Christmas and Associates

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN PURCHASING LAND

What do I know about the company or individual selling land?

Does the seller have a Website, and have I checked it?

Is the seller sanctioned/listed with the Better Business Bureau?

Does the seller offer or provide references? How many?

Does the seller guarantee the following items?

Warranty deed

Title insurance

New survey with painted lines (not flagged)

Topo and survey maps

Septic indemnification letter

Legal & physical access

Full disclosure statement

Guaranteed buildable

Are all mineral and gas rights included in the sale?

Is the seller registered with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)? Does the seller use the proper HUD disclosure forms?

Does the seller's contract follow HUD format and refer to HUD?

Does the seller offer deed covenants that protect the environment, prohibit future development and protect my space and privacy from neighbors?

Has the Department of State received any complaints against the seller?

Will the seller guarantee to actually buy back the property if I can't get a septic or if there is some other major problem?

Can the seller help me with future work on my lot such as:

Cabin/camp construction?

Barn construction?

Road and driveway layout and construction?

Forestry consulting?

In a subdivision, can the seller tell me how many lots are around my lot?

What does the seller say about other sellers? Is it negative in any way?

How is the site likely to change over time?

Are there any political, environmental or social issues regarding the area I should know about?

Have I been shown the surrounding area too, or just my lot?

What is the attitude of the sales agent? Is he/she polite, willing to help, friendly?

Do I feel I can trust this seller or agent?

Do I know enough about the land?

What is the lot's proximity to state land forest?

Do I want utilities? Are they available?

Does this land fit my intended use?

Is my land priced competitively for what I'm getting?

What is the closest public access to rivers and lakes?

Does the seller offer:

Financing?

Competitive rates?

Special options for those with past credit issues?

How long has this particular company been in business?

Can the seller offer a list of other buyers in the subdivision or adjoiners?

Does the seller offer resale help if I want to sell someday?

YOU SHOULD NOT BUY LAND FROM ANYONE WHO CANNOT CAREFULLY AND
PATIENTLY HELP YOU WITH THIS PROCESS. YOU SHOULD KNOW ALL THE
ANSWERS BEFORE SIGNING ANY CONTRACT WITH ANYONE!
Winter Woodland View Property

SELLER'S LIST OF REFERENCES
(Contact information is available upon request.)

In addition to the list below, we have several references in writing from customers, politicians, town officials, contractors, etc. So many in fact, that we have compiled them in a booklet. Please call if you are interested in a copy of this booklet as we are happy and proud to provide you with this information.

ACCOUNTANTS

Raymond Martin, CPA - Tupper Lake, NY
BANKS

Developer Finance Corporation - Mr. Jim Shippee, Sr. Vice President - North Adams, MA

Champlain National - Lisa Roberts, Vice President, Plattsburg, NY

Charter One Bank - John W. Salamy, Branch Sales Manager, Tupper Lake, NY
ATTORNEYS

David W. Johnson, Esq. - Tupper Lake, NY
CUSTOMERS

Troy McDonald, Stewart, FL

Mark & Jackie Shea - Meriden, CT

Eric Brex – North Haledon, NJ

Kevin & Denise Hanley – Rensselaer, NY

Sunset over the Lake

WE RECOMMEND YOU SEEK THE ADVICE OF AN ATTORNEY.
SUGGESTED LOCAL ATTORNEYS:

James Gosier, Attorney, 313 East Willow Street, Syracuse, NY 13203 ; Telephone: 315-478-5300

Earl Ledden, Attorney, 29 Broad Street, Pulaski, NY 13142 ; Telephone: 315-298-3451

Jeremiah Hayes, Attorney, 64 Park Street, Tupper Lake, NY 12986; Telephone: 518-359-3241

Clarence (Bud) Hawkes, Attorney, 70 Main Street, Camden, NY 13316; Telephone: 315-245-1900

David W. Johnson, Attorney, 51 Lake Street, Tupper Lake, NY 12986; Telephone: 518-359-3394