Purchasing Land To Build Your Dream Home

When looking to purchase land to build a dream home here in Thailand, there are many factors to take into consideration. The first and most important assessment to make is the location of the land. Obviously the more prime the location the higher the price. Pratamnak has become the "Beverley Hills" of Pattaya and most believe this to be the best location in today's market. Land prices have risen around 150% over the last 8 years and this has shown a huge influence in the re-sale value of some of the housing in the area.

But most importantly is the shape of the land when considering what parcel to buy also. If you have an idea of the house design you want to construct, when looking at plots, make sure the plot can accommodate the footprint of the property.

If you have a set budget for the land and house, it is recommended that you get an indication of what the house is going to cost to build before you start looking at land to buy. In the past we have seen many cases where people have gone and purchased the land only for them to not fully understand many of the costs that they didn't consider in the build and so go over budget. Employ an architect and get some footprint plans made. Give these to two or three recommended contractors to obtain a quotation so you have some indication of build cost. Now you are in a position to understand your land budget. This in turn may determine the location that you can afford.

Make sure all land plots considered have all local utilities supplied to them or those utilities are very close to the plots. Government water and electric can cost millions to have installed if they are far from the plot. If you are going to build a large house and you require three phase electric, again make sure that this is in place. Water isn't such a major issue as you can create your own bore well, but water table levels have to be suitable and if they aren't then you may end up with a house with no water supply. If there is no electric supply to the plot you could wait months to have a supply connected and the costs can be massive, so check these fees before buying. Also if there is insufficient power supply you may end up having to buy a transformer, again more cost.

Whether you are using an agent to purchase land or searching by yourself, make sure you obtain the services of a reputable lawyer to ensure any land you are considering is suitable for what you are looking to build on it. Firstly the land should hold a Channot title. There are many forms of land titles here in Thailand, and the different titles can determine what the land can be utilized for. Secondly, the lawyer should make sure the person trying to sell is the true owner, so obtain a copy of the seller ID card and make sure the name on the reverse of the land title matches that of the person on the ID card.

Make sure the plots considered have sufficient land drainage. You aren't allowed to have water run-off going on to other peoples land parcels. So make sure the levels of the land allow for run-off and drainage to flow away from adjoining plots. Land fill can be expensive, and in turn this can also increase the build cost of the house if piling is required.

Going back to the locations that you are going to consider, I always try to give the buyer some insight into what the area may hold for future development. In the case of Pratamank, or city living, if there are empty plots close to the parcels you are considering, be aware that condominiums or apartment buildings could be built in the future. This will devalue the price of a property instantly and make it very hard to sell in the future. Try to look for land in areas that are built out already. If you are considering going further from town, for example out towards Huay Yai or Maprachan Lake, where land prices are more attractive, again check utilities and land titles first.

There are projects that offer building plots in enclosed developments here in Pattaya. If you need to be on a secure development and still require the luxury of building your own design, we do have options available to you. Obviously you will pay a premium for such parcels but you are assured to have all required utilities, security, well maintained roads and in some cases communal pools, etc.

See some of the best Pattaya condominiums at pattaya condos and consult with our representatives at pattaya property.

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Rural Property In The Waikato Is Perfect For People With Horses

The Waikato region in New Zealand's North Island is full of rich pasture and prime land for all types of rural endeavours. Along with the main city of Hamilton with its gorgeous lake and river, there are several popular towns including Cambridge and Te Awamutu. Nowhere in the region is further than an hour or two from the sea and you are always near lakes and rivers.

There is a wide range of rural property for sale in the Waikato, from farms of all sizes to lifestyle blocks and properties containing ready made fencing and shedding. Many properties are perfect for horse lovers, with stables, good fencing and plenty of paddocks. It's a great place for those who love keeping horses and enjoy participating in equestrian events of all kinds.

Cambridge is the "horse capital" of the Waikato, with some of the best thoroughbred horses in the southern hemisphere being bred in the area. However, the entire region is perfect for horses and world class performers have been raised in all parts of the region.

Horse lovers are never bored, there are always plenty of equestrian events to train for and become involved in. These include show jumping, dressage, eventing and pony club to name a few. There is a Western Riding Club as well as a Mounted Games Club. The Te Rapa Horse Trials are held in Hamilton twice a year, in autumn and spring.

Big rural events draw competitors, visitors and suppliers from all over the region. These are held each year, including the popular Fieldays at Mystery Creek, just south of Hamilton. Many towns hold their own annual A and P Shows, culminating in the Waikato A and P Show in Hamilton which features dedicated equestrian events as well as farrier demonstrations and competitions. The Waikato Equestrian Centre in Hamilton is the hub of equestrian information in the region and it's always easy to find out where your nearest event is being held.

Waikato is also an important region for the Riding for the Disabled, which teaches children with disabilities equestrian skills to improve their confidence, co-ordination, communication and independence among many other benefits. Volunteers - who may or may not be horse lovers - help the children by assisting with the programme in a variety of ways.

So if you are looking for a rural property of any size in New Zealand and also love horses, the Waikato is the perfect place to base yourself for an idyllic future full of a huge variety of equestrian events and a peaceful and very enjoyable rural lifestyle.

Looking for property sales in Waikato? Listings on our site vary from high quality homes, down through all price ranges to properties for first home buyers.

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So Many Foreign Nationals in the Philippines - Rights to Buy Property

Several thousands of foreign nationals in the Philippines have decided to make the country their second home. The number of Chinese, Japanese, Americans, British, Germans, Australians, Koreans, Indians, and other nationalities in the Philippines is staggering and ever growing.

Immigration Alien Registration division assistant chief Ferdinand Arbas stated that the number of Chinese living in the country went up from 30,809 in 2009 to 61,372 in 2010. The Korean's presence has increased from 24,876 in 2009 to 28,090 in 2010. In 2007, the U.S. State Department estimated that there were over 250,000 U.S. citizens living in the Philippines. The dual citizenship factor makes it a bit difficult to have an exact number of U.S. citizens residing in the Philippines. I do not think that anyone has an exact number to report yet. Perhaps, this number might have increased by at least 25,000 within the last three years, which would give a rough estimate of 275,000 (or more) U.S. citizens living in the Philippines.

