Answers
Jun 03, 2020 - 05:53 AM
Hi, it depends upon the location. Like other tower companies, Atlas Tower tends to be thrifty with their ground leases. So they tend to negotiate more aggressively than some others. Without looking at the specific location, we can't really tell you whether you have room to negotiate.
We can tell you that in most cases it doesn't make sense to accept the one-time payment options from the tower companies on an upfront basis. (This isn't specific to Atlas- but most tower companies). If you look at the time value of money, you are almost always better off taking the lease payments. Even if you prefer a lump sum, we find that you would be better off keeping the lease payments and then selling the lease after it commences.
One thing I would recommend specifically with Atlas is whether you use our services, that of another consultant, or do it yourself, you should make sure to ask for a decent signing bonus. That way, if Atlas doesn't proceed, you won't be out the money that you pay a consultant or an attorney to review the proposed lease.
Hope this helps. If you care to send us the location, we will gladly look at it and let you know if we can be of assistance. https://www.steelintheair.com/new-cell-tower-leases/
We can tell you that in most cases it doesn't make sense to accept the one-time payment options from the tower companies on an upfront basis. (This isn't specific to Atlas- but most tower companies). If you look at the time value of money, you are almost always better off taking the lease payments. Even if you prefer a lump sum, we find that you would be better off keeping the lease payments and then selling the lease after it commences.
One thing I would recommend specifically with Atlas is whether you use our services, that of another consultant, or do it yourself, you should make sure to ask for a decent signing bonus. That way, if Atlas doesn't proceed, you won't be out the money that you pay a consultant or an attorney to review the proposed lease.
Hope this helps. If you care to send us the location, we will gladly look at it and let you know if we can be of assistance. https://www.steelintheair.com/new-cell-tower-leases/
Jun 03, 2020 - 06:47 AM
Hi- thanks for sharing the location. (I deleted the other question as you probably don't want everyone to know where the site is on a public forum) If you do want it out there- please feel free to post again and I will approve it.
Thanks for sharing. It appears to me that there are multiple parcels in the area that are similar to the one you indicate above. As such, it would seem that Atlas could just as easily go to another parcel nearby if they don't like the terms in any counteroffer you make. In cases like these, there isn't much we can do to help other than confirm that the lease rate is similar to others in the area and review the business terms of the lease.
Unless there is some reason that you know that the owners of the other vacant parcels on this ridge would not agree to lease space to Atlas, I don't recommend using our services. You would be better off just having a local attorney review the agreement and understanding what it requires of you. Just make sure to tell them to take a soft touch- too many comments and Atlas (or any tower company) would likely just move to the next owner.
Thanks for sharing. It appears to me that there are multiple parcels in the area that are similar to the one you indicate above. As such, it would seem that Atlas could just as easily go to another parcel nearby if they don't like the terms in any counteroffer you make. In cases like these, there isn't much we can do to help other than confirm that the lease rate is similar to others in the area and review the business terms of the lease.
Unless there is some reason that you know that the owners of the other vacant parcels on this ridge would not agree to lease space to Atlas, I don't recommend using our services. You would be better off just having a local attorney review the agreement and understanding what it requires of you. Just make sure to tell them to take a soft touch- too many comments and Atlas (or any tower company) would likely just move to the next owner.
Aug 21, 2024 - 04:08 AM
I know its no comfort now, but we advise landowners to never sign first- or if they do, add language in the lease that says that the tenant must sign the lease within 30 days or it is null and void. That way the tower company can't avoid paying the signing bonus or option while still tying up the property.
By
Do not do business with Atlas!
They will tie you up in weeks of contract negotiations before they do their due diligence. Atlas will offer a signing bonus "once the contract is executed". Once the exploration contract is unilaterally signed, they will drag their feet on fully executing it while they negotiate with carriers. In my case the carrier didn't like the location, so Atlas decided to not move forward. No problem, if they hadn't stalled on full contract execution and paid at least a portion of my legal fees with the "signing bonus".
Regardless, it probably wouldn't have mattered, the project manager I was working with admitted in writing, that even if it was fully executed, they wouldn't pay the signing bonus.
If that's the kind of company you want to enter into a 30 year lease with, good luck!
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