Section 4: Pre-Appraisal Contact

Procedure

The pre-appraisal contact should be a personal meeting. During this meeting, give the property owner information on the overall timing of right of way acquisition, the general type of facility to be constructed, and the appraisal procedure that will follow. However, do not make a commitment to value or make an offer before receiving approved values. Also, use this contact to initially determine existence of the following items:
  • property improvements
  • leasehold interests in improvements on the property
  • known hazardous materials affecting the property
  • known or evident underground improvements
  • known liens against the property
  • advertising signs on the property.
During pre-appraisal contact, resolve any possible controversy with the property owner by distinguishing between realty being acquired and personalty not being acquired.
Pre-appraisal contact is discussed in TxDOT's . Complete form
ROW-A-PAC Pre-Appraisal Contact with Property Owners
during the pre-appraisal contact.