You will find three main groups: those who go to school and others who are business owners; last but not least, the retirees. Thousands of Korean nationals attend English schools and many students from Iran and other countries study medicine. Thousands of Americans and numerous German Nationals, Australians, among others retire in the country. Retirees are privileged to do island hopping beyond their wildest dreams, due to the fact they can enjoy the breath-taking and panoramic sites of nearly 7,000 islands. Additionally, they can afford the luxury of a great standard of living at reasonable costs.

There have been many speculations floating around, saying that foreigners cannot buy any property in the Philippines. Eventually, it is incorrect. Let us explore this issue together. The Philippines Law prohibits foreign nationals from owning land in the Philippines, except as a minority partner with an interest of 40% or less. There are individuals who suggest that it is a great idea to set up a fake or dummy corporation to bypass the law. I caution you that setting up a "dummy corporation" for buying land, which is illegal in the Philippines.

Here is what you should expect if you try to circumvent the property laws of the Philippines, the authority can confiscate one hundred percent (100%) of your investment and you can even go to jail. One of the reasons why the laws are so stringent is that the Philippines government is very concerned about foreign exploitation.

The condominium market is the only legal way for a foreign national (foreigner) to invest in Philippine property market. For instance, a foreign national may have one hundred percent (100%) ownership of a condominium unit in any building, having an overall foreign ownership of forty percent (40%). In addition, a foreigner, who is married to a Filipino woman, can buy a house under the name of his wife, meaning that his wife's name is the only name that appears on the deed. That said, the husband's name is left out of the deed. The deed may mention that "name of the wife followed by the words 'married to...'" For those single men who are thinking about marrying Filipino women and not being comfortable with such real estate arrangements as far as the deed is concerned, you should then consider buying a condominium instead.

This is the only real estate property that the Real Estate Philippine Laws allow you to buy without having to have the deed under your name's wife. Moreover, the Philippines Property Laws allow foreigners to buy or own buildings and or houses legally as long as they do not own the land on which the houses or buildings are built. Foreign nationals, corporations and legally formed associations may lease land for a period of 25-50 years, which is renewable for another 25-50 years.

Written on July 12, 2011

Colbert Bellevue is the author of three eBooks: "Top Secrets to Approaching a Woman, Seducing Her, and Taking Her on a Date or Getting Her into Bed," "How to Get Many Pen Pals and the Woman of Your Dreams in the Philippines, Thailand, and China," and "The Whole Truths You Need to Know Before You Travel to the Philippines."

He has helped, free of charge, hundreds of single men and retirees to connect with great and beautiful female pen pals and the woman of their dreams online.

If you want to know more about How to Ask a Woman You Have Met Once or Twice out on a Date, click here: http://www.ebookspower.com/product_info.php?products_id=1612

©2011 Colbert Bellevue. All rights Reserved.

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Austin Ranches

There's much more to Austin than it's great live music and amazing food. The companies that make Austin a great place to work and the people that make Austin a great place to live are diverse and expanding. So too is the land in and around Austin. In the past, owning a ranch in Austin could have literally meant owning large acreage inside the Austin City Limits. Heavy growth over the past decade or so has changed that definition. Now Austin ranches usually refers to a ranch within about an hour of Austin.

I-35 not only splits the city of Austin but it also splits the landscape of Austin. Austin ranches on the east side of I-35 feature sandy loam or clay soils that grow good grasses, gently rolling hills and open pastures. The Colorado River is a major landmark in the area and features great kayaking, canoeing and fishing opportunities. Thousands of years of flooding have created a fertile valley around the Colorado River which is used to grow hundreds of varieties of crops - most notably pecans, watermelon, peaches and tomatoes. Majestic oaks, cypress and pecans line the banks of this now flood controlled river which provides water for rice farmers downstream near the central coast of Texas.

West of I-35, the Texas Hill Country is the quintessential backdrop to many people's idea of Austin ranches. The tall, limestone hills create stunning vistas, the quintessential backdrop for a Texas sunset. Many ranch homes feature big, breezy porches designed to take advantage of the views. Year-round, seasonal and dry creeks and rivers carve canyons and create pools - perfect for cooling off in the hot summer. Notable waterways on Austin ranches are the Blanco River, Pedernales River, Onion Creek, Miller Creek and perhaps the most famous, Barton Creek. The Pedernales River flows into Lake Travis, recognized as one of the most beautiful lakes in Texas. Only minutes away from Austin, less developed areas on the west and north side of Lake Travis create the perfect waterfront spot for many Austin ranches.

The diversity of land in and around Austin has made Austin ranches hard to define. From the green, rolling hills of the Colorado River valley east of Austin to the majestic limestone peaks of the Texas Hill Country, there is a ranch in the Austin area that will ft just about anyone's idea of the perfect place to call home.

Dave Murray
Specializing in Austin and Central Texas Residential, Estate, Waterfront and Ranch Properties

Use our web site to search for Austin ranches, Texas Hill Country ranches, Lake Travis homes for sale and find out more about the area:
Web Site: http://www.dmtx.com/
Ranch Blog: http://www.texaswaterfrontranches.com/

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What Is Asset Protection?

It is rather obvious that asset protection means to protect your assets from creditors and would be litigants. A better definition might be pre-litigation planning to deter lawsuits and encourage out of court settlements. The bottom line is not only protecting your assets from attack, but to minimize the amount of time you spend dealing with an attack (to allow you to spend your time more profitably).

What is interesting is that there is very little written about the subject of asset protection. There are no legal casebooks written on the subject, no classes taught in law school and very few books written for the inquiring mind. The term "asset protection" does not appear in state statutes or in the U.S. Code. It is rare to even find the subject written about in law digests.
Recently I attended a continuing education class for lawyers (I am not a lawyer). This one day course was designed to help attorneys "discover assets" of their opponents. While interesting and informative the class was not taught by someone experienced in debtor-creditor litigation. Theory does not often meld with real-world asset protection.

For example, can you imagine that someone would plan 20 years in advance to protect themselves from a frivolous lawsuit? Or that someone would sell an option on their real estate just to cloud the title (in case of attack)? Or that an individual would intentionally over-encumber their investments to give the impression of no equity? The best asset protection plan is one that can be reviewed and approved by a judge in a court of law (assuming the judge knows the RIGHT questions to ask).

