Who Should You Hire When Selling LAND?

I was talking to a fellow Land Broker the other day and he mentioned he had run across a listing and was actually angry 'for' the seller. The listing broker had written up a one sentence description and posted one picture on the property. He felt so bad for the seller. I have run into similar situations and thought this worthy of posting. So Mr. Landowner, what do you need to know? I’ll tell you!!!!

1. Tools – The Broker should incorporate aerial photography and topographic maps into the listing. The land specialist can provide acre calculation on fields, orchards, ponds and lakes. This is important information the buyer will need when purchasing property.

2. Transportation - If the broker shows up in a car or minivan you had better run. When showing land and farms you will need a 4x4 or UTV vehicle. Many areas are inaccessible with out these vehicles.

3. Interview – Very important! Make sure your broker has a working knowledge of timber, crops, soils, ranches or whatever type real estate you are selling. Ask the broker why they think they are qualified to sell your property. Ask what they can do or services they provide that sets them apart from others.

4. Advertising & Websites – Many times the buyer starts their search on the internet. Make sure the broker has adequate exposure here including a nice looking website that is easy to navigate through. There are several major rural land websites. Make sure the broker is advertising on at least one!!!!

5. Navigation Skills – If the broker can not locate your property or needs you to show them around, that could be a red flag. Eventually the broker will have to show a buyer around the property and you do not want them getting lost! The broker should have tools that allow them to navigate the property such as a smart phone or tablet.

6. Designations - Does the Broker have designations or training that uniquely qualifies him/her to list and market your property?

The National Association of Realtors®  Code of Ethics Article 11
 states….The services which REALTORS® provide to their clients and customers shall conform to the standards of practice and competence which are reasonably expected in the specific real estate disciplines in which they engage; specifically, residential real estate brokerage, real property management, commercial and industrial real estate brokerage, land brokerage, real estate appraisal, real estate counseling, real estate syndication, real estate auction, and international real estate.

REALTORS® shall not undertake to provide specialized professional services concerning a type of property or service that is outside their field of competence unless they engage the assistance of one who is competent on such types of property or service, or unless the facts are fully disclosed to the client. 

We have a fiduciary responsibility to you the client. In summary, if you are offering a triple net lease 50,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Atlanta, GA  I am NOT your man. If are selling a ski-in ski-out vacation home in Vail, Colorado I am NOT your man. Find someone in your area that specializes in your type real estate and put them to work.

To view my listings, visit AllSouthlandandHomes.com.  If you have questions about buying or selling Land, contact G. Kent Morris, ALC, RF @ 706.457.0090

WHAT ARE MINERAL RIGHTS?

Having worked for a coal mining company for 18 years, I thought this would be an interesting post. Mineral rights refer to the ownership of the mineral estate which lies beneath the surface. Separate from the surface estate, the mineral estate comes with it’s own rights and rules for access AND they can vary from state to state! In areas where the mineral rights are valuable, they usually have been severed from the surface rights many years ago and typically are owned by wealthy people, companies, etc. However the sand and gravel generally belongs to the surface owner. The United States is one of the few countries whereby it’s citizens can own mineral rights. In most countries around the world, the government owns all the minerals. Just like the surface rights, mineral rights are described by a legal description. In most land purchases, the mineral rights are conveyed as well. 

(Survey conducted by the Realtors Land Institute).

If you own the property in ‘fee simple’ you would own the surface and mineral rights.

As a mineral owner you would be entitled to royalties as the minerals or gas are extracted. Royalty is defined as - A payment to the owner of the mineral rights for the privilege of extracting the minerals from the ground based on a lease agreement. The royalty payment is based on a portion of earnings from production and varies depending on the type of mineral and the market conditions. For example, coal royalties are based on a price per ton and Natural Gas is based on a price per cubic feet.

Mineral ownership is quite different from state to state and some states make it much easier for the mineral owner to access and extract the minerals than others.

To see my listings visit AllSouthLandandHomes.com Buying or Selling LAND? Contact G. Kent Morris, ALC, RF @ (706) 457-0090

QR Codes…What Are They?

Have you been seeing these funny images around? Well they were first used to track parts and inventory and now you see them everywhere. They are now widely used in  Real Estate marketing. You might see them on a flier, yard sign or advertising medium. These images can quickly direct you to a website, blog, YouTube video, directions, phone number, text and much more. See the following examples.

QR code to my Website (AllSouthLandandHomes.com)

QR code to my Blog

Free QR readers can be downloaded on your mobile device  from the Apple or Android app store. Simply scan the code and you are taken to the site (website, blog etc.)!! Also many of these readers can actually generated a QR code. I took a screen shot of my smart phone code generator.

Although this is only a partial shot, I can generate a QR code for the following: website, phone number, text, GEO location, email address, contact card, SMS and event. The options are limitless. It is a great way to market real estate, try it!

If you would like to see my listings visit AllSouthLandandHomes.com  If you have questions about buying and selling LAND, contact G. Kent Morris, ALC, RF @ 706.457.0090

Why A Drone?

I have become super interested in drones and doing a lot of research in preparation of buying one and that day finally came..... I bought a DJI Phantom 3 Advance.   Drones are also known as UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle).Why a drone? Well to begin with I believe it will be an important tool for my land brokerage business and I believe it will help sell more property. A drone  provides photographs (and video) from oblique angle that are awesome! If you are buying a large tract of land, farm or ranch you really want to see lots of aerial views including satellite images.

The software even records your flight and photo/videos!!

There are many uses from drones and some include:

Agriculture - "Agriculture, far and away, is going to be the dominant market for UAV operations," according to Gielow. The precision agriculture movement uses technology to monitor fields, increasing yields and saving money. Gielow noted that precision applications of pesticides, water, or fertilizers, which drones can help by identifying exactly where such resources are needed. Drone cameras can spot where nitrogen levels are low, meanwhile, or watch the growth of a specific field section, can also help farmers. Drones with infrared light cameras can reveal plant health by reflecting how efficient photosynthesis is in various plants. The uses of drones in agriculture are endless.

Security and reconnaissance – commonly use in police force and military. Drones can photograph suspected illegal activity including immigrants crossing the borders so law enforcement can react in a timely manner. The military uses drones to deliver munitions.

Photography (Real Estate) – Drones deliver great aerial photographs from oblique angles. However, change is on the horizon. The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 tasked the FAA with implementing clear-cut regulations allowing for the commercial use of UAVs, by no later than September 30, 2015. In the meantime, Realtors ® are in a wait and hold pattern.

Entertainment -  use for simple recreation these vehicles are just fun! However images and videos are commonly used in sporting events, film making, the list is endless.

Commercial – Even Amazon has on the drawing board plans to deliver packages in urban areas.

As you can see, the uses are endless and this in not a comprehensive list.

Have fun and fly safe!

If you would like to see my listings, visit AllSouthLandandHomes.com  Questions about buying or selling land? Contact G. Kent Morris, ALC , RF @ 706.457.0090