Land Value Estimator

Land Owners Questions

Physical Land Attributes

1. What is the total size of the land (in acres or square feet)?
2. Is the property zoned for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or mixed-use?
3. What is the topography of the land (flat, sloped, hilly)?
4. Are there any wetlands, flood zones, or protected areas on the property?
5. Is the soil suitable for construction or agricultural use (soil type, compaction tests)?
6. What is the current access to the property (paved road, gravel road, easement)?
7. Are there any existing structures on the property (barns, sheds, utility buildings)?

Utilities

8. Is there access to water utilities? If yes, is it a municipal connection or a well?
9. If the water source is a well, what is the flow rate (gallons per minute)?
10. Are there water rights associated with the property? If yes, what are the terms and allocations?
11. Does the property have sewage connections or require a septic system?
12. If a septic system is required, has a percolation test been conducted?
13. Is there an electricity connection to the property? If not, what is the distance to the nearest connection point?
14. What is the availability of natural gas or propane services?
15. Is there internet connectivity, and what providers service the area?

Entitlements and Zoning

16. What is the current zoning designation of the land?
17. Are there any zoning overlays or restrictions in place (e.g., historic preservation, environmental regulations)?
18. Has the land been subdivided or is it eligible for subdivision?
19. Are there any existing easements, right-of-way agreements, or utility access agreements?
20. Is the property located within an urban growth boundary or a rural area?
21. Are there any existing or pending entitlement applications for the land?
22. What are the local setback requirements for development (from roads, waterways, property lines)?

Development Potential

23. What is the maximum allowable density for development (e.g., housing units per acre)?
24. Are there any restrictions on the type of development allowed (e.g., single-family homes, multi-family, retail)?
25. Is the property eligible for tax incentives, such as Opportunity Zone status or agricultural tax breaks?
26. Are there any existing plans or permits for land development?
27. What is the proximity to key infrastructure (highways, airports, public transportation)?

Environmental Considerations

28. Are there protected species or habitats on the property?
29. Has an environmental impact assessment (EIA) been conducted?
30. Are there existing drainage issues or stormwater management requirements?
31. Are there underground utilities, pipelines, or hazardous materials on the site?

Water Rights and Usage

32. Are there any irrigation systems in place? If yes, what is their capacity?
33. What is the annual water usage limit for agricultural or residential purposes?
34. Are there surface water rights, such as access to rivers, lakes, or streams?
35. Are there any restrictions on water extraction from wells or other sources?

Legal and Financial

36. Are there any liens, mortgages, or outstanding taxes on the property?
37. Are there active HOA or landowner association agreements?
38. Are there mineral rights included with the property, or have they been severed?
39. What are the property taxes, and have they recently been reassessed?
40. Are there any neighboring developments that could affect land value (e.g., new subdivisions, commercial centers)?

Proximity and Market Factors

41. How close is the property to schools, hospitals, or other public services?
42. What is the demand for land in this area based on recent sales or market trends?
43. Are there any local ordinances or building codes that could impact development?
44. What is the distance to the nearest utilities, such as water, sewage, and power?

Special Use and Features

45. Is the land eligible for agricultural use or specialized farming operations?
46. Does the property include renewable energy potential, such as solar or wind resources?
47. Are there any historical or cultural landmarks on the property?
48. Are there any grazing rights or existing agricultural leases?
49. Is the property located in a wildfire, earthquake, or other disaster-prone area?

Additional Information

50. Has a land survey been conducted recently, and are the boundaries clearly marked?
51. Are there any planned government or public works projects near the property?
52. What are the existing or potential HOA fees or CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions)?
53. Are there noise, odor, or other environmental factors from nearby properties or industries?

Dairy Farm Owners

1. What is the current capacity of your dairy operation (number of cows)?
2. How many gallons of milk are produced daily on the property?
3. Is there a manure management system in place? If yes, what type (e.g., lagoons, composting)?
4. Are there milking parlor facilities, and what is their condition?
5. Does the property have adequate grazing land or rely on feed import?
6. What water sources are used for livestock and cleaning?
7. Are there any permits for animal waste management or water discharge?
8. Is the property within a designated agricultural preserve (e.g., Williamson Act in California)?
9. Are there cold storage facilities or milk processing equipment onsite?