However, our legal system is so unpredictable that most people with serious money and assets will not leave asset protection to chance. Boilerplate documents will not be adequate for a good asset protection plan. Professional help should be sought, if you can find it. Solid planning requires well-crafted documentation.

There are three main areas of concern when it comes to protecting yourself. First, your income, then your assets and finally your physical well-being. We have been talking so far in this article about someone tapping into your income by the unauthorized use of your credit (i.e. Identity Theft). This prevents you from being able to either buy more assets or deprives you and your family of lifestyle. Another way of attacking your income and assets at the same time is to sue you. One out of every 15 people will be sued in the next 5 years. Each year bogus creditors, phony lawsuits and the IRS steal assets and income from people just like us because we fail to protect our assets adequately. How do you prevent this from happening to you?

Adopting a philosophy/attitude is certainly your first line of defense. Keeping a low profile, not bragging about your holdings, living a moderate lifestyle (at least locally), and buying proper insurance (we encourage our students to buy lots of liability insurance AND an umbrella liability policy) are all good habits to establish. But, these actions alone will not guarantee that you will not be sued and lose everything to a quick buck artist and his lawyer (and your lawyer too----it costs a small fortune to defend yourself from a frivolous lawsuit).

Your next step is to list out all of your assets (you have probably already done this for your personal financial statement) and analyze each and every one of them. Most of us have developed an attitude about our assets that projects an image to the public that can cripple us at a time when we are most vulnerable. Now is the time to "organize" our assets and properties before an attack is launched against us.

If you look at the really rich people in this country and study their habits, you will find that they benefit from assets but do not "own" many. In other words, they have learned how to enjoy the fruits of their labor without risking their principal. How do they do it? First, they select a few paltry assets to own in their own name. This gives the illusion that when you find these assets, it's all that they own.

Some pursuers will stop here. However, the real assets are hidden in land trusts, personal property trusts, corporations, foundations, family limited partnerships, fictitious names, nominees, agents, attorney's trust accounts, escrow accounts, options, and on and on and on. When properly setup, the user has the full benefit of the assets, but he/she is legally unable to control any of them. Therefore, the assets are beyond the reach of all of their creditors!

The first step in a solid asset protection plan is to put ALL of your properties into separate Land Trusts. This insulates each property from the other. This can be done efficiently and inexpensively if you learn how to do it yourself. We teach people all over the United States how to put their property into Land Trusts.

This article is just the beginning if you are truly interested in protecting your assets. As you can see, this is a complex subject and you will need a lot more education to accomplish your asset protection goals. With any new subject there is a steep learning curve, but if you have spent a life time acquiring assets (or WILL spend a life time acquiring assets) is it not worth getting additional information and training?

Randy is a full time real estate investor who purchased his first rental house in 1969. He has purchased over 200 houses and teaches other investors how to put their properties into Land Trusts for privacy and asset protection. Randy is a national teacher, author and mentor. Randy writes the only Land Trust Newsletter in the county and is the founder of the Land Trust University (an institution that teaches real estate investors how to set up and administer their own Land Trusts). Residing in Illinois (the granddaddy state of Land Trust Law), Randy knows more about Land Trusts and how to link them to other entities than anyone else in the America today. You can reach Randy at: http://www.realestateforprofit.com/ or call him at 866-696-7347. You can also follow him on Twitter (landtrustexpert) and Facebook (realestateforprofit)

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Land Surveyor: What He Can Do for You

People often overlook the importance of getting their real estate properties surveyed. Some of the good excuses are, they got the property from a mortgage/lender company, or it is a waste of time and is expensive. Well, let us discuss why you must have the property surveyed by a land surveyor if you plan to purchase.

Mortgage companies are wise enough to pass the responsibility to the buyer. They do not have the property surveyed before handing it to the buyer simply because they are aware of the significance of not including the survey matters in title insurance policies. Another reason is to refrain from claims of rights and possessions and encroachments, of course, this is to protect their interests and investments.

So the tendency is, once you purchased a property without a survey, problems such as claims of encroachments by a neighbor, or rights to easements by a service company likely arise at a later time after you have settled yourself and built your dream house on the property. This is a major headache! You will surely shell out big bucks even twice or three times the amount you would spend if only you consulted a land surveyor before anything else.

Here is a quick overview of what a land surveyor does for you to understand, in depth, why you must get one to survey your property. The most important part of their job description is to establish an official boundary of land, water or airspace. They do this by researching historical boundaries, and taking measurements. Since they establish boundaries, it is crucial that the measurements are accurate.

So you realize getting your property surveyed by a land surveyor will save you a fortune, after all having that peace of mind and peaceful living are priceless. In any cases that someone claims that your fence is encroached in a portion of their property, or a sewerage company claims rights to easements to access your property for a repair or maintenance, then you will have legal means to fight for your claim.

When your property is being surveyed by a professional land surveyor you will know the exact measurements and boundaries of your property area. You can do anything you want as long as you will don't go beyond your property's boundaries. So you will be confident enough to claim your rights to your property, after all a land surveyor does his job carefully and thoroughly.

So when you plan to purchase real estate property, make sure to consult a professional land surveyor. Here is another crucial thing, do not just hire someone who claims to be a land surveyor or you will get yourself enough problems! Look for a professional one, and someone who has a good reputation since you are dealing with something that can be disputed and legal, it would be best to be very careful with getting someone who will not get you into trouble.

It is surely worth the money you spend to be able to living peacefully with your neighbors and to be sure of the boundaries of the property you own.

Keith Maxwell is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer and Land Surveyor in Alabama. He is also a Certified Floodplain Manager and has consulted for over 25 years. His surveying and engineering firm completed residential and commercial surveys throughout Alabama and surrounding states. They have extensive experience with GPS Surveying and ALTA Land Title Surveys. Visit us today at Montgomery Land Surveying for more information on land surveying and engineering.

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What You Should Know About Land Surveyors

Land surveyors job includes calculating associated with dimensional relationships among points, lines, as well as physical attributes at or near to the Earth's surface area. Essentially, surveying entails calculating associated with side to side ranges, height variations, instructions, and perspectives.

