Knobby, My wife and I looked at property for approx. 5yrs before we purchased 25 acres of heaven in Michigan. Take it easy. If you find what you are look'n for keep it to yourself. I lost the deal of the century by talking to----- the building inspector, a realtor, neighbors in the area. Pick one or all. The property I wanted to buy had not had a bid on it for 2yrs. After talking to one of the above on a week-end, when I wanted to bid on it on a Monday afternoon it had already been purchased that morning. I'm glad I didn't get it now but at the time it really p'd me off. As for your buddies, you may be related or best friends now but, over time you will probably regret it. Just a fact of life. Eddie is on the ball with his reply.This is a good time of year to ck. out property, the leaves are off. Don't be too anxious, the price goes up. An agent is a good idea. terry<img src=icon_smile_clown.gif border=0 align=middle>

LIVE FREE OR DIE

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote<font size=1 face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Buy the property yourself.
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Now that is SOLIDadvice!!! Trust me <img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>

As far as other advice...

~make sure there are no easements across the property, or if there are...you know about and are ok with them

~big timber is ok...and you can always sell it off if you'd like, but it usually drives up the price of the property because of the cash value and the asthetic value.....I'd consider looking at land that has recently been timbered..it will be better for the wildlife, and alot of folks don't care for the looks of a recently timbered property...and it will be cheaper as a rule

~find out if there is a recent survey on the land, and if the property boundaries are definitely defined....surveying is expensive if you have to do it yourself. Ours cost $3600 to do a boundary survey. The only plus we had was that when we got done, the property we purchased went from 91.5 acres to 103 acres....the original survey of 50+ years ago was wrong....we got lucky, but it could have easily gone the other way, then we'd have been screwed.

~Find out if the land perc's or not. This may or may not be of value to you now or in the future.


There are alot of things to consider, most of all, take your time and try and get the best deal you can, for your money. Also remember, coming across &quot;Exactly&quot; what you want, that you can afford is usually rare. You may have to make sacrifices in one area or another. Do your homework.

Good luck!

WV Hunter, That is some really solid advice too. You've been there. The survey was very important to me too. If he goes into the purchase with friends or relatives there will be a hassle. They will have friends and relatives that want to hunt,camp,or whatever. Their kids,etc.. You start out with 2or3 buddies and end up with 50 people. I wouldn't even consider it. terry<img src=icon_smile_clown.gif border=0 align=middle>

LIVE FREE OR DIE

What ever you do buy it on your own or forget it would be my advise .I have been burned twice because of a partner and his problems . It might be okay now but what if something happens to one of the other partys or one wants out and sells his interest to a third party .