Looking into extending our property...advice? Update pg 5

[cjeanean]

We want to buy a small lot (I think it's less than 1/2 acre) that's right next to our property. There is a strip about 40ftX150ft (40ft width and 150 length) that is clear, we've been mowing it for going on 4 years now. But after than strip it is wooded and overgrown, not many large trees but a lot of small trees, brush, etc, and there's a "spaceship" trailer that was blown up on the property that is now a rusted pile of junk. There's a lot of cleaning up as well as clearing that needs to be done if the property is going to be usable. There are no utilities on the property (that I know of). We really want it. Can anyone give me an idea of what price would be a good starting point? We're in the county, not city, and the area we live in is kinda run down. We have a terrible looking trailer right across the street, and most of the trailers/modular homes in the neighborhood are in disrepair, although there are some nicer ones scattered here and there. I was hoping to get it for less that $2k. I have no idea where to look up property values. Thanks!!!

 

[Boyd]

Quote:
www.zillow.com
www.realtor.com


Plug in your zipcode and find something in your area and do a comparison. On average, heavily wooded areas in my area of Michigan go for between 7k-12k an acre. Up north where our cabin is it's about 1k an acre... so big difference... so I'd ask a local realtor or try this websites to get an idea before you go talkin to folks.

 

[Katy]

Your county treasurer or tax dept should be able to tell you what value it's being taxed on. Is it part of larger parcel or does it have it's own deed?

 

[sfw2]

Quote:
I think Katy has the right idea. I'd also check to see if taxes are current, while you're at it. Do you know the lot owner?

 

[cjeanean]

I know the lot owner's name but I can't find a phone number. We don't personally know him, no. I didn't think about asking the tax office...so what, just call the assessor and ask what value it's being taxed at?

I do know that it's listed as a specific lot number....not exactly sure of the size but if it's bigger than 1/2 acre I think it can be divided, I'm not sure though, I'm just now starting to look into it and I'd like to get some starting points...I've never bought property before, except what we have and that was from my uncle...

 

[sfw2]

Some counties have a website with all that information. What county are you in?

 

[cjeanean]

Quote:
Cass County, MO...the assessor has the info online but I have to pay for it, like $100...unless there's a different place to get it...

 

[Julie08]

Quote:
Exactly

 

[Julie08]

if you call the tax department they will tell you its public information, at least here in Canada it works that way. They should also be able to provide you mailing address for the owner so you can send an offer. We bought our last house that way.

 

[sfw2]

Was it this site?

http://beacon.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=128&LayerID=1529&PageTypeID=2&PageID=809