This is actually presumed that side to side distances tend to be parallel to some common plane. Likewise, each dimension offers both span and route. Span is generally pointed out in feet or within meters. The actual path is offered as a showing of the actual azimuth position to some reference meridian. The actual meridian is generally taken as the actual north-south direction.

The actual point of origin is actually set up with regard to the actual lines of surveys. Generally, the majority of coordinate methods possess the source positioned west and south from the region in order to be surveyed, to ensure that most coordinates are positive within the north-east quadrant. The actual Land Surveying entails vertical measurement which supplies the 3rd dimensions for an object's placement.

This method is principally concentrating on establishment of residence boundaries by means of methodical examine, examination, collecting details via industry observations as well as measurements and study of lawful devices associated with property. Likewise, it calls for the re-establishment of cadastral studies and also land limits depending on recorded data as well as historical proof.

This particular process additionally consists of validating neighbourhood roadmaps, listed property studies, judicial surveys, and space delineation. This may additionally end up being related to providers for example mapping and associated information accumulation, development layout, accuracy measurements associated with length, position, height, area, and quantity, in addition to horizontal and vertical management surveys, and also the evaluation and usage of land survey data.

It is important to observe that it's been an essential functionality within enhancement with the human being environment. It's been a fundamental piece of organizing and execution of any kind of kind of development. It's most recent use has spanned directly into the actual field of transportation, structures, telecoms, mapping and also establishment of lawful limitations of property possession.

Right up until lately the fundamental resources employed for this method had been, tape measuring the actual limited distances, a Level with regard to identifying the actual height variations, in addition to theodolite for to calculate the perspectives horizontally and vertically together with triangulation. These days, much more advanced instrument for example complete station is broadly utilized. Land surveyors utilize a mixture of expertise and also training comprehends and determines the qualities associated with property.

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When and What Is a Land Surveyor Required for?

The obvious answer is, when a survey of the property/land/building in question is required which would include positioning and measurements of a building/property or land. The data collected from the survey is then translated into plans where architects or planners can evaluate, enabling them to know how the project might then progress or where problems may occur.

Land surveyors are necessary, for instance, when you wish to buy a property or an area of land. If this is what you wish to do, only an accurately scaled and detailed plan produced by a Land surveyor will be able to describe/highlight exactly what the area that you are going to purchase includes or entails. This detailed plan also indicates the boundaries of surrounding land / properties in relation to your own, as well as determining where trees, outbuildings, or fences lay.

The survey will also describe whether other people are allowed access to your property or land thus determining your legal permits and rights. Deeds to the house can often be outdated, previous owners might have made changes to the property and its land, and accordingly a land survey will also act as an up-to-date deed and can be used by a solicitor to produce an accurate, contemporary deed.

Land surveys are also required when alterations are planned to be made on a certain area; this includes land as well as property. If an extension is intended to be built then a land survey is needed to mark out the boundaries which the land occupies in order to establish the proprietor's ownership rights and make sure that you are only building on your own land. This will prevent any future disputes or problems. The land survey is an accurate model of the site that can be used by the possessor to design, create and position projects accurately. The surveyor will mark on the map exactly what the location of the building is proposed to be in order to guarantee that this is on your property.

One of the most important situations a land survey is required for is boundary disputes. Land surveyors can produce information which stops situations like these reaching the courts, thus saving a great deal of time and money. In these situations the surveyor acts as a professional witness who assumes qualified responsibility of the details even if the situation is ever taken to court.

Banks and trusts will often request that a survey is done before they authorise you with a mortgage to guarantee that all records are up to date and there is no likelihood of sudden demise or change to the building. If you re-mortgage or refinance your house then the bank may require a survey as the details surrounding the area and the house will often have changed somewhat since you purchased the property/land.

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Hill Country Ranches

Many people think of Texas as a big desert or a dusty plain but Texas is one of the most diverse states in America. It features one of the largest coast lines of any state, old growth forests in the eastern portion of the state, great plains to the north and mountainous deserts to the west. One of Texas' most treasured features is its Hill Country located in the central part of the state and owning a piece of it is like owning a piece of heaven.

Hill Country ranches can vary from valleys with bubbling creeks to hilltops grandly displaying the countryside. Some ranches feature cleared pastures for grazing goats and cattle while others are ranch owners choose to keep their properties in a more natural state to attract wildlife.

Some of the most coveted Hill Country ranches even feature broad, clear limestone rivers such as the Pedernales, Colorado, Frio, Comal or Blanco rivers. These rivers are mostly spring fed from underground aquifers whose waters are filtered through porous limestone which gives these waterways exceptional clarity and create beautiful environments for swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

Hill Country ranches are renowned for their incredible hunting opportunities. Common wildlife on Hill Country ranches includes whitetail deer, axis deer, turkey and feral hogs. Many ranchers lease their land to give guests the opportunity to hunt for wildlife. The central Texas area is a destination for many deer hunters around the country and hunting ranches can range from brush covered back country to well-groomed forests replete with luxurious hunting lodges.

Ranches in the Central Texas area can range from just 20 acres to over 20,000 acres but they all have common features of rolling limestone hills and broad oaks. Many people see the non-native ash juniper more commonly called a "cedar" as an invasive species on Hill Country ranches but the mature trees have become home to the endangered golden cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo. Protecting these species through conservation easements is one way owners of Central Texas area ranches can gain tax benefits and protect the land from over development. The exploding populations of Austin and San Antonio have dramatically raised the value of Hill Country ranches and also sparked debate on conservation among individual property owners and developers as well as local, state and federal governments.

Owning a ranch in the Hill Country offers a place to escape the stress of everyday life and experience the diversity of scenery, waterfront, flora and wildlife that Central Texas has to offer.

Dave Murray
Specializing in Austin and Central Texas Residential, Estate, Waterfront and Ranch Properties

Use our web site to search for Austin ranches, Texas Hill Country ranches, Lake Travis homes for sale and find out more about the area:
Web Site: http://www.dmtx.com/
Ranch Blog: http://www.texaswaterfrontranches.com/

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Buying a Piece of Land - Things to Consider

Buying a property entails a lot of things but it is a priceless asset if you know how to go about it. The market value of lots increases periodically so it is always wise to buy now and resell it later on. Or if you plan to build a house later, you can leave it as is for now.

