Let's go off-roading in Richford, NY!

I enjoy a good off the beaten path adventure every once in a while.  So it was a real treat for me when my new client showed up at his property on Sears Rd., Richford, with a new-to-me toy called a RHINO, and his mom, in tow.  I admit I'm not that sophisticated when it comes to rugged toys like this.  It was a pleasure meeting the little Rhino and seeing what a beast of an all-terrain vehicle it is!  Perfect for the kind of wet drizzle, with snow and ice, mud and slush, that we have had all week.  Here are some of the visuals from the 4 trails that run on this property, which is surrounded by Griggs Gulf and Beaver Dam state forests:

Land sales in Richford have been at a standstill for many years now.  The issue of hydraulic fracking was one of the most contentious in the state and was finally settled (for now) in July of 2015 when the DEC approved a ban on the practice.  Until this point, buyers and banks were steering clear of properties with gas leases, and they were even steering clear of properties that were not leased, but were in proximity to areas where such leases were prevalent.

In 2015, only 1 Richford land sale closed through the Ithaca MLS.  But in 2016, we had 5 such sales close, and I was privileged to represent clients in 2 of those.  It appears that there is new interest and movement in this area, and I hope the trend will continue - so does my seller, of course!  The ban being in place gives buyers more comfort that they will not be subject to the woes that come with fracking.  On the other hand though, there was a LOT of support for fracking by land owners who wanted to lease their land.  These are folks who felt they had a chance at a new income stream, and they have now lost that opportunity.

It's only been a little over a year since this was settled, but the decision can possibly come back up for debate, and with the new gas friendly administration taking office in Washington soon, I would not be surprised if this does in fact happen.

For good real estate guidance through the good and bad times, give me a call.  Thanks for reading "THE SHORT REPORT" by Santos!