Fairbanks Open Radio

A cell tower lease can bring a lot of revenue to your home throughout the year. It can be the ideal way to earn extra and are in high demand. Of course, not every property is suitable for a cell tower. If your property is lucky enough to be chosen, it’s the time to get your thinking cap on because it’s not an easy decision. You not only have to think about the short-term consequences of a cell tower on your land, but the long-term ones too. If you decide to proceed with it, you need to approach the negotiation stage carefully. So, what tips can help you negotiate a lease?

Understand Cell Towers and All Things Related

Whether you have a cell tower consultant or otherwise, you should never go into the negotiations with zero information or knowledge about cell towers. While you personally don’t need to know what purpose the cell tower serves, you need to understand the basics. You need to know what’s involved by housing a cell tower on your land. It’s crucial because if you don’t like the notion of what it entails, you should walk away now.

Always Have a Cell Tower Consultant on Your Side

There’s a lot of technical jargon involved with leases, not to mention legal terms. It’s necessary to get to grips with them all, even know it’s difficult to take it all in. With a consultant at your side before, during, and after the negotiation of a cell tower lease, you can understand things better. If you aren’t good at negotiating for a better deal, the consultant can do so on your behalf. It’s about getting good representation on your side so that you get a fair price. Learn more!

Note Anything Can Be Negotiated

You think only the lease rates can be picked over, well think again. With cell towers, you can negotiate anything and everything. Any part of the contract you don’t like, you can negotiate. This might even include the terms. So, it’s crucial to have a cell tower consultant ready to take up arms on your behalf. If there are things you don’t like, it’s important to highlight them and negotiate them too.

Square Footage Ups the Rates

You might have hundreds of acres of land, but if the cell tower is only taking up a small portion, that is all you’ll be paid for. A lot of people believe the bigger the tower or the piece of property, the more money they can earn; however, that’s simply not the case. Cell tower lease rates are based on the square footage it uses up, not how tall it is or how big your land may be. Fortunately, that can work to your advantage too because if the cell tower takes up a sizable chunk of your property, that’ll increase costs.

Always Negotiate Standard Business Terms Before Anything Else

When you cannot agree on business terms, there is no lease to negotiate. It’s as simple as that. So, before you rush ahead and bash out numbers, you need to ensure the terms are acceptable. This is a matter for both parties. It’s essential to negotiate these terms before you do anything else. When there is an agreement, you can move on, and if not, it’s not the right deal at this time. That’s why a cell tower consultant is necessary.

Negotiate Smartly

You have to go to the negotiation table with a clear mind, realistic views, and be open to discussion. When you lack any of these you will find negotiations stall. In reality, cell tower leases can be stripped back to the barest bones so you can understand what a cell tower involves. However, negotiating rates and all other things is slightly different. You really should have a consultant to fight your corner, along with understanding the basic idea of the cell tower. Once you understand those things, a cell tower lease doesn’t seem so scary.  You can know more at: https://www.fairbanksopenradio.org/is-there-an-obligation-to-tell-prospective-buyers-about-a-nearby-cell-phone-tower/

Within the last decade, more cell phone tower sites have been established. There are many located in suburban towns, cities, and even the countryside. The reality is that mobile connectivity is becoming a necessity for modern life. That has, of course, increased the amount of cell towers throughout the country. While some cell phone towers are obvious, some may be discreetly hidden away. However, that does raise a few questions over property owners planning to sell their homes with a tower in the area. So, do you have an obligation to inform buyers about a cell tower?

It Depends on Your State Regulations

When you plan to sell your home, you need to consider what might increase or decrease value. A cell phone tower might just decrease the value. This is especially true if your home is located within the fall zone (that’s close proximately to the tower). Of course, if the value of your property is hampered by the cell tower, you probably don’t think it’s wise to disclose it. Well, it depends on where you reside. Most U.S. states require the disclosure of all nuisances, including cell towers. That means it’s more likely you’ll have to disclose the cell tower site nearby.

Disclose Before Any Offers Are Made

You should always make it clear your property is near a cell phone tower site. While you might think this is a bad idea, the reality is that, if you don’t disclose and the buyers find out later, there could be repercussions. A buyer could withdraw their offer or sue you in civil court. Remember, the property’s value could be impacted by the cell tower and buyers could accuse you of hiding this issue. It’s not ideal and can create a range of problems later.

Instead, it might be easier to disclose to any interested party – before – an offer is made. That way the buyer can’t say they knew nothing of the cell phone tower site. You could specifically mention that in front of the real estate agent too. This gives the buyer the chance to think about the cell tower site and whether they still want to purchase the home. It’s sometimes easier to disclose and avoid issues later. Find out more at https://www.fairbanksopenradio.org/cell-tower-lease-consultant-7-things-to-look-for/

Buyers Should Investigate the Area

While a seller should always disclose a cell phone tower site in the area, buyers also have responsibility. Let’s say you were looking to sell your home. You advertise it and attracts dozens. A buyer is interested, and you let them know there is a cell tower nearby. If they don’t like it, they can choose not to buy the home. On the other hand, they could decide they still want to purchase the property. That is full disclosure and a smart way to sell a home.

