Question about Realtors.....

[CathyA]

We live out in the country. The woman who lives behind our woods (and has a house and farmland/woods), is getting up in years. A couple years ago her realtor called us and asked if we'd be interested in buying it all. I told him we were only interested in the woods behind her house, and maybe her house......but not all the farmland.
Well, so far she hasn't tried to sell it. She still lives there. She's probably in her late 70's.

We have fears that it will be sold without our having known about it and someone loud and obnoxious will move in there. (We can hear noise from her house.)

Can we ask a realtor to keep his ears open and let us know if her property goes on the market? Will that cost us anything? Will she have to know about it?
Ever since I asked her to please keep her dog from barking 24/7 many years ago, she hasn't been very friendly........so I'd rather she didn't think we were circling.......

Thanks!

[catherine]

What do you plan to do if it goes on the market? Put in an offer? Obviously you can't control who will eventually buy it.

I know that some websites like Trulia let you sign up for alerts if property goes on the market. Alternatively, you can ask a local realtor to let you know. I'm sure there's no charge for that, but there also no guarantee that they'll remember, either. I'd try to automate the activity via the internet, and also ask a local realtor to keep their eyes and ears out.

[CathyA]

Thanks catherine.........I hadn't thought about the Trulia thing. That's a good idea. Yes, we would put in an offer.

[ToomuchStuff]

One other thing to note, is you need to know how it is set up, deed wise. It may cost some money to separate out the parcel your interested in, which she may not be interested in spending (hence the all or nothing, post).

[Gregg]

I think all MLS systems let Realtors set alerts for specific properties. If you know a one who could act as a buyer's broker, on your behalf, they can set up the alert on that address and could anonymously contact her broker to see if there is any talk of listing. If you're seriously considering making an offer it would also pay to make sure all your financial ducks are lined up so you're ready if the opportunity presents itself.

ToomuchStuff is right about dividing property. Different areas have different rules. Around me rural land couldn't be divided into less than 20 acre parcels until last year when the County caved in to the "ranchette" movement and started allowing 5 acre sub-dividing. It only takes a phone call to see what is allowed in your area. You Realtor should be able to check current records to see how the property is set up now.