useless property? is there such a thing?

Question

wondering if anyone has run across any TRULY useless real estate.i just got this lead from a guy in alabama. is there any way to make use of such a parcel? seller asking for $7,000 - i'm not from 'Bama, but if this were in the right place around indiana, i could put up a billboard, maybe some roadside vending/fruit stand.

Mike Cumbie · Answer

Use as an in-law apartment?

Sorry, I had to......

I do like your billboard idea though, provided you can do it with the ordinances etc. Some people make good investments with those things. I don't know much about it myself but I know people who swear by them.

Mindy Jensen · Answer

The entire city of Centralia, Pennsylvania is worthless. Sitting on top of an anthracite fire that is guesstimated to last 1000 years.

This piece of property would make an excellent fruit stand. It's $7K, not a huge amount in the scheme of things. Can you afford to lose the entire $7k if you buy it and can't do anything with it? Can you connect with the local authorities to see what you CAN do with it before you buy it?

Scott Weaner · Answer

It would be a good location for a fruit and vegetable stand!

Jay Hinrichs · Answer

OH my yes... there are so many worthless properties in the US it will make your head swing I would venture to guess in the magnitude of about 10 MILLION parcels probably more.

Derek G. · Answer

@Christopher Phillips, I don't think it would be worth the investment. CAVEAT: I don't know what it takes to build, stock, research and run a mini-mart/gas station. I don't know the zoning etc. I only deal in single/multi-familyIf it were me, I just would not risk it. It's such a small town with a couple thousand in population. It's not on the main highway. I just could not justify it in my head. Further East of Rogersville is a town (Athens) that would be good for such a purpose. Even in Rogersville if it were on Highway 72. I know it's cheap, but I wouldn't risk it.

Shannon Trivett · Answer

Pull traffic counts. Ask Billboard companies in that region what they pay for an sign with those traffic counts.   The company I work for reps an owner who have 2 billboards next to a busy interstate and he collects about $1,900 per month in rent, he can expect about $2,00 per month by 2022. One lease is written all the way through 2044.  If your number make sense offer $4-5,000. If it's been vacant 17 years the seller should be motivated to dump it. As for the fruit stand....  What is the local landscape.  Looks rural by this images. Folks in rural areas tend to prefer to  grow their own. If you determine it to be viable, check on driveway cuts and accessibility from both roadways, and ZONING. remember even if you just stick a billboard or cell tower on it you will be responsible for taxes and mowing and litter etc.

Christopher Phillips · Answer

Derek G. Would that spot be worth a gas station/mini mart? Or not enough traffic?

Derek G. · Answer

HAHA, I know exactly where this is. I used to live near there once upon a time. Yes, WORTHLESS. There is a reason it has been vacant for so long. Not enough traffic to warrant a billboard. I can just imagine trying to rent it to a tenant using the bold red print on your image. LOLClassified Ad: Totally ransacked 3 bd/1ba property that has been vacant for 17 whole years. Excellent for your children to play basketball in a dangerous location. Apply today while it's still available! Seriously though, I wouldn't take this property for free. If it were closer to Athens (The largest city next to it), I might investigate further, but you are correct Sir; it's just worthless.

Chuck Brooking · Answer

@Mindy Jensen While there are only a few buildings still remaining in Centralia, it draws a lot of tourists. I remember the town and pass through there often. On weekends, there are people hiking and riding quads. I even saw a hot dog vendor selling there this summer. I'd like to see them utilize it better to share the history and cater to the tourism.

useless property? is there such a thing?

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