Things To Consider Before Buying Colorado Cattle Ranches

When purchasing a cattle ranch, there are many considerations to keep in mind as you embark on your real estate journey. A cattle ranch in the great state of Colorado will bring you not only the potential for income opportunities but will also give you many years of enjoyment and deliver a wonderful family legacy.

Location

As the saying goes, “Location, location, location!” The location of your future home and property investment is arguably the most important point to consider. The right location can make or break your success. In addition to thinking about property values and future demand, you will need to keep several other factors in mind when purchasing a rural property such as a cattle ranch. Variables such as climate, natural resources, growing season, elevation, land use rights, property access, and more all make a difference in your purchase decision. For cattle ranching, you will want to be sure you are in an area where cattle markets, feed lots, and other resources are easily accessible.

Property Rights, Easements, and Zoning

There are several aspects of rural real estate land sale that don’t typically come up during the conventional home buying process. However, these are some of the single most important factors to consider when buying ranch land for purposes such as cattle ranching. Water rights, mineral rights, and access rights are all critical to the future success of your property. Legal regulations and restrictions can make or break the sale. Access rights determine how you and others will access your property. They can include frontage road access or the use of deeded easements. Water rights allow for the legal use of the water on your property without actually owning it (which is important for cattle ranching), and mineral rights regulate property owner access to natural resources below the surface such as coal and natural gas. Every property will have its own terms and conditions that you will need to determine and consider before making a purchase.

Land Development and Improvements

Some ranchers enjoy developing and improving upon the land themselves, while others prefer to purchase a turnkey property that is ready to get up and running. If you will be improving the property after your purchase, it is important to configure those additional costs into your budget and consider the extra time that it will take to make the necessary land upgrades. These improvements can be very time-consuming and, in some cases, a legal headache as you deal with land surveys, soil tests, connecting utilities, land excavation, and other hassles. However, purchasing a turnkey property can be more expensive than “doing it yourself,” which is another factor you will need to consider in making your purchase decision.

Accessibility and Livability

You will want to find out important details about your property’s accessibility and livability before you make your purchase decision. For many people, a large piece of property is the biggest investment they will ever make. It is, therefore, important to know if some or all of your property will be flooded, blocked by snowfall, or otherwise inaccessible 90 percent of the year.

Harsh climates, short growing seasons, and frequent droughts can similarly be a dealbreaker when it comes to locating the perfect cattle ranch property in Colorado. Do you need to be close to town? If being located next to the big city is important to you, expect to pay more and experience possible competition for your purchase.

Final Thoughts

At Mirr Ranch Group, we have the knowledge and expertise necessary to help you buy your dream Colorado cattle ranch. Give us a call today to learn more about rural land purchases in the Rocky Mountain State.

3 Reasons Why You Should Consider Colorado Mountain Ranches for Sale as the Next Addition to Your Property Portfolio

When people think about Colorado, they usually think about the spectacular landscapes. The state is renowned for its mountain ranges, which dominate the views from virtually everywhere in the state. 

The stats are impressive, with thousands of peaks in excess of 10,000 feet. As a result, the recreation opportunities are almost endless. People who decide to farm the land will get an excellent backdrop to their daily tasks. In this post, we will take a closer look at five reasons why Colorado mountain ranches for sale are an excellent addition to your property portfolio. 

Return on Investment

Land is a valuable commodity. There are many ways to make the land work for you as an investment. Having landowner tags and owning the water rights adds significant value to a property, as does adding high-quality lodgings. Turnkey properties are particularly attractive to new ranchers looking to purchase vacation homes.

Ranches with top-quality soil and space could be viable for livestock holdings or other agricultural operations. Other ways to increase your return investment include allowing access to any private stretches of fishable waters on your property. Some ranchers also make use of conservation easements, which are an excellent way to gain significant tax benefits while also protecting the land for future generations. 

Recreation 

Colorado is a year-round destination and a great place to enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities. If you enjoy spending time outside, then Colorado is an excellent option for you. For example, the state is home to some world-class ski resorts such as Aspen, Vail, and Steamboat Springs. 

The state is home to a diverse range of wildlife, such as elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and whitetail deer. Mountain ranches with abundant water sources are the ideal habitat for elk and other big game species, so this is an excellent place for hunting. Fly-fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and ATVing are just a few more examples of activities that can be enjoyed on your ranch property.

Ranchers can use their property as a private escape or develop business opportunities such as renting out lodges or running sporting retreats. Hunters are prepared to pay premiums for access to exclusive hunting.

A Great Place to Escape

Many people are attracted by the romantic images of living in nature. For skiing, hunting, and fly-fishing fans, Colorado offers you the opportunity to enjoy these activities right from your front porch. Ranches near large ski resorts can be easily accessed throughout the year and provide a great balance between access to the slopes and privacy.

Exclusive communities like the Elk Creek Ranch offer resort-style facilities alongside a parcel of private land where you can forget about the urban grind. This option is popular with ranchers that want a recreational retreat or vacation home without all the commitments associated with standalone properties. Purchasing a parcel of land in a ranching community also provides you with access to some world-class hunting and fishing opportunities.