Customer Reviews

There's No Business Like Land Business

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I have been looking at buying rural land for my own use for quite some time. While I have always wanted a sizeable tract of several hundred acres, it seemed to be a bit beyond my reach. However, after reading R.G.'s book, I am now thinking that I can afford my large tract by purchasing a tract bigger than I need, and subdividing it to help pay for the part I wish to keep. While on the surface subdividing land would seem to be a no-brainer (just buy some land, draw some boundries and sell it, right?), R.G. points out that there are numerous potential pitfalls that could cost a person thousands of dollars and a lot of lost time. By following the detailed steps laid out in this book, I feel confident that I would be able to successfully subdivide a piece of property.

The book does a good job at providing a very basic introduction
to land development. However, it does not sufficiently address several key elements:

1. The importance of due diligence. Before purchasing property, one should conduct due diligence to ensure that there won't be environmental issues, wetlands issues, indian burial grounds, endangered species, protected plant life (trees, etc), protected wildlife, etc. Any one of these could severely limit the future use of the land. This book does not emphasize this enough.

2. The potential difficulties in finding buyers for subdivided land. Just because you buy it and subdivide it doesn't mean that there are buyers out there ready to buy the subdivided land from you.

In summary, this book provides a good basic overview, but that's all. I wouldn't go out and purchase land solely based on what's stated in this book.

Though the author writes in a very readable style, the content leaves much to be desired. The author paints too broad a picture when describing the process. In doing so, it is impossible for the reader to learn any true specifics that would actually be used to make a deal. As a developer myself, I like to see more substance when any discussion of real estate takes place. This book reads more like a "get rich quick scheme" than a "how to" book.

I was thrilled with the book. I am new to the land business and felt that it gave me a great look into the life of someone who has been there. The book was very interesting and easy to understand. It wasn't filled with double talk like some books are. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting. I was told I couldn't put it down and he was right. Thanks for giving me a new look at my future and a light at the end of the tunnel. I reccommend it to everyone.

The title should reflect that this book is a "novice" or "layman" view of what the business is about. I work daily within the land development realm. This book paints the subject as being quite simplistic, leaving the reader feeling the buzz normally felt at a Multi-level Networking Seminar. If it was this easy, everyone would do it.

Great book for the novice and professional alike. I found the book to answer most questions concerning everything from buying to selling techniques... I would have like more indepth coverage on land selection but understand every community is different. If you are interested in real estate this is a must for your collection!