Like any real estate, the price tag for an eternal resting place is determined best by "location, location, location."

At Woodland Cemetery in Dayton, for instance, the least expensive burial lot can be found in a newer section for $1,095 (flat monuments only).

Or for $2,195, you can be buried in its historic section with the monument of your choosing (The monument's extra).

But at Woodland and other cemeteries, special arrangements are available for those who can't afford any grave, no matter the price.

Woodland offers three discount plans under its "special needs" program, chief executive Dave FitzSimmons said.

• For $900, a family that shows evidence of financial need can purchase a double lawn crypt, where two bodies can be buried in the same grave, one on top of the other.

"Ordinarily a burial in the lawn crypt section would be in the $4,000 range for two," FitzSimmons said.

• For $1,200, the same grave can be purchased along with a flush monument noting the names of the deceased and dates of birth and death.

• If cremation is desired, Woodland offers a $600 plan that pays for cremation, burial at the cemetery in an ossuary and a granite ledger for the name of the deceased.

At Calvary, the Catholic cemetery off South Dixie Drive in Kettering and Moraine, spokeswoman Judy Pavy said the cemetery will bury Catholics for free or at reduced rates provided there's proof of poverty. A letter from a priest or Medicaid will do, she said.

"If they are truly indigent (and Catholic), then there's no problem," Pavy said.

Often cemeteries have graves that have been purchased decades ago but never used. Because Ohio law prohibits most cemeteries from "reclaiming" graves, cemetery managers and consumer advocates encourage families to donate unused lots and leave their intentions in writing.

"If you're not going to use it, 'gift' it to someone, make sure it's in your will and let the cemetery know what you're doing," said Bob Booher, manager of Willow View Cemetery on Wagner Ford Road in Harrison Twp.

Shopping for a cemetery?

Here are some consumer tips:

View the grave, crypt or other interment site before you purchase.

Before you enter into a contract or agreement, find out about any cancellation and refund policies.

Ask about all current and future prices and fees.

When you purchase a burial plot or grave, you are purchasing the right to be buried (interred) there, not the actual ground.

Find out if your interment rights or other merchandise and services can be transferred to another person, transferred for use at another cemetery or bought back by the cemetery if you move.

Be sure the specific location of your lot, crypt or interment right is clearly identified and unconditionally guaranteed on your contract or purchase agreement (required by Ohio law).

Include cemetery property in your will.

The Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission, part of the real estate division under the state commerce department, handles consumer complaints ((216) 787-3100).

Source: Ohio Cemeteries: A Consumer Guide, Ohio Department of Commerce, www.com.state.oh.us

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7408 or agottschlich@DaytonDailyNews.com.