Best way to get permission to hunt a property?

[riverguy]

I searched for this subject on this web site and didn't find much, so I will put the question to anyone.

What is the best way to seek permission to hunt a property? Do you just explain this is your hobby? Do you offer to show, or share in the finds? I have an email database of over 25,000 real estate agents in Georgia with a bulk of them in Atlanta. I would like to craft an email message seeking permission to hunt their property listings in hopes of getting permission to hunt some of the older homes they have listed.

Any ideas on what works well for you when seeking permission will help me and probably others.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[Brian(upstateNY)]

There are many issues with property!!!

The real estate is only listing the property and not the owner!!
You need the owners permission.

Many towns and citys detecting is OFF Limits now as well so also check local laws as well.
Some state laws require you to notify them about finds as well,so be aware of that.

Many times owners have no problem with this permission but in these times everyone is looking for a buck if they think you are going to find one they will probably want in
They think you know there is buried loot on the property so many times will just give a flat out NO
Some owners may want everything you find where others could care less.

Dont get me wrong there are still many good places to detect and many good land owners as well,so be yourself and just introduce and ask them.
If they turn you down go onto the next one and on from there.
Some may allow you to only detect for 1 hr ,some may ask you to leave after they said it was ok but thats their call.

You can try the route you are thinking about through the real estate listings and try to be somewhat selective,maybe base it on area,age,income etc. etc.
Looks for areas of old like Parks, maybe where they had cook outs,picnics,things like that.

Also be low key if possible,dont bring many folks with you unless things are worked out where thats ok to do.
Look for areas that are safe for you because I have known other detectorists attacked hunting city parks in daylight with people for their detectors
so always be aware of your surroundings as well no matter if your in the city or in the woods

Things like this use to be really simple but like our world are more and more complicated.
Rural areas are normally easier to get permission on then others for me
Good luck and let us know how you make out. have a blast and be safe...IT'S ALL GOOD no matter what you find

 

[deathwind1]

I like to find out who owns the Property then just knock on there door I give my name, Where I live, Be extra friendly and I don't wait very long before I tell them that I have a hobby of detecting, I don't wait very long till I ask them and tell them I have been hunting for EX number of years, I always say I never ever have found much in yards But Parks are hunted so much that I only find Trash and Houses are the only places I have been able to find even Clad---One thing I always do is abide by what ever we agree on---Even if they wanted to see every thing and I found something good I would show them !

 

[edjcox]

Go up and knock on the door, say who you are and that you metal detect for a hobby and are seeking permission to do their property. I say I typically find a few coins and anything interesting would be discussed with them when you leave.

90% of the time its a go, and sometimes neighbors will invite you to their property. Always ask for tips and hints as well as referrals. Sometimes you'll be searching for that lost diamond ring in no time.

Works for me..

 

[The Nutty Teacher]

Hello Riverguy,

Firstly, checking with real estate firms/agents for permission may be counterproductive,
as they're not generally the actual owners, but merely agents for the owners. This was stated
in an earlier response. The only advantage to communicating with the real estate agent
would be to get the name, phone number, and address of the true property owner.

Secondly, neither real estate agents nor the the property owners themselves want anyone
causing any perceived damage to the property which could cause it to appear less appealing to
prospective buyers. This is why I avoid all properties in transition.

It has also been my experience that face to face meetings with either the property owners
or the property managers, with the authority to grant permission to detect, are better than
fliers, or e-mail messages.

I have on three occasions received permission over the phone. Although phone permission
is better than nothing, it can't compare with written permission or a written contract, which
I use exclusively. The written contract gives me authority to be on the property even when
the owner/manager isn't there. It stops the aggressive behavior of the self-appointed
property police neighbors, legitimate security services, and prevents any negative encounters
with law enforcement.

My use of signed contracts & subsequent settlement sheets have precipitated
several productive referrals over the years.

The basic content of my contract is too lengthy to list following this post.

A more detailed discussion of the topic should be via P.M.

I hope this helps.

Respectfully,

The Nutty Teacher