Before you buy a property ponder on what you want to do with the property. Either you want a residential house, a commercial building or an apartment that you can earn from. These are important considerations that will help you decide the size and location of the lot you are going to buy.

There are other factors that you have to take into account before buying a property. Check the present market value of the lot through the local assessor and compare with what the lot owner or agent has supplied to you.

Determine the size of the lot you want so you can know if you can afford to pay for the property. Although you can always have the option for financing, it is always good to have funds set aside for the purchase. If you plan to have it financed then be ready with the requirements needed.

The location of the property is of great importance as well. A residential or commercial building should be accessible to schools, malls, transportation and commercial areas. This will give you convenience of everything when you decide to relocate and live in the purchased property.

To find a good location check your local newspaper for possible lots for sale in the area that you prefer. You may also check with your bank for foreclosed property that they are offering and may be purchased through a bank loan. Foreclosed properties are great deals as they are priced lower than the present market value of the property.

Survey your prospective lot before even thinking of purchasing it. This makes sure that every boundary is correct and accurate. Also make sure to look into some vital information regarding the lot - owner's information, lot description, tax information, map, etc.

Avoid making mistakes in buying a property instead learn the tricks of the trade. It can be very hard and complicated but through patience eventually, you will benefit from it. This is about investing on a property that will secure your future and provide you a place of your own.

Raven Ross is a gifted writer and has knowledge on many topics. He explains the importance of understanding how land contract forms work when it comes to purchasing land. Learn all about this topic and many more related topics at his latest website, http://www.landcontractforms.net/.

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Investing in Texas Hill Country Ranches

There is no better investment than a Texas Hill Country ranch. Data from the Texas A&M Real Estate Center for rural land in the Hill Country counties Bandera, Blanco, Kendall and Kerr reflects an inflation-adjusted 588% increase in the past 40 years, we have data for (1969-2009) which averages nearly 15% per year with values doubling every 6-7 years. With that interest rate, not including inflation, investing $150,000 would be worth over a million dollars of today's money 50 years later. Even in the past ten years that we have data for (1999-2009) with the dot com bubble and the current recession, there's been an over 90% increase and a 50% increase in the past five years (2004-2009) in rural land values in these Hill Country counties. Compare that with today's 30-year treasury bonds yielding around 4% per annum, 1 year bank cd's at around 1% and 0% inflation-adjusted treasury bonds issued for the first time ever in 2009 and you come to fully appreciate the incredible investment ranch land is for the smart investor.

Now take into account tax rates. Tax rates for Texas Hill Country ranches are very low in comparison to other tax rates. Taxes on Texas Hill Country ranches can range from a tenth of a percent to half of a percent. That's compared with ~2.5-3% tax rates for nearby cities. The rural land rates in these areas are roughly 1.5%, however, agriculture and wildlife exemptions (commonly referred to as exemptions but are really property appraisal valuations whereby the tax basis is reduced to a fraction of the true value because of agricultural or wildlife use) knock the tax basis down so significantly that the actual taxes are these mere fractions of a percent. As an example, a $1,000,000 ranch with wildlife management or having cattle graze part of the year may get reappraised at $10,000 because of such use, then taxed 1.5% for a total tax payment of $150.

Many owners own simply because they love the recreational aspects but there's nothing more American than avoiding the taxman with a smart investment! Save money and have fun by getting into the Texas Hill Country ranch real estate market! Ridiculously low taxes and a historically consistent upswing are just the beginning of many perks Texas Hill Country ranches have to offer, take advantage of the current low-volume ranch real estate market and get in the game because you won't find a better investment.

John Nisbet is a third generation ranch ranch broker with Nisbet Ranch Sales, LLC living in San Antonio, Texas and specializing in Texas Hill Country ranches.

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The Benefits Of Living Near Parks And Other Recreational Facilities

Having parks and other recreational facilities nearby your home has its advantages. Regardless of where you live, whether in the city or in the suburbs, you will always be able to appreciate the benefits of living near parks and other recreational establishments.

There are so many advantages to living near parks and other recreational establishments. If you are in the market to buy a new house, then this is something you might want to consider.

For couples or families with children, living near a park is ideal. For one, the park is a great place to spend time with the kids. It's also a great place to meet and socialize with neighbors. In the suburbs, parks are usually adjacent to other recreational facilities such as a covered basketball court, making it the perfect hangout for teenagers who are into sports.

The park however is not just a place for families. Even single individuals can benefit from living near a park. For single individuals, the park can be a great place to go out for a date or meet other single individuals and start friendships.

Besides being an ideal place for picnics, the park is also a place where you can have some fun for free. Ultimate, biking, hiking, jogging, and exercise are just some of the things you can do at the park for free. For non-athletic individuals, the park can also be a great place to read. Parks usually have a lot of benches where one can catch up on his reading. In addition, the park is a place where one can celebrate occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and the like.

For animal lovers especially, the park is a place where they can take their pets for walks. In a city where pets are usually prohibited inside establishments, the park serves as a refuge.

In small towns, the park also serves as the meeting place for neighbors who enjoy setting up weekly activities. These activities can range from aerobics workout to bible studies.

Having a park nearby means that you will never run out of things to do. Whether it's bonding with your kids, having friendly chats with the neighbors, taking your significant other on a picnic date, or taking your pet for a walk, having a park nearby has a lot of advantages. What's more is, you will never have to worry about gas and transportation especially if the park is only a short walk away.

Alex Mathis has been writing about recreational facilities for the past 4 years. He also enjoys writing about NYC real estate topics, including useful information regarding Inwood apartments and Sutton Place apartments.

http://EzineArticles.com/6306507

All About Surveying And Engineering

The concept of surveying and engineering has been around since ancient times. These are both important factors in the construction and safety of all the buildings we use, any technology we have and even the food we eat. Technology has seen both of these vital principles in our modern world evolve greatly over many years.

Both surveying and engineering are hugely important to our modern society, and while the basic principles of both have not changed since they began many years ago, the tools and the technology has taken them forward immensely. More accurate measurements and calculations are now possible due to new computerized equipment, and the training is a lot more detailed than ever.

