Wednesday, June 01, 2005
LAND TRUSTS
just a note from natureWalker@janeAnne.com
Do you own land that you would like to see remain free from development--for your lifetime and for future generations?
Doing nothing to protect your land may lead the way to development, despite your wishes. Why? Estate taxes are one reason. Federal taxes can be as high as 50% of a property's fair market value, virtually forcing your kids and grandkids to sell it. And, of course, future owners may be compelled by ever-increasing property values--or simply by a lack of appreciation for the land--to sell it for development.
As an environmentally-sensitive Real Estate professional, I am happy to connect you with other experts who can help you find ways to protect your land. Actually, quite few options are open to you. Here are links to follow that give you a bird's eye view of those possibilities:
Conservation easement A legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently protects land while the landowner continues to own it. Donating the easement can result in reduced income tax and estate tax.
Land Donation Donating conservation land to a land trust is a wonderful way to share its beauty with future generations. The donation can even be set up in a way that allows you to continue to live on the land or to receive a life income.
Bargain Sale of Land Selling land to the land trust at less than its fair market value can make it affordable for the land trust and provide tax benefits for the landowner.
Your Next Step? Please contact me so that we can talk. I am the Broker-in-Charge of a real estate practice that specializes in stewardship of land. I can put you in touch attorneys, appraisers, accountants, and land planners familiar with conservation techniques.
natureWalker@janeAnne.com
Do you own land that you would like to see remain free from development--for your lifetime and for future generations?
Doing nothing to protect your land may lead the way to development, despite your wishes. Why? Estate taxes are one reason. Federal taxes can be as high as 50% of a property's fair market value, virtually forcing your kids and grandkids to sell it. And, of course, future owners may be compelled by ever-increasing property values--or simply by a lack of appreciation for the land--to sell it for development.
As an environmentally-sensitive Real Estate professional, I am happy to connect you with other experts who can help you find ways to protect your land. Actually, quite few options are open to you. Here are links to follow that give you a bird's eye view of those possibilities:
Conservation easement A legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently protects land while the landowner continues to own it. Donating the easement can result in reduced income tax and estate tax.
Land Donation Donating conservation land to a land trust is a wonderful way to share its beauty with future generations. The donation can even be set up in a way that allows you to continue to live on the land or to receive a life income.
Bargain Sale of Land Selling land to the land trust at less than its fair market value can make it affordable for the land trust and provide tax benefits for the landowner.
Your Next Step? Please contact me so that we can talk. I am the Broker-in-Charge of a real estate practice that specializes in stewardship of land. I can put you in touch attorneys, appraisers, accountants, and land planners familiar with conservation techniques.
natureWalker@janeAnne.com
