If the government is planning to take your land for a public project, you have the right to be compensated fairly for that land. It can be difficult to know exactly how much money you are owed in eminent domain cases, but with the help of an experienced attorney, you can maximize your compensation. This blog post will discuss some tips for Texas landowners facing eminent domain proceedings.
Consider your legal rights before negotiating a settlement with the government.
The first step in any eminent domain case is to examine the documents you have received from the government closely. If you believe certain terms are unfair or illegal, you can challenge these terms without having to settle on them right away. This will give you more leverage during negotiations and could increase your compensation.
Hire an experienced negotiator to help you navigate the process.
The government’s negotiators may have been negotiating eminent domain cases for years and will try to take advantage of you. For the best results, it is advisable to work with someone with great experience negotiating these types of deals and who can advocate on your behalf. Our team at Owners Advocacy Group has decades of experience dealing with eminent domain cases, and we can help you maximize your compensation.
Get an expert appraisal of your land before negotiating.
In many eminent domain cases, the government will use its own appraisers to estimate how much your property is worth. These estimates are often far too low and do not account for all the benefits of owning your land. It is important to get a second opinion from someone specializing in this area. If you own vacant or undeveloped land, consider hiring a surveyor and an environmental engineer to provide a more accurate report on the true value of your property.
Realize that there is no “right” compensation amount for your land.
There is no specific formula for calculating what your land is worth in eminent domain cases. The only way to know for sure how much you are owed is to have all your property’s benefits, including its historical and cultural value, taken into account by an appraiser. At Owners Advocacy Group, we can help determine the true compensation amount for your land.
Take steps to preserve the value of your property as long as possible.
The longer you wait before taking action, the harder it will be for you to maximize your compensation for your land in eminent domain cases. Start by contacting an Owners Advocacy Group immediately after receiving notice of the proposed condemnation and asking questions about how it will impact your property rights. Even if you are unsure about whether you have a claim, we are happy to help you get the answers you need!
Conclusion
Owners Advocacy Group is prepared to help fight for your land in eminent domain cases in Texas. We can work with appraisers and other experts to determine the true value of your land and can help you negotiate a favorable compensation amount with the government. To learn more about how we can maximize your compensation, call our office today at (972) 318-9688 or visit our website for more information: ownersadvgroup.com.