A company needs to cross a small part of our land to access and work on some of their land. There is a bridge there but they can't cross the bridge with their equipment because it is not rated for that big of a load. They said that they are willing to pay to have permanent access to cross. What is a reasonable price to charge? Thanks. Wasn't sure where to put this.
Don't know about price, but I do have a buddy who had a similar situation. The company needed to cross his property and they needed to build a bridge as well. He got some money and he ended up getting a pretty good sized pond dug out for him as well!
Personally I wouldn't grant them a permanent easement - at least now without seeing how well they treat you and your property... I would see if they would be willing to go on a year-by-year basis or maybe a multi (2-3) year agreement - at least initially... Signing a permanent agreement could affect the value of your land. You also want to know how much they will be crossing and what they will be doing... You may want to also put in a stipulation (if you use the land for hunting) that they cannot use the easement from Oct 15 - Nov 25 (or whatever) or maybe just not on the weekends... Just make sure that if you do put stipulations in the agreement such as numbers/consequences if they don't meet them (otherwise the agreement has no teeth). For example: If Acme Inc. access's their property through ours Oct 15 - Nov 25 they will are required to pay $500 per day for access, increasing to $750 per day after 5 'trespass' occurrences - with payment being made in full within 30 days. Payments not received within 30 days will incur interest compounded daily at 10%. Just remember - right now your in the drivers seat. If you sing over permanent access to them - they are, so make sure to protect yourself...
Get yourself a lawyer that is familiar in this area of law. It'll cost you a little bit of money up front, but you'll recoup that once the company starts accessing your land. I would try calling the county and asking them if they are aware of any reputable firms or individuals that they have worked with in the past. You are not the first person that has had a case like this. They might not be willing to give you recommendations, but a name or two would at least get you started. If that doesn't work, look up a large firm near you and call them. If they don't have someone there that is familiar in this area, they will most likely be able to give you the name of someone that does. Lawyers typically have a well developed professional network.
Good advise. Lots of good advise. I like the lease option. Yearly cash income and you still own your property. Just make sure you don't ask more than it would cost them to fix their bridge. Make it a win win situation. IMO.
