Eco Friendly Real Estate Blog

Mountain View "Land For Sale 43 Acres! "  read the FSBO (owner's) hand-painted sign tacked to the fencepost next to the property my client and I had come here to see.

We looked at each other. "Should we?" we asked in unison. "Seems like we outta'... " And so we stopped in our tracks on that country road.... I'm still recovering from my broken shoulder, so my client had to steer as we backed up... carefully.

Just then, who should arrive at that very FSBO Land for sale sign but a man whose blue eyes you could see twinkling from across the road.  "You folks need help?" he asked, engagingly. "Do you happen to know who owns this property?" we asked.  "That would be me" he replied with a chuckle.

And so began the saga of a fabulous afternoon in the mountains near Asheville, NC, as we explored this land for sale by owner.

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Scouting the Asheville mountain area for land for sale  is always an adventure, especially if it is mountain land for sale by owner.  This time, I felt a "nudge." Over the years, I have learned to pay attention to such things. If you have ever walked land that simply "speaks" to you, you will know what I mean.  My generously understanding client, who may have  known first-hand the complications of a shoulder injury, grabbed the steering wheel from the passenger side and took charge of directing the back up on this mountain road. It looked as if he actually was having fun. He will relocate to Asheville when he finds the "right" acreage. I figured he might appreciate the synchronicity...and a fortuitous detour.

If you like the idea of investing in land legacies,  immediately you could see the potential for a gorgeous

eco-development...
or a private estate...
or a wee organic farm...
or acreage in trust with tax advantages...
or a horse ranch...
or an equestrian community since trails, we discovered, are already in place. ..
or an artist's haven...

There are numerous sunny garden spots, (see garden shed close by in this photo with mountain views.)

The creek (see photo above) is ripe for family fun,  and there is a great watering hole for horses....

and ..yes!...there is even a campy cabin with a view to distant mountains. (see photo below)

Later the owner of this beautiful acreage emailed me this note (I could almost see his blue eyes twinkling as I read :

Hi JaneAnne,

I hope your shoulder is feeling better. Thanks for taking the time to show your client our property.
(SEE PHOTO LINK) 

That's right!!! This parcel is under priced as raw land but is improved and being groomed as a horse or cattle ranch. Build your dream home or[eco] subdivision here. This would make a phenomenal Horse property with many riding trails and almost completely fenced.

Plenty of privacy. Great infrastructure, marketable timber, pretty meadows, nice roads and cool paths on this 43 acre parcel with tons of extras. 2/1 Mobile with underground electric, well, 4 bedroom septic, outbuildings and more.

Bonus rustic cabin (see photo) with wood stove for your campy guest or would make nice big playhouse. Goldfish pond at Cabin could be used to water livestock. Good roads and paths. Gorgeous park like meadows with breath taking MILLION DOLLAR VIEWS. Nice woods and abundant wildlife. ... Great creek runs along property at the garden barn. Plenty of deer and turkeys. ... nature lover's paradise....Great location, Nice neighbors, Lots of Privacy.

The sale of land is a unique activity in the practice of real estate.   There's much to consider including that "nudge" that has something to do with a sense of place.  But what does one look for when hunting for "the right" acreage?  Here is a partial list of things to take into account:

Appraisal -time for and costs
Survey -time for and costs
Utilities - availability to/at the land and private/public and costs
Sewer/Septic/ Well - availability to/at the land and private/public and costs
Water Quality and Availability - private/public and costs
Air Quality, Sights, Sounds and Smells
Lay of the Land and Soil Quality Evaluation- and costs
Solar Orientation
Elevation
Natural Hazards
Zoning Requirements
Deed Restrictions
Easements and Right-of-Ways
Financing
1031 Investment Potential
Conservation Land Stewardship Programs and Tax Advantages

So, we recommend objective counsel from local real estate experts, (the Eco Stewards) and consulting with land professionals if you spot a sign that says, "Land For Sale By Owner."

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