This book could easily have been titled "Everything you ever needed to know about rural land sales but didn't know who to ask, or even that you should ask." The Schers give detailed explanations of very complex real estate issues that you just aren't going to be familiar with if you've only bought urban housing or have never bought property at all. I personally know people who have experienced some of the real estate and legal horrors that Les describes in this book. I'm so glad someone finally put all this information together in one somewhat easy-to-read reference... now I know how to keep myself out of the same jams! Even the things that don't specifically apply to my location are good to understand since, in some way, they might still affect me in the long run. Lots of great pointers to additional references and government/legal agencies that I've been trying to pin down.

Definitely a MUST HAVE for any modern homesteader... enthusiastic two thumbs up!!!

I read the book, it cover a lot of the things that I haven't even think about for owning land. Anyone who is looking to buy land to invest, this book is a must read.

My husband and I are considering buying some undeveloped land. While we own a house, we know nothing about rural land purchases and didn't even know what questions we should be asking. This brook provided a good overview of issues to consider, and the checklist at the back of things to inspect/ask about for each property was especially helpful.

This guide has everything I could imagine and alot I couldn't....which is of course the point.

If comprehensive is what you want, this should make you happy. The problem is that if you follow every bit of advice in this book you will have to quit your job and make finding your place a full time endeavor (or spend years part time). The advice is all good, but it almost makes the task seem more daunting, not less. Still great for learning all the issues and things to look out for, then you decide how much effort to put into footwork before buying your piece in the country

If comprehensive is what you want, this should make you happy. The problem is that if you follow every bit of advice in this book you will have to quit your job and make finding your place a full time endeavor (or spend years part time). The advice is all good, but it almost makes the task seem more daunting, not less. Still great for learning all the issues and things to look out for, then you decide how much effort to put into footwork before buying your piece in the country

A wonderful delicious book for anyone who owns or is thinking about a place in the country.

A wonderful delicious book for anyone who owns or is thinking about a place in the country.

Lots of information pratically everything you need to buy your own little piece of land. If you are even thinking about buying land this book is a must.

Lots of information pratically everything you need to buy your own little piece of land. If you are even thinking about buying land this book is a must.

The book got to fast and in good condition and has more information than I could have hoped for. I recommend anyone wanting to live in the country read this book before buying.

Very detailed and informative. Covers everything from wells, water rights, easements, septic, to legal issues in buying. I couldn't have done as well without it. I didn't know what I didn't know.

This is a must read for the professional and novice country real estate buyer. We purchased Finding and Buying Your Place in the Country in 1974 and have used it as our source of valuable information since then. Though the cover is now a bit tattered and dated, the book has a prominent place on our bookshelf. It was this book that caused us to look realistically at a piece of property and to put emotion aside. We can honestly say that the book saved us from making purchasing mistakes that would have been financially devastating back when we had very little money. This had to do with investigating access to landlocked property. It looked like a good deal until we found we couldn't legally get to the property without going through a lengthy and costly court fight. We have purchased over 50 pieces of rural property and have used the book as a primer for each purchase. The book's contents prompt us to think out of the box and to question those things that seem to be appropriate on their face, but may have underlying problems. We suppose it's time to buy the newest revision, however, we have scrawled notes on the pages of the old book and that provides a 30-year history of the deals we have completed. It would be like getting rid of an old friend. Final note- we were prompted to take that step of living a life rather than making a living after reading the book for the first time. It gave us the confidence that 20-year olds typically lack. Thanks to the Scher's for making our lives better. We wake up every morning to the sounds of a waterfall in the stream that meanders down to our own private lake. Our dreams came true due, in no small part, to Finding and Buying Your Place in the Country.

... the author is a long practicing attorney in rural real estate. This book requires STUDY, not just reading, but the author does a good job of keeping you out of the legalese. You will understand EVERYTHING with careful reading.

I bought similarly titled books written by real estate agents, and these are nearly worthless by comparison. The real estate agent stands to profit from the transaction, and he puts his own interests ahead of both seller and buyer, especially if he can get his hand into the legal documents to prevent his being held responsible for anything at all.

Let me make a point that is not mentioned by the other reviewers or the book: Various deal-breakers can come up while the deal is in the escrow process, but that is AFTER the price has been agreed and the sales contract signed. Using this book's advice, you can discover most of those encumberances ON YOUR OWN before you make the offer, as well as making a good personal inspection of the property and house before you hire a professional inspector on your behalf.

Look out, Mississippi! I'M COMING HOME!

I purchased this book along with two others as we embark on our journey to move to the country. The other two books were very good at helping to identify location and prospective properties. "Finding and Buying" is the reference to winnowing propsective properties. Les Scher goes into great and well written detail on what to look for and look out for relative to the common issues of water, surveying, easements and access. Additionally, Les describes Eminent Domain, Condemnation and Adverse Posession; things to consider in a rural purchase. The model contract alone is worth the price of the book!
Les - If you ever read this, THANK YOU!

Buyer beware. This books descriptions on items to look for (or beware of) when purchasing land is extremely bennificial to the first time buyer of land in the country. It's descriptions of rights that may be reserved by the seller on you title, eminent domain & condemantion, and adverse possession were definitely eye opening.

With clear language, logical organization, and invaluable resource listings, this book tells you everything you need to know about due diligence on the land you're considering, contracts, negotiations, financing, etc. I felt much more confident about purchasing my country property after reading this book and following its advice.

This book is an excellent source for people who are looking to buy country property. Having lived all my life in a suburban area I was completely unaware of how many things I needed to keep in mind when examining country property. Next time I see a "great deal" I will know enough to ask if the property has had a percolation test, are there public utilities and if there is a deeded easement. Basic things, I know, but ones I was uninformed about. The price of this book might have saved me from making a very costly mistake!

Everything you need to know to make the move to the country is here. Complete easy-to-understand instructions take you every step of the way through the buying process. Many common pitfalls are descibed in detail. This book has saved our family thousands of dollars.