Surveying is a method of determining accurate three dimensional points usually on the earth's surface which is beneficial when deciding to construct a building from scratch and for developing maps. Qualifying to be a surveyor takes time, dedication and a good mathematical brain. A surveyor is needed for any new construction project and is involved in many aspects of renovations and residential purchases.

Once the initial qualification is gained, which requires a degree, the surveyor will be able to specialize in different areas of work that is available such as, land, quantity and building surveying. There is a constant demand for good quality surveyors all over the world as new buildings and land are always being developed.

The concept of engineering covers a range of things such as buildings, systems, technology and machines. The job of an engineer is wide and varied and once qualification is gained, a person could get specialized in any number of fields, from building construction to food production. Engineers are involved in aspects of almost everything we see and use in our daily lives.

A good mathematical and scientifically tuned brain is needed for a job as an engineer and the individual will also need to an extremely good problem solver. This type of career is very wide ranging and rewarding. You could find yourself working in an office or in a factory, working on the design of complex machines or food packaging.

Surveying and engineering are highly complex roles that play great significance in shaping the world we live in. Newly qualified individuals are always in demand and these are careers that are not likely to face any difficulties as the world will always need new buildings and technology will always be advancing.

http://EzineArticles.com/6422522

Missouri Hunting Land - Earn Your Own Hunting Trophies

Laden with lush green vast plains and thick virgin forests, Missouri hunting land offers you the best ground for hunting and fishing. From hunting beavers, deers and woodchucks to fishing rainbow trout, carp, catfish and bass, it is the right place if you are looking for an adventure.

For quite a long time, you have been struck with the idea of hunting. But aimlessly you wonder where your perfect place will be. For all your needs, Missouri hunting land provides the best hunting ground for various kinds of species with all types of acreages. With its thick forests, mountains, plains, rivers and ponds, Missouri is home to various species of animals such as elk, moose, bears, beavers, deer, and woodchucks. And in addition to this, fish of all types such as rainbow trout, graylings, carp, catfish, bullheads, perch, and bass swim in the clear waters of Missouri springs, rivulets, ponds and rivers.

The beauteous state, Missouri lies in the mid-western part of United States. It enjoys the well connected neighboring states of Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. Summer is hot and humid. But you can expect the opposite during winter. Because of its climatic condition, Missouri serves as a home to hundreds of species of birds, fishes and animals. Being a state in the heart of the United States, Missouri is well connected with all other parts of the country. Apart from all these, Missouri is engulfed with various types of flora and fauna. With the change of season,, Missouri changes the color of its landscape and dresses itself in different hues. For years on, Missouri has been acting as the perfect place for hunters, researchers, animal observers and wild life lovers.

Since you are looking for your perfect hunting land, you don't need to wander around the vast country searching for it. Antler Ridge, Barnes Hollow, Deer Valley, Valley View Ranch and Whispering Oaks Ranch are some of the well known places, which will satisfy all your needs for hunting. In these places, you'll find countless species of animals, birds and fish. Located closely to Mark Twain National Forest and Pea Conservation Area, you will be awestruck to find the rich habitat of wildlife scattering in the vast plains, valleys and mountains.

Missouri is not limited to hunting only. It has one of the most captivating landscapes in the country. So, you can also reside here neglecting all the busy streets, careless honking of cars and buses and restless office lives of the cities. And apart from this, you can also go for other outdoor adventures and recreations like rafting, camping, swimming, floating, tubing and canoeing. With its splendid natural landscape and abundant wild life habitat, Missouri offers the best place for all types of adventure and recreational activities.

Most important of all, you should consider several factors in buying a hunting land in Missouri. After buying your favorite hunting land with high hopes and expectations, you won't be pleased to find all kinds of surprises one after the another. So, it is advisable for you to look into the following factors:

* Species you are hunting for
* Quality of species you are looking for
* Population size of the species
* Species acreage requirements

Apart from the above mention factors, please don't forget to consider how the land has been managed previously, so that you don't have to start managing the land all over again.

Infused with all these information, you are now ready to seek the most rightful Missouri hunting land for sale where you can enjoy the exhilarating hunting experience forever.

This article has been written by an expert who is closely associated with Classic Country Land, LLC, a leading company offering land for sale in Oklahoma at competitive prices.

http://EzineArticles.com/6385128

Real Estate Raw Land Grab - Last Chance for Conservation Groups?

There has always been a big battle when it comes to open space, state parks, and land set aside and zoned for no development. This is easily observed merely attending any local planning commission meeting at any city hall in any suburban area. The big debate becomes very political in the types of views that various people have. Most Conservatives and Republicans would agree that private property ownership rights include the ability of the owner of that real property to develop that property if they'd like.

Others on the Democratic side of the coin believe that there should be land set aside for the public, and that it's not fair if everyone develops their property anyway they'd like because that would make the cities unlivable, and take away from nature. Then there are those land conservation groups and nature conservancy groups who are willing to split the divide, and take on donations, or match with government funds the ability to buy property from those who own it, and then they can set it aside because they have property rights which allow them the freedom to not develop their properties.

That makes sense right? Well now due to the global economic challenges, real estate in many parts of our country is still very depressed. That means there are big chunks of land available for sale for much less than they ever have been in the last 30 years. Many conservation groups have prime pieces of real estate that were set aside previously, and they can sell those now for a huge profit, and therefore use that money to buy even more land. That makes sense too.

Now then, a word of advice; those Nature Conservancy type groups should indeed buy up these properties before the economic recovery has all the prices of that type of real property increasing at a rapid rate. Indeed, they may even wish to buy more than they need, and hold some of that property to sell for later at a profit to buy even more property thus parlaying their investment in open space, and undeveloped land.

Not too long ago there was a very interesting article in the Wall Street Journal, which was part of a multipart series, the second chapter of the series of articles was published on June 10, 2010 titled; "Natural Causes - A Head for Business, a Green Conscious and a Former Treasury Secretary Inspired Mark Tercek to Quit a Highflying Career at Goldman Sachs to Run the Nature Conservancy," and in this article I believe it speaks to some of my comments above, about the window of opportunity which was created by the economic real estate collapse and fiasco.

