Acquisition Process
Following is an outline of the acquisition process under the URA, or HUD Uniform Relocation Act Rules from Handbook 1378, effective 4/2/89.
- Plan the Project
· Estimate relocation needs, including housing: conduct a door to door survey, if feasible
· Estimate costs and staffing needs
· Hold public hearings
· Finalize plan of action
- Project Initiation
· Establish organization and train staff
· Establish management control system and procedures for coordinating relocation with displacement-causing activity
· Establish recordkeeping procedures
- Inform Owner
· Indicate interest in acquiring the property
· Indicate basic protections under law and general acquisition procedures
- Basic Preparation
· Obtain preliminary title evidence
· Obtain boundary survey and legal description
· Obtain appraisals. Include property analysis, if appropriate. Owner invited to accompany appraiser
- Determine Purchase Offer
· Reviewer examines appraisals, seeks necessary corrections and prepares statement explaining basis for action
· Establish just compensation
- Work with Owners
· Provide written purchase offer of just compensation to owners
· Provide summary statement of basis for offer
· Explain acquisition procedures
· Negotiate price and other terms and conditions of sale
Depending on success of negotiations, proceed as follows if successful:
- Conclude Successful Negotiations
· Ensure purchase agreements fully detail terms and conditions
- Complete Settlement
· Ensure owners execute deeds
· Complete settlement cost detailing payment of purchase price and incidental expenses
· Pay net amount and obtain owner receipt
· Record deed
- Follow-up
· Execute lease covering period until relocation is completed
· Obtain final title evidence (e.g., title insurance)
· Maintain records to demonstrate compliance with law and regulations
· Evaluate program, improve procedures for future