Farmers

10. What crops are currently being grown on the land?
11. Are there irrigation systems installed? If yes, what type (drip, flood, sprinkler)?
12. What is the annual yield per acre for your primary crops?
13. Is the land classified as prime agricultural land or marginal farmland?
14. Have soil tests been conducted recently? If yes, what were the results?
15. Are there crop rotation plans in place, and what is the history of land use?
16. Are pesticides or herbicides currently used on the property? If yes, which ones?
17. Are there grain silos, storage barns, or other agricultural structures included?
18. Is there access to local or export markets for your crops?

Orchard Owners

19. What types of trees are planted (e.g., citrus, nut, fruit)?
20. How many years old are the trees, and what is their remaining productive lifespan?
21. What is the annual harvest volume for each crop type?
22. Are there frost protection systems in place (e.g., heaters, fans, irrigation)?
23. What is the current spacing and density of trees per acre?
24. Have any diseases or pests (e.g., citrus greening, beetles) affected the orchard?
25. Are pollination services required, and are there existing contracts for bees?
26. Is there a packing facility on the property?
27. Are there water allocations specific to orchards, such as reservoirs or drip irrigation systems?

Ranchers (Cattle or Livestock)

28. How many acres are designated for grazing?
29. What is the carrying capacity of the land (animals per acre)?
30. Are there any stock ponds, troughs, or natural water sources for livestock?
31. Are there existing fencing systems, and what is their condition?
32. Do you practice rotational grazing? If yes, what is the system used?
33. Are there existing barns, corrals, or feed storage facilities?
34. Are there permits for livestock water usage or runoff management?
35. Are any contracts in place for selling livestock or producing beef/dairy products?
36. Are veterinary or quarantine facilities available onsite?

Vineyard Owners

37. What grape varieties are grown on the property?
38. How old are the vines, and what is their productive life expectancy?
39. What is the average annual wine grape yield (tons per acre)?
40. Is there an irrigation system for the vineyard (e.g., drip irrigation)?
41. Are there trellising systems installed, and what is their condition?
42. Are there winemaking facilities or storage tanks included?
43. Have there been any soil amendments or vineyard replanting in recent years?
44. Are there nearby wineries or cooperatives for grape sales?

Timberland Owners

45. What types of trees are present (e.g., pine, fir, hardwood)?
46. What is the timber harvest potential (board feet per acre)?
47. Are there active logging roads or easements for timber transport?
48. Are there any permits for logging or deforestation?
49. Are there agreements for carbon offset programs or conservation easements?
50. Have there been any recent pest infestations (e.g., bark beetles)?
51. Are there firebreaks or other fire prevention systems in place?

Equestrian Property Owners

52. Are there stables or barns onsite? If yes, what is their capacity?
53. Are there riding arenas, trails, or training facilities included?
54. Are there existing pasture areas for horses, and what is their size?
55. Is there a water supply specifically for horses?
56. Are there zoning restrictions for horse boarding or training businesses?
57. Are there any facilities for breeding or foaling?

Industrial Landowners

58. Is the land located near major transportation hubs (rail, highway, ports)?
59. Are there any existing warehouses or industrial buildings?
60. Are there permits for heavy industrial use, or is it limited to light industrial?
61. What utilities are available for industrial development (e.g., 3-phase power)?
62. Are there existing easements for pipelines or industrial utilities?

Solar/Wind Energy Developers

63. Is the land suitable for solar panel installations (south-facing, flat terrain)?
64. What is the average annual solar irradiance or wind speed for the area?
65. Are there existing permits for renewable energy development?
66. Is there an existing grid connection or substation nearby?
67. Are there any government incentives or tax credits available for renewable energy?

Recreational Landowners

68. Is the land suitable for hunting, fishing, or other outdoor activities?
69. Are there streams, lakes, or ponds on the property for fishing?
70. Are there hiking trails, camping facilities, or cabins included?
71. Is the land part of a conservation easement or protected wilderness area?

Land Investors/Developers

72. What is the estimated cost of land development (grading, clearing)?
73. Are there nearby utilities to support new developments (power, water, sewage)?
74. What is the current market demand for residential or commercial development?
75. Are there any planned infrastructure projects nearby that could increase value?

Miscellaneous Landowners

Does the land have access to underground aquifers for large-scale water use?

Are there mineral rights associated with the land, such as oil or gas deposits?

Is the land used for hunting leases or recreational permits?

Are there windbreaks or buffer zones for environmental protection?

Are there any archaeological or historical sites on the property?

