At raSmith, we provide comprehensive real estate acquisition and right-of-way (ROW) services for public agencies, utilities, and private developers. Our team helps clients navigate the entire land acquisition and construction process. Effective ROW acquisition and property management are essential to protecting public investment and securing project funding. By building strong relationships with roadway designers, developers, public officials, and property owners, we resolve complex issues and keep projects moving forward. With deep knowledge of federal, state, and local land‑use requirements, we listen, collaborate, and deliver practical, solutions‑focused outcomes.
This service area is led by Nicole Smullen, who brings more than 20 years of experience in right-of-way acquisition, negotiation, relocation assistance, and property management for transportation, utility, and redevelopment projects. Her addition to raSmith strengthens our ability to support state and local agencies and project teams navigating complex acquisition requirements across transportation and utility projects. Read our announcement welcoming Nicole Smullen to raSmith.
Real Estate Project Management
From initial land rights analysis through WisDOT compliance documentation, we manage every phase of the real estate process, so project teams can stay focused on delivery.
- Public outreach
- Land rights analysis
- Real estate cost estimating
- Title review and clearing
- WisDOT Real Estate Program Manual compliance
Right-of-Way / Land Acquisition
Our negotiators work directly with property owners to secure the land rights and easements your project requires, including eminent domain support when good-faith negotiations are exhausted.
- Negotiations
- Legal description review
- Eminent domain support
- Utility land interest acquisition
- Good faith negotiations
- Permanent and temporary easements
- Rights of entry
- Damage settlements
Relocation Services
When a project displaces occupants or utilities, we administer Uniform Relocation Act benefits, coordinate utility moves, and resolve encroachments to keep timelines intact.
- Relocation assistance (Uniform Relocation Act)
- Encroachment resolution
- Utility relocation coordination
Appraisal and Valuation Services
Accurate property valuation is the foundation of defensible acquisition. Our team provides independent appraisal reviews, complex and non-complex valuations, and certified review appraisals performed by licensed appraisers.
- Appraisal reviews
- Non-complex and complex property valuation
- Certified review appraisal service by a licensed appraiser
- Sales studies and market analysis
Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Acquisition
What is right-of-way acquisition?
Right-of-way (ROW) acquisition is the legal process of obtaining land rights needed for a public or private infrastructure project — such as a road, utility corridor, or pipeline. This typically includes purchasing property outright, securing permanent easements, or negotiating temporary construction access. The process must comply with federal Uniform Act requirements when federal or state funding is involved.
When is relocation assistance required?
Relocation assistance is required under the Uniform Relocation Act (URA) whenever a federal or state-funded project displaces residents, businesses, or personal property. raSmith’s relocation specialists ensure displaced parties receive proper advisory services and benefit payments in compliance with URA guidelines.
How long does the real estate acquisition process typically take?
The timeline for real estate acquisition varies depending on project scope, the number of parcels involved, property complexity, and whether eminent domain proceedings are required. Simple acquisitions involving cooperative property owners may be resolved in a few weeks, while complex or contested cases can take several months. Early engagement with an experienced acquisition team helps identify potential delays and keep the project schedule on track.
What is the difference between a permanent easement and a temporary easement?
A permanent easement grants ongoing rights to use a portion of a property — typically for infrastructure that remains in place indefinitely, such as a utility line or drainage corridor. A temporary easement grants access for a defined period, usually to allow construction activity on or near the property, after which full control returns to the owner.
