A unit of Lasting Forests evolving since March 30, 1999
A Total Forest Management Plan and Wildland Management Decision Support System
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Evaluating Other Land for Purchase

Additions or substitutions of land may be needed to again significant economies of scale in operations and for achieving the objectives of the landowner. The foollowing list of ideas and topics is an outline for the owner for evaluating small acreages. This is a decision aid. Judge properts as it now exists, not as planned.There are many personal and other factors that need to be considered. If the list can be useful in avoiding a mistake, it will serve a useful purpose. The following list might become a useful basis for an expert system.

Adverse Factors:

1. Presence of a threat from floods
2. Undesirable zoning laws in county
3. Unfavorable deed restrictions
4. Easements and incumbrances that could interfere witb use of the land
5. Possibility of air pollution problems
6. Lack of adequate fencing
7. Possibility of future nuisances in the area

Community Services:

1. Good roads
2. Adequate water supply
3. Availability of sewers or possibility of septic tanks if soil is appropriate
4. Availability of utilities such as gas, electricity, phone, and mail service -
5. Reasonably priced utilities
6. Schools within reasonable distances
7. Rural police protection
8. Dependable and nearby fire protection
9. Churches
10. Nearby hospitals and medical care centers
11. Snow removal on main roads
12. Good routes to place of employment
13. Absence of pending highway or major land use change

Cost Factors:

1. Area cost of living
2. Special tax assessments
3. Real estate taxes
4. Upkeep on property
5. Transportation costs
6. Costs of special equipment or services
7. Fire and liability insurance rates

Dwelling Characteristics, If Available:

1. Lot size
2. House location in respect to total acreage
3. Well-drained land
4. Trees
5. Good exposure to sunlight
6. Reasqnably level yard with potential for landscaping - if not already landscaped

Dwelling Design:

1. Compatibility of architecture with environment
2. General attractiveness
3. Number and size of rooms
4. Adequacy of closet space
5. Size of utility space for washer, dryer, freezer, etc.
6. Adequacy of storage space for miscellaneous items Length and steepness of stairs
7. Convenience of dwelling traffic pattern
8. Adequacy of kitchen size in terms of family needs Arrangement of kitchen for saving steps
9. Adequacy of cabinet space
10. Suitability of total design for ease in maintenance, repair, or additions

This unit is based on Agriculture Fact Sheet 1-1-1, USDA, Office of Communication, Washington, DC and adapted from work of Durward Brewer and Leroy Rottman, Dept Ag. Econ, College of Ag, Univ. Missouri, Nov., 1977

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This Web site is maintained by R. H. Giles, Jr.
Last revision January 17, 2000.