Mineral Rights Landowners

General Information

1. Are mineral rights included in the property deed, or have they been severed from surface rights?
2. What types of minerals are believed to be present (e.g., oil, gas, coal, gold, gravel)?
3. Has there been a geological survey or core sampling conducted on the property? If yes, what were the findings?
4. Are there any existing leases or contracts for mineral extraction?
5. What is the total acreage or area of land with mineral rights?
6. Are there any known reserves (measured or indicated) on the property?
7. Are there any historical records of mining or drilling on the property?

Extraction and Operations

8. Are there currently active mining or drilling operations on the property?
9. If active, what type of extraction methods are being used (e.g., open-pit mining, underground mining, fracking)?
10. What is the expected lifespan of the current mining or drilling operation?
11. Are there any processing facilities (e.g., crushers, refineries) on-site or nearby?
12. Is the property currently producing revenue from mineral extraction? If yes, how much annually?
13. What are the royalties or profit-sharing terms for current operations?
14. Are there permits or licenses for mineral extraction? If yes, are they transferable?
15. What is the current load capacity of the land for heavy machinery and vehicles?

Road Access and Transportation

16. Is there road access to the property for trucks and heavy equipment?
17. Are city or county trucks allowed to drive on the roads leading to the property?
18. Are the roads paved, gravel, or dirt? If dirt, are they accessible year-round?
19. Are there any weight limits or restrictions on nearby roads?
20. Is there a rail line or shipping hub nearby for transporting extracted materials?
21. Are there existing haul roads, and who is responsible for their maintenance?

Water and Environmental Considerations

22. Is there water access for mining or drilling operations? If yes, is it sourced from wells, rivers, or municipal systems?
23. How much water is allocated for mineral extraction (e.g., gallons per day)?
24. Are there water rights associated with the property? If yes, what are the terms?
25. Are there any water quality or contamination concerns related to mineral extraction?
26. What is the plan for wastewater or runoff management?
27. Are there any nearby protected waterways, wetlands, or aquifers that could impact operations?
28. Are environmental impact assessments (EIA) or reclamation plans required?

Banked Material and Reserves

29. Is there any banked material stockpiled on the property?
30. What is the estimated volume and value of the banked material?
31. Are there contracts or agreements in place for selling the banked material?
32. Are there any restrictions on exporting materials off the property?
33. Are there mineral reserves classified as “proven,” “probable,” or “inferred”? If yes, what are the volumes?

Permits, Leases, and Legal Considerations

34. Are there active leases on the mineral rights? If yes, who are the lessees?
35. What are the terms of existing leases (e.g., duration, renewal terms, royalties)?
36. Are there any outstanding disputes or legal claims related to the mineral rights?
37. Are there restrictions from local, state, or federal agencies on mineral extraction?
38. Are reclamation bonds or other financial assurances in place for restoration post-extraction?
39. Is there liability insurance coverage for mining or drilling operations?

Community and Neighboring Land

40. Are there nearby residential areas or communities that could be impacted by mining operations?
41. Are there noise, dust, or vibration concerns for surrounding areas?
42. Are there agreements or disputes with neighboring landowners regarding shared mineral deposits?
43. Are there easements or rights-of-way agreements for accessing neighboring properties?

Market and Economic Factors

44. What is the market demand for the specific minerals on the property?
45. Are there local or international buyers for the materials extracted?
46. How does the quality of the minerals compare to industry standards?
47. What are the current costs of extraction, and how do they impact profitability?
48. Are there any government subsidies or tax incentives for mining operations?

Restoration and Future Use

49. Is there a reclamation plan in place for restoring the land after mining or drilling operations?
50. Are there plans to repurpose the land for other uses after extraction is complete?
51. What is the estimated cost of reclamation or environmental cleanup?
52. Are there any restrictions on how the land can be used after mineral extraction ends?

Special Cases

53. Are there rare or strategic minerals (e.g., lithium, rare earth elements) present on the property?
54. Has the property been tested for geothermal energy potential?
55. Are there any underground storage rights or opportunities (e.g., natural gas storage)?
56. Are there existing pipelines, transmission lines, or infrastructure related to mineral transport?
57. Is the property located in a region with fracking bans or restrictions?

Taxation and Financial Considerations

58. Are there property taxes or severance taxes associated with the mineral rights?
59. Are there capital gains taxes or other financial implications if the rights are sold?
60. Are there any liens or debts tied to the mineral rights or extraction equipment?