Answer
Dec 26, 2023 - 07:41 AM
Hi,
Thanks for asking this very timely question. We just wrote an article on the subject of prepaid cell tower leases and easements. Generally, we are opposed to permanent easements and long-term prepaid leases. We suspect that a much higher % of landowners will eventually regret signing such an agreement than those who sign typical cell tower leases. We get regular inquiries from people looking to get out of cell tower leases- in most cases, we can't help them.
Your situation appears to be one of the rare exceptions where the value of the easement payment exceeds the value of the property. In that case, you might consider taking the easement payment. I would also recommend selling the remainder of the property for whatever you can get for it once the tower is erected. Too many possible scenarios where owning the property/easement would be to your disadvantage.
Hope this helps.
Ken
Thanks for asking this very timely question. We just wrote an article on the subject of prepaid cell tower leases and easements. Generally, we are opposed to permanent easements and long-term prepaid leases. We suspect that a much higher % of landowners will eventually regret signing such an agreement than those who sign typical cell tower leases. We get regular inquiries from people looking to get out of cell tower leases- in most cases, we can't help them.
Your situation appears to be one of the rare exceptions where the value of the easement payment exceeds the value of the property. In that case, you might consider taking the easement payment. I would also recommend selling the remainder of the property for whatever you can get for it once the tower is erected. Too many possible scenarios where owning the property/easement would be to your disadvantage.
Hope this helps.
Ken
By
Hi Ken! Thanks for your answer, it's very helpful. I read the article you suggested but I don't quite understand the "too many possible scenarios where owning the property with the easement would be to my disadvantage". If I can impose on you to elaborate on that just a bit?
Our goal was to eventually put in a small cabin on this property (like a tiny home) which we would use when visiting on climbing trips and AirBnB during other times. One of the advantages of the deal is that we get use of the culvert and road they will build to get to the very back of the property (where they intend to build). The $50K would go towards the building of the tiny home.
Thank you so much for your time and happy holidays!
Add New Comment