When you're first approached, ASK THIS QUESTION to see how the Land Agent plans to deal with you, the Landowner.
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When he first knocks on your door, he should be there only to negotiate with you for "fair compensation"--
Reasonable dollars and benefits for the right to cross your property.
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When he first knocks on your door, he should be there only to negotiate with you for "fair compensation"--
Reasonable dollars and benefits for the right to cross your property.
With that in mind, ASK QUESTION #1 RIGHT AWAY.
THERE ARE THREE POSSIBLE ANSWERS
1. The best answer from the agent (and the one you want to hear) at this early stage of the project, is,
"Right now, I'm only here to offer you a fair price for the right to cross your property. I don't have any right to force access"
"Right now, I'm only here to offer you a fair price for the right to cross your property. I don't have any right to force access"
2. An acceptable answer (but one that should raise a flag) is, "We have filed the required paperwork for the right of Eminent Domain, but I'd rather pay you a fair price for your Right-of-Way."
This is probably an honest answer, depending on State and Federal laws and Statutes.
This is probably an honest answer, depending on State and Federal laws and Statutes.
3. And the Absolutely Unacceptable answer is;
"We have the right of Eminent Domain, and there's nothing you can do about it, so sign here or you'll end up in court!"
Not only is this last answer ALWAYS untrue, but it's a strong-arm tactic you don't have to tolerate from today's pipeline industry. Now is the time to send this agent out the door!!
But don't worry. He'll be back to tell you what he meant to say was answer #1.
"We have the right of Eminent Domain, and there's nothing you can do about it, so sign here or you'll end up in court!"
Not only is this last answer ALWAYS untrue, but it's a strong-arm tactic you don't have to tolerate from today's pipeline industry. Now is the time to send this agent out the door!!
But don't worry. He'll be back to tell you what he meant to say was answer #1.
Why? Because until the Pipeline Company makes a legally required number of good faith offers to the Land Owner, no Court will grant them the right of Eminent Domain
The number of offers can differ by State, but is usually 3
The number of offers can differ by State, but is usually 3
Learn More...
Don't let this be your property...
...after a Pipeline Company says they're "finished restoring your land"...
Get The Pipeline Report today, and know that your property will be restored after construction, guaranteed.
Get The Pipeline Report today, and know that your property will be restored after construction, guaranteed.