direct sale to one party where circumstances warrant, and competitive bidding at public auction. The sale method is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the circumstances of each particular parcel or sale. Are there any preferences for veterans? No laws currently exist allowing the BLM to give veterans any preference for land purchases. Where can find out about land that is going to be sold? Your best source is the BLM office with jurisdiction over the area you're interested in. The BLM State Offices and their jurisdictions are noted in the back of this brochure. They can send you sale information. Sale information will also be published and broadcast in local news media. Where are land sales held? They are held near the area to be sold, either at the local BLM office or in a suitable public location. Sales by the BLM are not held in Washington, D.C. Are there any restrictions on who can bid on these parcels? Federal law states that the BLM can sell public land only to U.S. citizens or corporations subject to Federal or State laws. Must I appear in person to participate at the sale? Your personal appearance is not required, but it is always to your advantage to examine the parcel and know exactly what you are bidding on. Sales can be conducted by oral bid, sealed bid, or a combination of both. However, even if only oral bidding is allowed, you can be represented by an agent. Details on procedures for a particular sale are specified in the sale notice available from the BLM. The notice will specify type of sale, the percentage of the full price that must be deposited with each bid, and the time period allowed for full payment. The highest qualified bidder is eligible to buy the land; the deposits of unsuccessful bidders are returned Now is payment made? Is there financing available? A certain minimum percentage of the full price is required with each bid. If you are the successful high bidder,the balance must be paid in full to the BLM within a set period of time before a deed or patent can be issued. Long-term financing must be arranged through private lenders. Once the BLM issues my deed, can I do anything I want with the land? Yes, according to the terms of the deed and subject to State or local restrictions. The sale notice will clearly specify any Federal reservations or conditions of sale. These might include reserving mineral rights to the Federal Government, or allowing some currently authorized uses, such as grazing, to continue for a certain period of time, or reserving rights-of-way or easements for powerlines, pipelines, etc. You are advised to review these conditions carefully so that you fully understand what your deed does and does not include. What about local taxes, zoning, etc.? Once you receive title, the land is subject to all applicable State and local taxes, zoning ordinances, etc. Are water, power, and sewer service available on all parcels? You should check with the city or county involved to see if such services are available. Are there roads or easements that guarantee I can get to the property? The sale notice will explain legal access to the property or any access restrictions. You are advised to check out the parcel before you buy, including finding out if available access meets your needs. I'd like to find out what parcels the BLM currently has listed for sale. Where can I obtain that information? The -- BLM State Offices are your best source. They can tell you what sales are currently scheduled and what prospects are coming up. You can write, call, or visit them periodically for latest details. If a sale is currently scheduled, information can be requested from the BLM describing the property and method of sale. More detailed information, such as land reports, environmental assessments, etc., is also available upon request for a small copy fee. TAX DELINQUENCY SALES Some local governments sell private land on which taxes have been delinquent to satisfy the tax debt. The Federal Government has no involvement in these sales. The best source for information is the local county tax assessor in the area involved. STATE LAND PROGRAMS State governments sometimes sell state-owned land. Information on these types of sales can be obtained through the State Lands Office in the State capital. Return to Federal Citizen Information Center Home Page Printer-friendly page --