We're moving before we are forced to

**Suzy** · 09-09-2008, 05:16 PM

Just found out the County wants to put an industerial park in our town. Wants to bring more money and employment to the area. Problem? They want our land and our neighborhood.

They are willing to pay us for the land and moving our home. DH talked with a lawyer friend. He said that it is in our best interest to go ahead and start looking for land. "Do everything possible while the county is on "friendly" terms with everyone", he said. Our business is in a metal building on concrete. That won't be as "easy" to move as our double wide. DH has already looked at our home. We re-modeled a few years ago. We no longer have the seam going through the middle. We took up the carpet and replaced it with hardwood throughout. We removed the strips off the walls and taped, sanded and painted. Added new sheetrock in some places. We added a room on also. Chair rails too.We already know most of that will have to be re-done. I don't know whether to be excited about this or not. We know it is going to be more work than just packing and unpacking.

We do have an eye on some land nearby. But a well, septic tank and electricity has to be run. Heard through the grapevine that the county should pay for that. If not directly to the companies providing the services then to us. Not sure if that is completely true.

Has any been through anything like this? I am not talking about moving to just move but relocating because of industry and the county "footing" the bill for the most part.

**prftstrngr** · 09-09-2008, 05:58 PM

I live in Canada ....so I dont know the laws or anything there. But I do know here if they expropriate land or homes etc. they have to give you *fair market value*. No doubt because of the housing market now it is cheaper for them at the moment. Since they are offering to move your home they should cover the costs of everything. It should be to YOUR advantage not theirs as they are essentially uprooting you. I would make sure I got all the details and went to them with written estimates for the repairs you will have to do after the move since you have upgraded your home. They should cover all that including the new septic,etc. Good luck!!

toile · 09-09-2008, 05:59 PM

Suzy, I have had friends go through stages where hospitals, country clubs, the state , or developers wanted their home and or land.

In these cases the developers were actually paying them for their homes also.
Do you have that option?
Just to build all new?
Then ask if you can help take down your home and salvage the wood floors and those type things?

I'm very excited for you and hope you make a good profit off your investment!!!!

**missmanny** · 09-09-2008, 08:58 PM

I used to work for the deprtment that handled titles and forced aquisitions, my experience is that the Govt is usually very generous when they are aquiring land (but I am in australia so it would be a little bit different)

It is a pain because you can't sell as no one would buy property that won't be there soon.

I know in our neck of the woods, people that cause a stink will generally get a bit more from eth dept such a more positive eveluations of the land.

QWe would never move actual structures though we would by the building and all and then pay for the costs of removal of the contents.

**Greebo** · 09-09-2008, 09:32 PM

I think you're doing the smart thing - not worth fighting in most cases. Good luck on a smooth and prosperous transaction!

**amanjud** · 09-09-2008, 11:20 PM

No advice for you just wishing you well in your journey. I hope everything works out OK.

**BlessedMomof2** · 09-10-2008, 09:44 AM

I have no advice but, wanted to wish your family the best of luck!

**brainyblonde** · 09-10-2008, 08:23 PM

I agree with everyone else. While they are "friendly," take the offer. A government entity can exercise eminent domain, condemn the property, and take it anyway.

**Momof3girls** · 09-11-2008, 12:38 AM

Someone I knew of went through this about 10 years ago. The biggest things I remember her mentioning:
-get everything in writing with dollar amounts and completion dates.

**LLDG** · 09-11-2008, 09:26 AM

Smart: having a lawyer every step of the way.

I was thinking of all the work you did on your current house and all I could think was can you salvage all that wonderful new work? Hardwood floors, chair rails, carpet, etc. How frugal is that?

**Missourimom** · 09-11-2008, 09:44 AM

We have been in a proposed buyout area for FOUR years. Nearly all 64 homes were under contract a "few" times. It just keeps going and going and going. :gaah: