Have you received an offer from a company to acquire your property rights, with a threat to accept or face condemnation of your land? If you have received an offer from a company seeking to acquire or condemn your property rights, you should understand this from the outset: you should be paid fairly for the loss of your property. Under Texas law, your property rights cannot be taken unless you are justly compensated for its true value.

     You are under no obligation to accept an initial offer. There are legal procedures in place to protect landowners; it is up to the landowner to invoke and enforce these protections provided by the law. Transmission and oil companies are not breaking the law when attempting to purchase your land for pennies on the dollar. Oftentimes the offer is not fair due to many landowners thinking they have no choice, but you do have a choice.

     Equally important are the terms of the agreement itself. Monetary compensation is only part of the equation. Easement language can have long-lasting effects on how your land is used and valued. The agreement must be clear, narrowly defined, and limited to the rights the company is legally entitled to—nothing more.

     If you have received an offer or notice involving your property, I encourage you to contact me to discuss your options before signing anything. Understanding your rights now can make a substantial difference in both compensation and long-term impact.

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