Things to Consider Before You Buy Wyoming Ranches

The purchase of ranch property in Wyoming is unlike the purchase of any other type of real estate. There are many considerations to keep in mind before embarking on the land purchase of a ranch.

Location

The location of your future ranch property is probably the first and most important thing you will need to consider. There are many additional factors to buying ranch land that do not necessarily come into play when buying a single-family home or residence. For example, you will need to think more about the natural attributes of the land, such as water sources, climate, growing season, and elevation. Depending on your intended use of the land, these factors can make or break your success in your endeavors.

Purpose

As mentioned above, which ranch property you ultimately buy will be determined by the purpose you have in mind for the land. For example, if you intend to raise cattle, you will need to look for natural water sources, an abundance of natural grazing grasses, and a lack of harsh weather. If you are on the hunt for the perfect fly fishing property, you will want to look for a property that has its own trout stream running through it. As you can see, the desired usage will contribute to your exact property decision.

Property Rights, Easements & Zoning

These are some of the most important issues to consider when buying a ranch property that to do not typically come up in other types of home purchases. Understanding any restrictions or regulations on the property, such as water rights, mineral rights, and access rights, are critical to ensuring a successful purchase. Access rights determine how you will get to your property and can include road frontage access or deeded easements. Mineral rights regulate access to natural resources underneath the surface, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Water rights apply to natural water sources on the property, allowing you the legal use of the water without owning it. These factors will vary widely from property to property, and you will want to be sure you are educated on each one before buying your ranch land.

Accessibility

Another important part of property accessibility briefly mentioned above is what kind of reachability are you looking for? Some ranch buyers prefer to be extremely isolated and don’t mind if their property is only reachable seasonally or with an off-road vehicle. Other purchasers prefer to be close to town with reliable roads. Factors such as your health, ability to rely on natural resources, and how often you will be going to your property will all weigh in on helping you make this decision.

Livability

No one wants a dead piece of land. It is important to ensure that the acreage you intend to buy is ideal for producing crops, nurturing livestock, supporting wild fish and game, or otherwise suited to your own personal survival and comfort. Environmental factors such as flooding, harsh winters, and droughts all need to be taken into consideration when buying ranch land. For those who intend to build a home on the property, you’ll want to make sure the land can support either off-grid living or access to city utilities. Will you need a storm shelter? Will you need to build on higher ground? If you are not sure about a potential property’s climate and resources, ask around with locals or check with a qualified real estate agent.

Final Thoughts

At Mirr Ranch Group, we have the knowledge and expertise necessary to help you buy your Wyoming ranch. Give us a call today to learn more about real estate purchases in The Cowboy State.