The Basics of Acquisitions, Part I

Land conservation projects are, at their core, sophisticated real estate transactions, which often involve intense and lengthy exchanges between landowner/donors and land trust staff. Specifically intended for non-attorneys, this two-part webinar is ideal for new staff or those wishing a refresher. Conservation attorney Steve Swartz and conservation director Dan Roix, Columbia Land Trust (accredited), will cover basic real estate concepts, legal elements of real estate transactions and the acquisition process from property identification through title searches and related due diligence to closing, PLUS navigating sometimes tricky issues with landowners and their family. We'll discuss possible pitfalls and practical advice from both the legal and donor engagement perspectives, leaving plenty of time for questions.

 Here’s a look at what we will cover in the first session:

• basic legal terminology; 

• legal descriptions and surveys;

• types of owners and ownership and how interests in property can be held by different people;

• liens and encumbrances; and

• possible pitfalls and practical advice from both the legal and donor engagement perspectives.