Resources

iROW is a professional right-of-way services company. We're retained by the agency or company undertaking a project to manage the acquisition process. That means we don't work for you — but we're obligated to treat you fairly, follow the law, and communicate honestly at every step.

A right-of-way is the land a project needs to build or maintain something — a road, pipeline, utility line, or drainage corridor. If part of your property falls within a planned corridor, an agent contacts you to explain the project and the process for acquiring what's needed, fairly and openly.

You have the right to be treated fairly and honestly, to understand the project, to receive fair compensation supported by an appraisal, to ask questions and provide information, to have professional advice of your own, and — where the law applies — to relocation assistance if you're displaced.

Access is usually needed to survey or appraise the affected area, and projects typically have a right of entry for that limited purpose. We'll coordinate with you first — you'll know who's coming and why.

The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (the "Uniform Act" or URA) is the federal law governing acquisition on federally funded projects. It requires fair, consistent treatment, an appraisal before any offer, payment of just compensation, and relocation assistance if you're displaced. We follow it where it applies, and its fair-dealing standards guide how we work everywhere.

Yes. You're entitled to just compensation based on the fair market value of what's being acquired — a full purchase or an easement over part of your land — supported by an appraisal and explained in a written offer.

A qualified appraiser inspects the affected property and prepares a valuation using recognized methods and market data, under Uniform Act and Yellow Book standards where they apply. It accounts for the specific rights acquired and any effect on the rest of your property.

For lower-value, low-impact acquisitions, the law allows a simpler "waiver valuation" instead of a full appraisal — still documented and defensible. It keeps small acquisitions moving without unnecessary cost or delay; you still receive a written basis for the offer.

Yes. You're always free to seek your own professional advice. Some programs will consider reasonable costs — ask your agent what applies to your project.

The acquiring agency or project sponsor bears those costs. You are not charged for the appraisal that supports the offer on your property.

Tax treatment depends on your situation, and we can't give tax advice — please consult a tax professional. As a general matter, relocation assistance payments are typically not treated as taxable income, but your specifics matter.

A full acquisition (a "taking") means the project buys that portion of your land outright. An easement means you keep ownership but grant the right to use a defined area for a specific purpose. Either way, you're compensated for the rights acquired.

If acquiring part of your land reduces the value of what remains, that impact ("damages to the remainder") is considered in your compensation. The appraisal looks at your property as a whole, before and after.

It depends on the project and what's being acquired — sometimes yes, sometimes those items are part of what's compensated. Your agent will walk through exactly what's included so there are no surprises.

The written offer reflects the appraised just compensation, but you're welcome to ask questions, request an explanation of the value, and provide information you believe is relevant. Our goal is a fair agreement through clear communication — not pressure.

It varies with the size and complexity of the project and how quickly the appraisal, offer, and negotiation move. We keep you informed at each step so you always know where things stand.

Typically a written offer explaining the compensation, the appraisal or waiver basis, the agreement or easement document, and any relocation materials that apply. We'll explain each one before you're asked to sign anything.

We work hard to reach a fair, voluntary agreement — how the large majority are resolved. If one can't be reached, some projects have the legal authority of eminent domain, under which a court determines just compensation. Even then, your right to fair compensation is protected.

If a project requires you to relocate, the Uniform Act provides relocation assistance — advisory help and payments toward eligible moving costs. Your agent will explain what applies to your situation.

These are common and manageable. Lenders, tenants, and co-owners each have a role in the process, and we help coordinate so everyone's interest is handled correctly and the closing is clean.

You can contact us anytime through the details on our Contact page — your agent is your point of contact, and we're glad to answer questions as they come up.