However, let’s say you were the buyer and you purchased it without meeting the seller. Your plans are to rent the home out since it’s a central property. You’d still need to investigate the area. This means looking at what makes the home sellable or rentable. Sometimes, the buyer is obligated to do their own research as much as a seller is obligated to disclose certain aspects. Often, a cell phone tower will be discovered before the buyer has even seen the home; not always, of course.

Full Disclose Makes Sense

Whether you’re obligated to or otherwise, it always makes sense to disclose every piece of information about the property. This not only makes it – sometimes – more sellable but ensure there are no issues with the buyer later. It is easier than you think and can ensure buyers won’t complain to you because of a cell tower. When you have a nearby cell phone tower site, let buyers know and they can decide if your property is worth their time still. More details!

Signing a cell tower lease without a consultant can be a terrible move to make. Of course, it seems like a simple matter to take care of; unfortunately, it’s not always as straightforward. Cell tower leases are confusing at the best of times and if you have zero experience handling them, the jargon wording within them may leave you vulnerable. By using the services of a lease consultant, you might just walk away with a great deal. So, what should you look for in a cell tower lease consultant?

How Approachable They Are

A cell tower consultant should be great at their job but also friendly and approachable. Nine times out of ten, you’re going to have questions about the lease, and you need to feel confident to approach them. Unfortunately, if the consultant isn’t very approachable it can be off-putting. Instead, you want someone who is entirely approachable so that you’re confident in being able to ask them basic questions.

Consultation Fees

Every consultant will require some sort of fee to use their service. While this fee can vary considerably, depending on the consultant in question and the amount of work needed, it’s an important thing to think about. For instance, some consultants can request over 25% of what you’ll be paid to house the cell tower. That’s steep, but many others want more. It’s essential to fully understand the costs and fees before you choose a consultant. Remember, you’re the one who is signing the cell tower lease, and it’s your land. If the fees seem a little high, you should get a quote from several others to compare.  Check here!

Experience

It’s difficult to put a true value on experience. In every sector experience has a different value, but for a cell tower consultant, they really need to have the relevant experience. This isn’t just for your peace of mind, but to ensure they know what they’re doing. For instance, it might be more suitable to opt for a cell tower consultant that has worked previously with cell phone or mobile companies.

Exceptional References

While a reference doesn’t necessarily tell the full story, it’s something you may want to consider. Remember, a cell tower lease can be profitable for you and your family for the foreseeable future; however, a consultant who doesn’t have the skills could result in a poor deal for you. You should request references from previous clients and check them out to ensure they’re genuine. It makes sense, even if you don’t like the idea of checking up on the consultant.

Good History Within the Field

As much as references and skills are important, so too is a good – and clean – history within the cell tower leasing industry. For example, someone with a clean reputation may be the smarter option than a consultant company with a poor reputation. Of course, reviews and feedback online don’t always tell the full story. However, constant negative reviews are a concern. Reputations mean a lot and if a cell tower consultant or their company doesn’t have a stellar history, it’s time to think twice about them.

Work with the Actual Consultant, Not Their Assistant

This is nothing against assistants or advisors. Cell tower leases are tricky, and you want to be reassured the person you hired is the one doing the work. Consultants have the experience and know-how, what’s more, they’re likely to have dealt with more cell tower lease contracts than their assistants. You need to ensure you’re working with the consultant you hire. It might not seem like such a big deal, but any minor error from an advisor or assistant could spell disaster for you.

A Cell Tower Consultant Shouldn’t Have A C.O.I

C.O.I or conflict of interest is something you cannot ignore. Now, some consultants might handle specific requests or process things for certain cellular companies. This is often a conflict of interest, especially if you’re signing a lease with someone, they do business with. It’s crucial the consultant doesn’t have any conflicts of interest so that you can be sure they have your best interests at heart. This may ensure your cell tower lease is balanced and fair.

Hire the Right Consultant

It’s easy to say a cell tower lease is simple enough to deal with, but the reality is far from that. Even if you’re dealt with one before, things don’t get any easier. Getting help, on the other hand, might just make the process far easier. Consultants can enable you to understand the entire process slightly better and might even ensure a fairer deal. A cell tower consultant can help and with a little effort on your part, you can find the right fit for you. For more information visit: https://www.fairbanksopenradio.org/important-considerations-before-leasing-your-property-as-a-wireless-cell-site/

If a landowner is approached to allow a cell tower or any other wireless equipment on their property, they must first establish what their bargaining power is in this transaction.

Cell tower lease negotiations are highly dependent on the typical features of the proposed location of the cell tower involved. And, in order, what the perceived value of the property is to the Cell Phone Company or cell phone operator with that apparent value that varies from site to site and cell Tower Company to cell Tower Company.

1. Monthly Rentals from Mobile Tower

The rent offered will be based on abundant and varied dynamics. The most significant factors are: a) The space conditions of a cell phone company or cell phone operator to install its equipment, and b) the utility and general functionality of the cell tower location for that cell phone tower.

