Articles

When Negotiating for Land, Keep it Moving

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“Time is of the essence”- If you have purchased or sold real estate, you have likely seen this phrase. The expression conveys the importance of responding to an offer in a timely manner. When the land market in Alabama gets good, like it is now, multiple offer situations are becoming more common. I have represented several owners recently who had properties that had been on the market for months with little to no activity, and all of a sudden, multiple …

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“Should I Buy Title Insurance When Buying Rural Land?”

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When purchasing a piece of rural land, should you buy title insurance? My answer to that is ALWAYS “Yes”. You may not be familiar with title insurance and what this type of insurance policy covers, so we will hit the high points of title insurance for rural land purchases. Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, and this is my personal opinion, not legal advice. I am trying to provide practical information from a real estate broker’s perspective. All of the information …

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Southeastern Land Group uses DotLoop to Serve Clients

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 Southeastern Land Group is committed to helping our clients and customers improve their experience of buying or selling land. We recently started using Dotloop in an effort to offer better service to our clients. Dotloop is an online service that allows you to view and sign documents electronically from your computer, phone, or mobile device. Our team of agents and brokers can now provide an even higher level of service by increasing the speed and efficiency of sending listing agreements, purchase agreements, or …

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An Introduction to Alabama’s Probate Courts for Landowners

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If you own land, or are contemplating buying or selling land in Alabama, you need a basic understanding of Alabama’s probate courts. The legal system and process varies a great deal from state to state. Alabama’s court system includes Probate Courts, which are considered courts of limited jurisdiction along with municipal courts, small claims courts, juvenile courts, and district courts.  Each of Alabama’s 67 counties has a probate court,  which according to the Alabama Bar Association, has jurisdiction over matters dealing with wills, …

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Buying Alabama Land for the First Time? Here are Tips to Get You Started.

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Are you beginning your search of rural land for sale in Alabama? Many first time land buyers go through a buying process that often takes 6 months to 2 years before making their first purchase. Helping people move through the land buying process is something I love to do. Getting educated on land and the land buying process is essential for you to making your land buying experience a success. Below are some helpful tips for how to make your first land …

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Why Buy Land in the National Forest?

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We have all heard that “good fences make good neighbors.” I submit to you that good forests make great neighbors. “Why are forests such good neighbors?”, you ask. Consider some of the following reasons you might want to own private property that borders the National Forest lands. 1. Property Lines are Clearly Marked. The Forest Service does a phenomenal job of surveying and marking the property boundaries of their lands. Not only do they paint the trees on the boundaries, but …

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Why Do People Buy Rural Land?

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Private land ownership is a privilege that, as percentages go, very few people in the whole history of the world have had the opportunity to enjoy. The United States was founded on the principle of private property ownership, and it is a right we still enjoy today. The reasons why people purchase land vary widely. In my experience, there is usually a combination of factors, and a shared ethos that drives the decision to acquire rural real estate. Below are …

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Is Pine Timberland Still a Good Investment? Thoughts on the WSJ Timberland Article

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The Wall Street Journal published an article last week that has caught the attention of many landowners or those who are considering making a timberland investment. This week I have been tagged by friends and followers in posts and comments on Facebook to ask my thoughts about it. The article is entitled “Thousands of Southerners Planted Trees for Retirement. It Didn’t Work.” Ryan Dezember, the author of the article, makes some very insightful observations and reports on broad trends in the …

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