In any case, I hope you will please consider all this and think about it, as it does seem that the proper way to set aside real property without hurting private individual property rights, is clearly to buy that property, and then set it aside using your new found property rights as the owner.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 23,777 articles by 7 PM on June 27, 2011 is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

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Farmland Investment: Is UK Farmland Overvalued?

Most important for investors considering farmland investments, is to purchase assets at a price that truly reflects the assets real value as a farming asset. We are able to calculate true and proper value of farmland as an investment asset using a simple economic model taking into account farm revenues and capitalisation rates as follows:

Farmland values = Future revenues ÷ Capitalisation rate.

Future Revenues

Future revenues are considered to be only the revenue received by the landowning investor, which has historically remained at around 25% of total revenue. USDA figures for cost of production taken from the past three years show that landowners have received 25% of total farm revenues in U.S.

Therefore we are able to calculate future revenues once we know current yield and crop prices. For example; according to DFERA, the 5 year average yield per hectare including wheat, barley and oilseed rape to 2010 is 5.65/ha. And the average crop price as a weighted 26 month average is approximately £95.78 So total revenue per hectare is £541.16 therefore future revenues for landowners amount to £135.29

Capitalisation

Capitalisation can be proxied with historical cash rent-to land value ratios and figures from DEFRA, the average rent for one hectare of general cropping or cereal producing land in 2009 was £195 per hectare under a Farm Business Tenancy, which equates to 1.32% of the Q1 value of UK farmland according to the Knight Frank Farmland Index which indicates a national average of £14,797 per hectare.

So, according to this model, current true value of farmland can be calculated as:

Farmland values = £135.29 ÷ 0.0132

Farmland values = £10,249 per hectare

This model indicates that farmland in the UK is overvalued when compared to other global regions, and rising interest rates pushing up rentals combined with a drop in commodity prices could cause value to fall back sharply.

Realistically, farmland values are supported more by long term trends of increasing demand for food, feed and fuel, and Investors able to take a long tern view when choosing to investment in UK farmland are likely to do very well.

Those investors seeking growth and enhanced income in the short term are likely to find better value in developing economies where land values are lower, labour and inputs are cheaper and yields can be increased substantially through the application of new technologies and up to date farming techniques.

UK farmland investment remains a good investment opportunity for those happy to take lower return in exchange for investing onshore.

Provided the right data is available, this model can be applied to farmland in any part of the world, providing a good rule of thumb guide to investors considering investing in farmland as part of a diversified portfolio of alternative investments.

Download your complimentary copy of the DGC Asset Management Farmland Investment Report at the DGC Asset Management Website

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What You Need to Know About Topo Surveyors

A Topographic Surveyor also known as Topo Surveyor collects the survey data to locate man-made and natural marks and its elevations on a particular portion of land. It normally comprises any man-made underground marks such as utility lines. It will also illustrate ground level installations such as utility poles, buildings, walls, and many other significant installations.

The utilization of standard topographic surveying procedures are commonly employed to provide accurate measured plan of terrain. It is also used during the mapping and graphing phases of projects to blueprint the locations and layout of the installations, road, buildings, and many other engineering and architectural projects in the construction industry.

The purpose of getting a Topo Surveyor to do topographic survey is to obtain an accurate trace and documentation of the present state of a parcel of land that will be constructed on; either a building, a wall, or any other construction activity. The design engineers make use of the topo survey as they plan the design and then the proposal of the final surface.

It is important to have this plan as this allows the Engineer compute, analyze, and estimate the amount of earth work that might be required. The Engineer will also be able to balance the amount of earth work to minimize the dirt to be taken off and on the construction site. The architect also makes use of the topo survey the same way as the Engineer does.

Additionally, the architect may plot the surface in 3D to picture out the finished look with the improvements he might add. This plot may be presented to the construction owner, building owner, or the land owner before the actual construction takes place. An accurate topo survey is of big help to ensure the installations and improvements fits in on the site within its boundaries.

The two common methods of doing a topographic survey are Aerial Topo Survey and Conventional Topo Survey. How the topographic survey done would vary on the method the Topo Surveyor use. It is important that a topo surveyor know how to carry out both in any circumstances. So if you will need one, make sure he is professional and experienced both methods.

An Aerial Topographic Survey is done on the airspace. It is taken either in a helicopter or in an airplane at a defined distance above the ground level. Aerial photos of the ground surface are then taken and examined by the topo surveyor. This will allow him to envisage the ground surface through the structure of a stereo pair. By looking at the two overlapping aerial photos, the vantage points are determined.

A Conventional Topographic Survey is done when there is a need to get the accurate contour interval and spot elevations. The Aerial Topographic Survey is limited in the precise vertical and horizontal point location of the ground surface. These are just simplified elaboration of the two methods of topographic survey to provide you an overview. Read and research to learn in depth about them or ask a topo surveyor.

Keith Maxwell is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer and Land Surveyor in Alabama. He is also a Certified Floodplain Manager and has consulted for over 25 years. His surveying and engineering firm completed residential and commercial surveys throughout Alabama and surrounding states. They have extensive experience with GPS Surveying and ALTA Land Title Surveys. Visit us today at Montgomery Land Surveying for more information on land surveying and engineering.

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The Importance of Living Near Parks And Recreational Areas

Whether you live in the city or in the suburbs, you ought to have various places of destination where you can visit during the weekends or your day-off. Though staying at home will allow you to get some rest from a week of hard work, it can also be quite refreshing to be able to do fun activities alone, with friends or with the family.

When purchasing a new home, it is best to consider those who are near the proximity of parks, entertainment establishments and other recreational areas. This will give you numerous activities to do without the need to travel the long hours to go out of town. These outgoing events can also encourage staying in shape or losing weight as many activities include sports or other physical actions.

A weekend home can be more fun when spent outdoors with the children. Playing in the park allows your children to do some physical activities for sweating and get to meet other neighborhood kids to help them socialize. This is a great way to help your children to go outside and develop important social and healthy habits.

For the single individuals, going to recreational areas are also a great way to meet people and start friendships. Recreational centers with basketball and tennis courts are great venues for some friendly competition. These sporting areas can be the ideal place for you to get rid of stress from work or just everyday life.

