Chris Atkins

How can I Get Financing For A Government Lease Property?

Unfortunately you cannot get a home loan for a government lease property for the simple reason that a Government Lease cabin is Personal Property and not Real Property and you do not own the land. When you purchase a government lease cabin (National Forest Cabin) you do not receive a deed as is the case with real property, you are given a bill of sale. There was a brief period where a lender I know said they could finance them but that option is no longer available as far as I know.

Can I live In A Government Lease Cabin Full Time?

You are not allowed to use one of these cabins as a full time residence and the Forest Service requires that you show proof of a primary residence elsewhere.

Can I Tear Down The Existing Cabin And Build A New One In It's Place?

You may do any interior improvements that you desire. However, any exterior improvements must be approved by the Forest Service and must keep with the historical and natural environment. A complete teardown and rebuild is not allowed unless the cabin is so far damaged that it requires rebuilding as in the case of serious neglect, a fire or an earthquake. In that scenario, they expect the owner to rebuild and if the owner elects not to, they are required to clear the site of any and all improvements and return it to the Forest Service.

Somebody Told Me That Government Lease Properties are Not Real Estate At All. Is This True?

Yes it is. A National Forest Cabin (Government Lease) is considered Personal Property and you would pay a property tax to the County of San Bernardino of approximately 1 1/2 % of the sale price.

What Is The Lease Part All About?

When you buy a Government Lease Cabin, you own the cabin outright. However, the cabin sits on US Forest Land and this land is leased (or permitted) back to you for somewhere around $800-$900 per year. The price of the lease can go up but there is a 10% yearly cap.

Do Government Lease Cabins have Telephones and Cable TV installed?

Some of the cabins have phone service but none have cable TV. You may install a small satellite dish for TV and Internet service. You can contact the Forest Service and request permission to have a phone installed if you wish. However, they may deny your request.

Will I Be Able To Access My Cabin In The Winter?

It depends on the road conditions and the type of vehicle you drive. The roads are not maintained by the city or plowed in the winter so access can be difficult during and after a major snowfall.

How Much Longer Is The Forest Service Going To Keep This Government Lease Program Active?

As of right now, all the leases in San Bernardino are set to renew at the end 2008 for another 20 years. Past that, I cannot say for sure what will happen to the program. However, I have not heard anything to suggest they will shut down or discontinue the program. From what I have read and heard, they consider the program to be a benefit to the forest and have no intention of shutting it down.

Can The Government Take The Land Back?

Yes they can. However, they must go through an environmental process first. This is a 5 year study as to the reason why they want the land such as the building of a new dam, park, highway, etc. They are then required to give you 10 years notice. With this process they do not compensate you for taking the land. They may also take the land back within 180 days for any reason however, they must compensate you for the land at it's current fair market value.

Is There A Home Owners Association?

Yes there is. It costs approximately $150.00 per year. This pays your water and road maintenance - no snow plowing.