Suburban and Rural Issues in the World of Real Estate

I have worked more than three decades in a rural suburban community about 30 miles south of Milwaukee, WI, and about 30 miles west of Racine, WI. I live in a small town on the shores of the Fox River/Lake Tichigan waterway. The river runs through our small town of Waterford and through the even smaller town of Rochester, about a 1/2 mile down the road. The place we call home could have been the community that was the inspiration for Norman Rockwell's artwork. We are a community of lake homes, farm homes, large farms, and farmland that has been or is in the process of being tagged for development. I tell you this to explain that I don't have a lot of knowledge about "city issues." My expertise in this community has evolved as I have met many of the "alligators" that rear their heads while buyers and sellers are trying to buy and sell rural real estate. I'll try to identify some of those alligators. The more you know to watch for, the more trouble you may be able to avoid.

Have you ever heard this one?
"When you are up to your 'fanny' in alligators it becomes difficult to remember that your original intention was to drain the swamp!"

MY OPINION: I believe that anyone buying or selling real estate - whether it is a small parcel or hundreds of acres -should involve a professional whose areas of expertise are the kind of information you personally need. It is extremely difficult for a transaction to go smoothly when you don't have at least ONE professional involved who is an expert in the community where the property is located. That professional can be a licensed real estate agent or a licensed real estate attorney. It is my opinion that it is very difficult for an agent/attorney "who goes anywhere" to know enough about the issues of a community if they don't have prior knowledge and experience in that community. A license does not a REALTOR® make. And, a license does not an expert make. Personally, about 25 years ago I drew a circle of 10 miles around my small community. I haven't taken business beyond that circle since then. There is a phrase heard now and then: "Jack-of-all trades and master of none." It was my goal to be the master of my chosen venue. That commitment has helped me get many transactions to a successful closing, where less available expertise may not have done the job. Assistance should come from someone who is educated and experienced in the general area of their designated specialty.

Alligators
For many years I have had cute alligators as my mascots - on my desk, shelves, and in visual material used for marketing purposes. At the local home show, my booth theme has often been showing me as an "alligator-slayer." The alligators lurk in the weeds, ready to snap and devour their prey!

Identity the Alligators
Buyers and sellers need professional, experienced alligator slayers. The better armed transaction participants are with knowledge and commitment, the better the chance of success they have to "turn your dreams to realty." Proper Preparedness Prior to an executed and accepted Offer to Purchase is the key to a successful and happy transaction.

To Name a Few Alligators:
Wells, Sanitary Disposal Systems, Zoning Issues, USTs/ASTs, Environmental Issues, Taxing Issues, Appraisal, Development Restrictions, Title Issues, Water Testing, Use Restrictions, Public Records, Local, County and State Regulations - each community is different. A basic understanding of the issues discussed here can help you sidestep the Alligators.

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