|
CHECKLIST:
What You Should Know
. . . Before Making Your Decision!
In the last issue of LAND RUSH, we covered topic
2 of 11 suggested questions you should ask before making your land
purchase decision. In this issue, we'll cover the third one - about
road access- in depth.
3. Is the property accessed
by public road or right-of-way?
How would you like to buy a large tract of land only to learn later
that there was no way to get to it? That would not be classified
as a happy and rewarding buying experience, would it? Here's what
you need to know to avoid such a situation:
In North Carolina, all "state-maintained" roads have
a number, i.e. #1342 or #2311. The road may also have a name, i.e.
Fall Creek Road. To learn whether the road is state-maintained,
look closely at the green road sign. If it has both a name and a
number, i.e. Fall Creek Road #1301, it is a state-maintained road.
If it has only a name, it is a private road.
When buying land, you should purchase only land which is on a state
road, or which has a "deeded" right-of-way. A deeded right-of-way
is an easement over the lands of other property owners which provides
access to the property you purchase. The word "deeded"
means that a formal right-of-way has been granted, and takes the
form of a recorded document at the county courthouse. Anything other
than a deeded right-of-way should be avoided since informal agreements
may be changed at will, leaving you stranded without access to your
property.
A right-of-way usually specifies the width of the access, i.e.
a 45' right-of-way. Some older ones may be as narrow as 18' or 20'.
Rarely are they over 30' in width. Also, even though a right-of-way
has been granted and documented, it does not mean that there is
a road, path, or trail already in place. The right-of-way may pass
through a heavily wooded area with no evidence of a roadway having
ever existed.
In other words you may have the "right" to cross over
the land of others, but may have to build the road yourself. The
property owners over whose land you cross have no obligation to
provide or maintain the road for you. On some occasions, however,
all property owners on that private road may have agreed to share
the cost of maintaining the roadway as needed. Ask questions if
you are not sure.
Although it may sound as though a right-of-way is not desirable,
it can actually be a positive benefit of owning land. Because it
is not a public road, it can provide more privacy and seclusion
to your property since traffic will be nearly nonexistent. Just
remember, the operative word for your protection is "deeded"
right-of-way.
PAST TOPICS INCLUDE:
(click on a topic to read about it)
INTRODUCTION
1.
Has the property been surveyed recently?
2.
What is the topography of the property?
UPCOMING TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:
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
TO CURRENT ISSUE OF LAND RUSH
|
