Things To Consider Before Buying A Ranch

There’s no greater feeling than owning your very own piece of the great outdoors! But buying a ranch is not quite as simple as buying a single-family home. There are many important things to consider before buying ranches for yourself and your family. Here are some of the things you should keep in mind as you embark on your property search.

Location

As the old saying goes – “Location, location, location!” Never will this be more important than when you are considering the purchase of a piece of land. Factors such as elevation, weather, growing season, water sources, and more will all contribute to your purchase decision.

Usage

An important consideration when looking for ranch land is its desired purpose. In short, what will you be using the property for? A property that you purchase purely for recreational enjoyment is different than the one you intend to use as a source of income.

Accessibility

How isolated do you want to be? Do you prefer to be the only one around for miles, or is quick access to a town and other resources important to you? Can the property be accessed year-round, or is it unreachable during certain times of the year, such as during the rainy season? Will you need an off-road vehicle to reach it, or are there clearly developed roads already in place?

Livability

A large plot of acreage won’t do you any good if, for whatever reason, the land is not livable. Frequent flooding, droughts, and other factors could render an otherwise gorgeous piece of property unusable.

If you plan to use the property for ranching, can crops and livestock survive there? If you’re searching for hunting grounds, is there an abundance of natural wildlife? If the ranch is to be your home, is there flat ground to build on and enough resources to make it a viable option? These are all crucial questions to consider before making such a significant investment.

Zoning & Rights

Water rights, mineral rights, and access rights are some of the most important regulations to consider when purchasing your dream ranch property. Water rights allow the legal use of water for various uses. Throughout much of the West, you may not have rights to the water running through your property, so this is important to understand. Mineral rights apply to natural resources that are underneath the surface level, such as coal, natural gas, and oil.

Most importantly, access rights ensure that you will have a way to reliably get to your property either by road frontage or deeded easements. These laws can be complicated and may vary from state to state and property to property. Future ranchers should research thoroughly and educate themselves before buying.

Final Thoughts

Choosing to invest in a ranch is a big decision that comes with big rewards. With the proper research and considerations, you can make an informed purchase that will result in enjoyment and even income for many years to come. At Mirr Ranch Group, we serve buyers and sellers of all types of ranches. If you need assistance with purchasing your new dream ranch, don’t hesitate to give us a call today!