Soils Made Simple

I am baffled when real estate brokers or appraisers declare soil is just dirt. That is the same as a concertmaster referring to a Stradivarius violin as just a fiddle. The soil is the foundation of all real estate. We live on it, play on it, and gather food from it. The types of soil […]

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Is Your Property “Show Ring” Ready?

Many years ago, when I was growing up on a Central Illinois farm, my dad and I developed a herd of registered Aberdeen Angus cattle.  Like most farm boys my age, I was in 4-H and F.F.A and devoted most of my summers to showing cattle at county fairs and the state fair.  A lot of time […]

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What Makes a Valid Real Estate Contract

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For a real estate contract to be valid and enforceable: Must be in writing Must be signed Must have consideration Must identify the property Must state the purchase price or a reasonably ascertainable figure Must show that all parities have a “a meeting of the minds.” Case#1. A few years ago, a landowner proudly announced […]

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Spousal Interest In Real Estate

Jane Smith, who is married to Joe Smith, inherits a farm.  At this point, Jane has both an equitable interest and a spousal interest in the farm.  Even though her husband Joe has not inherited the farm, he does have a spousal interest.  Now, when Jane sells the farm, the title company will require that […]

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