Court Opinion

ID: 5150905
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-01-02 01:55:18.351332+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:52:22.366232
License: Public Domain

[21] The Court states as a principle of law that it is error to admit in evidence any offers to purchase property in condemnation cases. I do not believe the rule should be that inflexible. While I agree such evidence is sometimes fraught with danger, there are instances where bona fide offers to purchase should be admissible where a proper foundation has been established. See 29 Am.Jur.2d 399; 7 A.L.R.2d Anno. 797.
[22] A bona fide offer to purchase may be the best evidence available as to the market value of the land. It does show what a willing buyer would pay and to that extent is some indication as to the market value. Of course, it is important to know whether the offer was made by a person acquainted with the value of the property and whether it was made with reference to market value or to supply a particular need or to gratify a fancy. Los Angeles City High School District v. Kita, 169 Cal.App.2d 655, 338 P.2d 60.
[23] In my opinion, an offer to purchase made in good faith before there is any announcement to take the property for public use by a person willing and able to pay should be admissible in evidence upon the issue of the market value of the condemned property.
[24] I respectfully dissent. *Page 265