Answer
Dec 07, 2017 - 02:30 AM
Unfortunately, it could be either. I can't tell from your question on whether you are buying the cell tower with the property or just the property which has a cell tower lease on it.
If the former, the first thing I would do is make sure it is not lit. (FAA navigation lights). If it is, stay away- too much liability and cost in operating the lights. Second thing I would do is check to see whether your local zoning office has a requirement that towers have to be removed if they aren't in use- because you might buy the property only to be told that you have to remove the tower. This would cost $25K or more. However, there may be upside in the future if a carrier was interested in using the tower. The only way to know this though is to have us (or someone else competent) do an evaluation on it.
If the latter, you should check the lease documentation. If there are no payments being made and the tower is vacated, then go back to the paragraph above. If the lease is valid and payments are being made, you just need to make sure you don't overpay for the lease given the above normal risk of termination.
If the former, the first thing I would do is make sure it is not lit. (FAA navigation lights). If it is, stay away- too much liability and cost in operating the lights. Second thing I would do is check to see whether your local zoning office has a requirement that towers have to be removed if they aren't in use- because you might buy the property only to be told that you have to remove the tower. This would cost $25K or more. However, there may be upside in the future if a carrier was interested in using the tower. The only way to know this though is to have us (or someone else competent) do an evaluation on it.
If the latter, you should check the lease documentation. If there are no payments being made and the tower is vacated, then go back to the paragraph above. If the lease is valid and payments are being made, you just need to make sure you don't overpay for the lease given the above normal risk of termination.
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