LAND PROFESSIONALS YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW

LAND PROFESSIONALS YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW

The following is a list of some of the professionals usually involved with owning, buying or selling rural land near Houston. Most of them you will run across just once or twice, others you will have considerable interaction with. In any event, it is useful to be aware of the role these folks play in rural real estate transactions. Your land broker will be very useful in identifying and recommending these professionals.

Old Timers

Some of the folks you should probably check in with would be a pair of characters like the ones pictured above.

Rural Land Broker

Your broker will certainly play the biggest role in any transaction. In many ways the land broker will be the chief coordinator. In fact one of the considerations involved in choosing your broker is their knowledge of the other players and their roles. Many of the top land brokers are members of the Realtors Land Institute (RLI) which awards the Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) designation.

Lender

More often than not, a real estate transaction will involve financing. There are several sources of funding to include; farm credit associations, local banks, Texas Veterans Land Board and even owner financing.

Land Surveyor

It is increasingly common for a recent survey to be required in any transaction. A well qualified surveyor is required to be a Texas Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS). Many surveyors are members of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors (TSPS)

Real Estate Attorney

I have worked closely with a lot of attorneys all of my professional career. I have two sons who are attorneys. I advise using a real estate attorney for land transactions. I advise using an eminent domain attorney for condemnation. They are not the same areas of law.

Rural Appraiser

The Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) regulates appraisers in Texas. Choose a Certified General Appraiser. All good appraisers specialize. Look for an appraiser who is familiar with rural property. The top rural appraisers are members of the Appraisal Institute and/or the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA).

Architect

If you plan to build a significant home and/or other buildings it may be wise to hire an architect. There are some architects who specialize in rural properties.

Engineer

Water crossings will often require the services of an engineer especially when installing culverts or bridging across a significant creek. The engineer will work with county or other government agency with regards to permits and inspections.

General Contractor/ Home Builder

Your land broker can recommend local builders with experience and reputation for professional workmanship.

Tenant

You might want to lease your property or at least the land for agricultural purposes such as cattle or crops such as hay. Don’t look at this as an income stream but rather as maintaining the

Title Company

Depending upon the situation, you might find yourself choosing a title company. Ask your attorney and land broker about which one to use. Also, the particular closer involved is an important part of the decision.

Building Inspector

Building inspectors are generally associated with reports on residential for loan purposes. In a rural area they should be able to provide a report on other improvements to include water wells, septic systems and buildings other than just a home. I have hired inspectors for my own property just for the sake of information, repairs and maintenance. Inspectors are regulated by the Texas Real Estate Commission and licensing involves apprenticeship and testing.

Farm and Ranch Insurance Agent

At the end of the day your property in the country is unique and only an agent familiar with rural property insurance will best be able to craft a policy that fits your needs. Typical forms of insurance coverage will cover typical homeowners, other structures and outbuildings, equipment, products, livestock, liability and many more.

Wildlife Consultant

Recreation and hunting are represent one of the most popular uses of rural land. Ad Valorem tax valuation status can result in exemptions for your property. A wildlife consultant will provide year round assessment and management activities.

Water Well Driller

Although community water systems are located throughout rural areas, it is very common to have to rely on a water well for your water source. The cost of installing a water well is an important consideration in the purchase decision. Existing water wells will require repair, maintenance, water quality testing, disinfection, winterizing, and weatherproofing over time. Water well drillers and pump installers are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Septic and Aerobic Contractor

Any work on an On Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) must be performed by an individual licensed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEG). Generally a permit is required to install a septic system in Texas. It is legal to install your own system if you have a permit. There are several types of septic systems. A conventional system includes a buried septic tank together with a drain field. Usually the county will regulate spacing and size.

Dirt Work Contractor and Excavation

Some acreage tracts are pretty rough while others probably net some site work as well. Fortunately, there are folks who can help. Ask your land broker to recommend a contractor who has the equipment and know how to clear land, build detention and recreational ponds, erosion control, demolish buildings and pools, perform all kinds of excavation, build foundation pads, build roads and driveways, and the list goes on. Ask for references to check the contractors experience and reputation.

Fencing Contractor

Fencing for rural properties is not the same as residential. Considerations for choosing the right contractor are the same as any other contractor. Experience and reputation are key. A fencing job in the country can very quickly become a substantial undertaking. The type of fencing you need may not be readily apparent and interviews with several contractors is essential. Accordingly, price is only one factor to consider. The use will drive the material. Recreational, horses, cattle, game, hog control, privacy all require different materials and configuration. Gate type and installation will play a big part in the decision.

SUMMARY

The above list is far from comprehensive. Buying, selling and owning rural land involves using a long list of land professionals. It is important to use the right folks. Very possibly your investment could turn on the cost and advice of these professionals. Your rural land broker can point you in the right direction.

LET US HEAR FROM YOU

We look forward to hearing from you. Tell us about your experiences with the various land professionals you have worked with. Share your tips. Did we overlook anyone involved ins the land industry?

CHECK IN WITH US

Allen Realty Advisors represents buyers and sellers of fine quality rural land near Houston. We specialize in weekend retreats, country estates, farms and ranches, recreational property and investment land. Our market area is generally within 100 miles (two hours) of Houston.