The amount of space will depend on the type of equipment that will be located on a property. The cell tower company will look for enough space to install its equipment as well as enough space to accommodate potential subtenants / co-locators.

2. Co-location and Sublease Fees

Cell phone operators build cell phone towers for their functionality, but a cell phone tower company builds cell phone towers only for their revenue potential. Think of a cell phone tower as a shopping mall in the sky. So, a landowner must share this income, right? Along with the basic monthly rents, the landlord should be aware of the possibility of obtaining some bonus rent from the income sharing with the tenant as well.

It is to the owner’s advantage to determine precisely what options a cell phone tower company or phone operator may have and, more significantly, the value that the site will eventually obtain for the tenant in the form of income during the lease period. More details!

3. Termination and Commencement of the Cell Tower Lease

The owner is generally asked to commit to the long term when it comes to cell tower leasing a part of their property. These leases classically have an opening term of five years, with between three and five succeeding options of renewal terms and conditions at the sole discretion of the tenant. The intellectual behind the long-term nature of these leases stems from the costs involved in the installation of the tower and much other equipment installed at that location, and in the essential progress to the site itself.

So, a cell tower company should occupy and use the site long enough to be up to recoup a sensible amount of their investment. Due to the money and time involved, a cell phone company will never give the property owner a broad right to dismiss at the end of a lease or renewal term. Although this somewhat limits the property owner’s control of the location, this can also be good for the property owner as it relates to the term of the lease.

4. Termination of the Lease

The owner will normally notice that a cell tower company will request an initial termination clause in a cell phone tower lease only thirty days in advance per written. The general reason for this termination clause is that the carrier should be able to dismiss if it loses its license or permits to operate, or, more significantly, if it finds that the site of the tower is not suitable because of changes in economic conditions.

The owner of a property is able to work to negotiate terms that establish rights that are useful to the landowner while controlling the obligations that similar party can have under that same agreement. The first step for a property owner should be to establish the Real Value of their site and go from there. For more information, visit: https://www.fairbanksopenradio.org/do-cell-tower-lease-companies-pay-landowners-fairly/

Talking to a cell tower consultant is essential for those who want to lease their land. You can’t go into this deal blindsided because it’s your neck on the chopping block. While you have the notion of calling all the shots with cell tower leasing companies, the reality is far from that. Tower leasing looks simple enough, but is complex in a way. You can’t compare rates and you can’t always be sure if the price is a fair one; you have to be careful. However, tower leasing has increased in recent years and seems likely to do so within the upcoming years also. So, do you know what you lose and what you gain with a cell tower lease? If not, it’s time to learn more.

You Give Up the Ability to Walk Away

While you believe you can do anything on or with your land, think again. You sign a contract with the cell tower company, you’ve agreed to the cell tower rates and the tower is installed. However, you don’t technically have the right to walk away from the deal three or four years later. You may think you deserve a better price, but you can’t walk away now, not without a fight anyway. Essentially, you’d have to break the lease and that could cause a financial headache. In a sense, you’re giving up the ability to walk away from the deal once the cell tower has been installed. You have to think about what would happen if you change your mind later on.

A Potential Issue If You Sell Your Property

You sign a cell tower lease for a thirty-year period, but ten years later and you want to sell; what about the lease? Well, it’s unlikely the tower leasing company will want to break the lease, especially if it’s prime real estate for them, which means you have to sell the property with the lease in place. However, will all potential buyers be happy to inherit a twenty-year lease for a cell tower? What about buyers that want to extend the property? It’s a potential sticking point for buyers and sellers alike. While you’re not technically giving up your right to sell the property, potentially, it’s future headache. See more!

You Gain Rental Income

One of the best things you gain from leasing your land to a cell tower company is the cell tower rates! You can potentially gain a sizeable rental income from your land! It doesn’t matter if you have a short or long-term lease, the income can be substantial! This is especially usefully if you want to supplement your income or just want to make money from your land. However, don’t believe you’re going to become an overnight millionaire; it’s unlikely to happen! That doesn’t mean to say you can’t make money – because you can – but, you need to have realistic expectations over money. You’re still gaining at the end of the day and that’s what matters most.

You Gain a Long-Term Lease

You should always try to negotiate for a reasonable price and a cell tower consultant might be the best person to talk to. Of course, everyone has an opinion over whether this is something positive you gain or not. However, the truth of the matter is that if you’re getting a fair price for your rented land and the price remains the same for the next five years, it’s an advantage. Yes, you may want to negotiate for a better price (or what you think is a better price) but it might come to nothing. If you push too hard, the company might decide to walk away. That’s something you have to be extremely wary of when you’re negotiating a price.

Leasing Made Simple

While there are some potential drawbacks of a tower lease, there are also positives ones too. At the end of the day you have to decide whether renting your land out will be cost-effective and worth your time and effort. Yes, the tower companies are the ones that will do the necessary installation and the maintenance, but it’s still something you must think about. Of course, the fact you’re gaining income is fantastic, just be aware of what’s involved. If you think its right for you and you’re approached by a company, why not explore a cell tower lease and what it can do for you? For more information visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_tower_fraud