Parks are also ideal place for picnics and other outdoor activities for free rather than paying for function halls or other venues. Birthdays, holiday celebrations and even dates can be held in parks for free, whether it is a breakfast in the outdoors, afternoon snack al fresco or dining under the stars.

Animal lovers can also take their pets for a walk or even a run at the park, perfect for individuals who are renting homes with small space for moving around. It is also the perfect place for jogging or brisk walking.

Neighbors can also set up a weekly activity in the park such as aerobics workouts, pet day-out, and other group activities. This will let people get to know each other more while enjoying a fun activity outdoors.

Having a home in the proximity of entertainment establishments will also help you save in terms of gasoline and transportation money. It also means that you will never run out of things to do and make your day-off more fun.

Adam Bridges has been writing about recreational real estate for 4 years. He also enjoys writing about New York City neighborhoods, including useful information about NoLita apartments and Hudson Heights apartments.

http://EzineArticles.com/6285247

Undeveloped Land - Not An Issue Anymore

It is quite a difficult task for any individual to select an undeveloped land. There are numerous constraints that demand attention before deciding on such an investment. That is the reason why you should not jump into conclusion without doing a proper research conducted on such property.

Today, investment has become a potent tool for financial stability and security. Besides the major financial sectors like banking, shares and securities, people have also started investing heavily into real estate. Land and building form the favored category of such real estate investments, since, their value gets amortized in the long run resulting in capital growth and yielding higher return on investment. Developers, sub dividers and land speculators find delight in such investments specially when it comes to land. But investing in an undeveloped land rather than a developed one is a little thoughtful process.

An undeveloped land can be put to various usages. It is this factor which should be determined first before choosing any undeveloped land. You can use the land for agricultural purpose or can build up your own residence. But it is widely felt that such undeveloped land located at the outskirts of the town or in countryside is preferably used for the construction of hotels, farm houses, bungalows or guest houses. For investing in such undeveloped land, you should keep yourself updated about the prevailing rates of that particular property. Timing here becomes an important element as purchasing the land at the right time when the prices are low, will allow you to invest a lesser amount.

Though timing is an important factor, but there are other elements too which should be thoroughly studied before buying an undeveloped land. A detailed knowledge about the land should be your primary objective. These details include information on the history of the land as well as the type of foundation, whether man-made or natural. You can even hire a land surveyor, who can produce a detailed report on the boundaries, layout, natural features, utilities and other features that can affect the value of the land in future.

To get a proper knowledge on the lay of the land, you need to run a thorough analysis on the previous reports prepared on natural features of your property. Oddly shaped properties or lands existing in flood zones, hilly region and rough terrains should better be avoided as developing these type of lands are quite difficult. Secondly, the accessibility options should be checked. The absence of a proper roadway will make it difficult to commute to such place. Third, the availability of basic utilities like supply of drinking water, availability of electricity and dumping of waste must be verified before investing on the land. Finally, the location must be analyzed to assess the risk involved in converting the property to residential use. For this purpose, it is necessary to study whether the surrounding is in the process of development or it is an upcoming area for the growth of real estate business.

Apart from these basic tenants, another important element that should be considered at the helm of the previous studies, is the legal aspect. Before signing the papers, you should be clear about the boundaries of the plot. You should get an extensive research conducted to cross check the presence of any legal issues on the property.

Purchasing or buying an undeveloped land for sale is therefore not a mere task. You need to be careful enough or else it will land you into a bad debt or liquidity crisis. Issues and queries related to such property must be properly analyzed and verified before investing a huge sum of money in it.

This article is written by an expert who is currently associated with Classic Country Land LLC, an esteemed organization dealing in real estate. They are currently offering Missouri hunting land for sale.

http://EzineArticles.com/6510535

Boundary Land Surveyor: Get the Boundaries of Your Property Marked and Established

Getting your own real estate is one great achievement that secures one of our basic needs: shelter. However, it is just the beginning of securing your own property. It does not just end as soon as you have the real estate papers in your hands. There are still important things to do to make sure you get to live in your property without having to worry about legalities and boundaries.

It is best to make sure that where you build your house, garage, swimming pool, and fences are enclosed within the limits of your property, otherwise you will have troubles with encroachments or claims to easement rights. The answer: get your land surveyed by a professional boundary land surveyor.

So what about these encroachments and easement rights? Consider this example: you decided to extend your garage area, your fences, or add a home addition. You can't just put them wherever you want - you should get your land surveyed to keep from having later problems with being too close to or over your boundaries. You might have touched a part of your neighbor's property, and that's a major headache!

Another example to consider: the property you purchased has a portion where an electric company or the water and sanitary sewer utility has access rights to carry out maintenance and repair. You should know where exactly they have access rights so you won't build your swimming pool over that portion of the land, otherwise, another major headache!

So you see there is much to do after you purchase that property you have been saving to get before you even build the castle of your dreams. This might seem a big deal, it is though, but the process is simple if you get the job done by a professional boundary land surveyor.

So what does a boundary land surveyor do and why is this an important role?

A boundary land surveyor finds and marks the boundaries of a property. They also do title surveys for real estate transactions, topography mapping for engineering design, flood surveys and evaluations for flood insurance, among other land and boundary related jobs. The importance of getting your land surveyed is realized once the boundary land surveyor marks and establishes the boundaries of your property.

If your neighbor builds a home addition and touches a portion of your property, then you have all the right to complain. If a repairman claims to having the right to access your garage and remove some installations for service repair and maintenance, then you also have the right to say no because you know exactly where the boundaries of your property lie.

Peaceful living does not just come from getting to build your dream house and settle, but also from the confidence of knowing your rights to your property and its boundaries. You won't have to worry about boundary disputes and rights to easements. So get to know exactly where the boundaries of your property lie by a professional boundary land surveyor.

Keith Maxwell is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer and Boundary Land Surveyor in Alabama. He is also a Certified Floodplain Manager and has consulted for over 25 years. His surveying and engineering firm completed residential and commercial surveys throughout Alabama and surrounding states. They have extensive experience with GPS Surveying and ALTA Land Title Surveys. Visit us today at Montgomery Land Surveying for more information on land surveying and engineering.

http://EzineArticles.com/6436452