David Smith

Now we are going to have to work a little harder to call someone in WV. Starting on Feb 28th West Virginians will now have to dial 10 digits (area code+phone number)to place a local call. Actually you can do it now, it will just be mandatory on Feb 28th.

Because the PSC has run out of phone numbers to hand out under the 304 area code, a new area code has been created (681) and will be handed out on all new phone numbers starting March 28th.

If you would like further information click on the link below.
http://www.psc.state.wv.us/10_DigitDialing/default.htm

So remember, if you ask for a client's phone number, make sure you now get the area code.

Well, everything else is changing, so I guess it was my turn to do so also. I have left Country Homes Real Estate Firm in Petersburg and have moved to United Country Homeplace Properties in Capon Bridge WV.

But that is not the only thing that will change. The new office I will be working out of is about 300 yards from the Virginia/West Virginia line. So once I get settled in, I will be working on getting my VA real estate license also.

If you are ever in the Capon Bridge WV area on Tuedays, stop in and say Hi. It is my floor day and I would be glad to meet you.

Gas companies are arriving and you need to seriously think about what you are doing.

Traditionally the gas companies were working out in the North Central and Western parts of WV. Now they are starting to look for land to explore on here in the Potomac Highlands.

If you decided to lease out the mineral rights to your property, that is your choice. Please in these cases make sure you have an attorney examine all paperwork before you sign the lease.

What I want you to think about is the future. What do you plan on doing with the land 5, 15, or 25 years down the road. As a Realtor I have sold my share of land. The question I most always get before someone looks at land is, "Do the Mineral Rights come with the property?". Most of our buyers come from out of state and are looking for land to hunt, vacation, or build on, they do not want to have to deal with these issues of dealing with gas or oil companies on their property. Also once buyers really understand what is meant by "free gas", they do not want to deal with the costs to maintain the "free gas".

This is why I am asking you to seriously think about leasing your mineral rights. If you plan on keeping the property for many years and they offer you a good deal, go ahead and take the deal. If you plan on selling your property sooner than later, think long and hard before putting your "John Hancock" on that lease agreement.

If you happen to be in the Grant County area of West Virginia this coming week, the Tri-County Fair will be going on Aug 5-9.

On Saturday August 8th the headline act will be Restless Heart and tickets are only $5.00.

For more information on this weeks events go to www.tricountyfairwv.com

We look forward to seeing you there.

David Smith
Country Home Real Estate Firm
www.countyhomeswv.com
www.davesellswvhomes.com
www.linkin.com/in/dlsmithwv