Did you know the money you pay in property taxes helps pay for someone else's industrial property? Many counties, and even the larger cities in Mississippi, have development commissions that purchase and develop land (i.e. provide sewer and water) into industrial parks. The Commissions then offer the land at low to no cost to industries in the noble quest of bringing jobs to the community.

The law of unintended consequences. Development Commissions do not intentionally set out to sabotage the sale of your property by offering a cheaper or free alternative. It's just what happens when any level of Government competes with the private sector (in this case, you are the private sector). It adds insult to injury knowing money you paid in taxes went into funds that paid for your government sponsored competition.

How to beat the Development Commission. The Commissions offer an attractive product. However, the skill, resources and knowledge of your Realtor, preferably a CCIM or SIOR, can often tip the scales in your favor. Also, as with any good government deal, there are strings attached. You or your agent will need to find out what restrictions come with the lesser cost government alternative and use that as a major selling point of why a company should buy your land instead of signing up with the government.