America’s Greatest Landowners?

I always wanted to be a Cartwright. To me, Bonanza wasn’t just some paint-by-numbers Western. The villains weren’t Indians or desperados. They were politicians, bankers, and railroad types, all of whom were hankering to get their hands on a piece of the Ponderosa. Read more

Sweet Home Alabama

On the shores of Alabama’s largest lake, American Idol winner Taylor Hicks has found the perfect piece of property. Now all he needs is the time to enjoy it. Read more

I’m Not a Big Fan of Catfish

But I’ve been meaning to reference this article that ran in The New York Times on July 18. It’s yet another example of the effects of the federal government’s mindless ethanol policy. Now, in addition to driving up basic food costs for Americans (and Mexicans), besides sending soybean production overseas, and as well as bankrupting feedlot operators and more than a few cattlemen on both sides of the border, the high prices of corn and soybeans have all but dried up commercial catfish farms in the Mississippi Delta. It’s one of the countless unforeseen consequences of a land use policy that is already beginning to unravel.

Alabama Land Generates Solid Returns

That’s the conclusion one draws from a recent report titled Alabama Farm Real Estate: A Comparison of Returns and Values Since 1970, which was prepared by John Adrian and Walt Prevatt, professors and extension economists at Auburn University.  Read more

Great Exchange: How to Use 1031 Exchanges to Your Advantage

Ask any big-league broker to name the single most effective real estate investment tool. Don’t limit yourself to ranch brokers or real estate agents who specialize in islands or farmland or some other rural land. Ask commercial brokers in major urbancenters, subsurface guys who buy and sell mineral rights, and corporate types who package shopping centers and apartment building. The top response is bound to be the 1031 Exchange, and the reason is simple. Read more

Checklist: 1031 Exchange

Review The Land Report’s checklist of key elements to a 1031 Exchange and learn about Exchange Requirements, Qualified Intermediaries, Proper Purpose, and Qualifying Properties. Read more

Man’s Best Friend, Land’s Best Friend

So you need a real dog. Maybe the raccoons and squirrels are fattening up on your sweet corn and tomatoes or the coyotes are dining al fresco on your lambs. Could be that after an appetizer of the latest surefire rodent killer you bought, those barn rats have cleaned out your corn crib and started to scare your cats. You need a working dog. Read more