Land Acquisition

As a project evolves, right-of-way appraisals and negotiations with landowners become a critical activity. With over 100 years of combined experience, HLR’s land acquisition team knows what it means to keep right-of-way projects running smoothly.

Our licensed staff is proficient in all aspects of right-of-way acquisition including preparing right-of-way plats and legal descriptions, appraisals, property valuations, negotiations with property owners, and securing easements, as well as providing all associated support documentation.

We also understand that land acquisition can be a sensitive and time-consuming issue. Our proactive approach to communication and relationship-building with impacted owners minimizes the condemnation rate thereby avoiding unnecessary costs and schedule delays. Most importantly, our team will be your advocate in the community, ensuring a smooth process.

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Right-of-Way Plats

At HLR, our Professional Land Surveyors specialize in preparing statutory Plats of Highways and legal descriptions for right-of-way acquisition. Our team has completed hundreds of land acquisition projects from one parcel to over two hundred for municipal, county, and state clients. We understand the sensitive nature of acquisition and work to minimize impacts to residents and businesses whenever possible.

Appraisals

Our in-house appraisers are state-licensed Certified General Appraisers with professional designations from the Appraisal Institute (MAI, SRA) and the International Right of Way Association (R/W,-AC, SR/WA), specializing in eminent domain acquisition. They provide valuations on a wide variety of property types including commercial, industrial, and residential properties for highway and other improvement projects which entail partial takings, easements, dedications, and consideration for any resulting damages. Our appraisers have a comprehensive understanding of the entire acquisition process and work collaboratively with design engineers and the client to achieve successful project outcomes.

Appraisal Review

Because of their expertise and many years of experience, our appraisers are often relied upon to review appraisals performed by other consultants to ensure all items affecting value have been considered. Our team will confirm that the appraiser has properly identified the valuation issues and has included the necessary data with proper reasoning and analysis to support the conclusions reached and that the appraisals are completed in accordance with the Land Acquisition Policies and Procedures Manual and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

Negotiations

HLR regularly negotiates with property owners on behalf of our public agency clients. Our negotiator personally meets with property owners to discuss the project, addressing any concerns they may have, and finding solutions that work for both the public agency and the property owner. We maintain accurate reports and ensure that title information, conveyance documents, and supporting documents are all in compliance with applicable regulations in order to provide clear title.

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