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CHECKLIST:
What You Should Know
. . . Before Making Your Decision!
In the last issue of LAND RUSH, we covered topic
1 of 11 suggested questions you should ask before making your land
purchase decision. In this issue, we'll cover the second one - about
topography - in depth.
2. What is the topography of
the property?
One thing is certain – when you purchase land in the North
Carolina mountains, it will NOT be flat. If it were, you wouldn’t
be coming to the mountains.
So . . . you should know that each property is truly unique. One
might be gently rolling with pasture and wooded areas. Another might
be quite steep with incredible long-range views. Others might contain
a number of ridges and “hollers” (hollows) and range from
moderate to steep slopes with heavily wooded “coves” and
springs. Some have unusual rock formations, streams, springs, peaks,
valleys, etc. Are you getting the picture?
How then can you become acquainted with the topography of the land?
There are two ways – one can be accomplished in the comfort
of your living room while the other requires jeans, hiking boots
. . . and stamina.
First – from your living room – you can review topographical
maps which we provide in each property brochure. These maps can
be confusing since they contain many curving lines. Each curving
line represents a single contour of the land. The distance between
each line equals 40 vertical feet of elevation. The distance between
each bold line equals 200 vertical feet. The closer the lines are
together, the steeper the property. Lines further apart with more
white space in between are more gently rolling or level.
Topo maps, as they are called, can provide a visual overview of
the lay of the land. Once you get the hang of reading a topo map,
you can begin to spot high peaks, valleys, streams, etc. These maps
provide a way to choose interesting properties, while avoiding those
that don’t meet your requirements. Nonetheless, you will need
to strap on those hiking boots to really get familiar with the nature
of each property.
Walking a property can range from an easy stroll over existing
paths and old logging roads to strenuous uphill plodding to reach
the top of a choice parcel. Long pants (jeans) and a long sleeve
shirt will protect you from briars and other troublesome weeds,
branches, and rhododendron thickets. Wear shorts and “flip-flops”,
penny loafers, or other “city dweller” gear, and you’ll
be in for a host of unpleasant surprises as you make your way over
rocks, streams, and worse.
Most streams are “spring-fed” - meaning they originate
as a spring bubbling out of the ground further up the mountain.
The larger streams are fed by many different springs upstream.
Having said all that, it is not always necessary to walk every
inch of a 200-acre tract before you decide to buy. Nevertheless,
your broker should be prepared to lead the way and do so if that
is your desire.
You can’t find the perfect piece of heaven from your easy
chair. You can start with the topo maps, but simply must come to
the mountains to see the real thing!
PAST TOPICS INCLUDE:
(click on a topic to read about it)
INTRODUCTION
1.
Has the property been surveyed recently?
UPCOMING TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:
3. Is the property accessed
by public road or right-of-way?
4. How much are the property
taxes each year?
5. Are there any restrictive
covenants or zoning on the property?
6. Will sellers finance the
property or do they expect cash?
7. How much earnest money is
required with a purchase offer?
8. What, if any, utilities are
provided?
9. How much are the closing
costs to complete the transaction?
10. Are there any hunting leases
in effect on the property?
11. Are there easements or rights-of-way
for the benefit of others?
RETURN
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