Offered vs. Owed

When the government moves to acquire private property, its initial offer often reflects a narrow view of value, one that overlooks the many factors that give a particular parcel its true value.

In a recent matter in Ohio, our client received an opening offer that failed to account for a range of nuances central to a proper land valuation. We worked to close that gap. The final settlement valued the land itself at more than 7.5 times the government’s initial offer for the same property.

The result went beyond the numbers. The settlement also secured a series of zoning accommodations that enhanced the long-term value of the property well past the compensation figure itself. These types of zoning considerations require an analysis of land use impacts and how the appropriation itself affects zoning.

Every case is different, and this outcome reflects the specific facts and circumstances of this property. But the underlying principle is one that applies to every owner: the first offer is not necessarily a fair one, and the true value of land is often far greater than the government’s initial assessment suggests.

Results like this are why we do this work. If the government has approached you about acquiring your property, we would welcome the opportunity to review your situation.