Acquiring Suitable Rural Land For Sale Southern Colorado

By Ericka Marsh


Land issues are sensitive. Thus, you need to investigate adequately raw land purchases as well as evaluate and negotiate by use of a rational and logical plan. Raw land is has no sewers and utilities. Rural real estate is complex, so finding a good agent who is experienced in purchase of property is a necessary investment. The investment represents a substantial financial commitment. The information below on how to find rural land for sale southern Colorado is invaluable to first time land buyers.

Select a farm close to the local market and distribution channels. Consider if the farm situated in a depression with its own micro climate, soil types, flood zones, topography, hydrology among other critical features. Accessing your soils information before closing on the farm is also a good idea. Type of soil will largely determine the crops to grow. It would be wise to test your soil for residues and other heavy metals that may inhibit your ability to grow organically.

If you are going to grow crops, consider the availability of water before you buy the farm . Water is essential for drinking, washing, cooking and watering plants. Find an agent who knows about farming and the details that are important, like soil types and water rights. It is extremely critical you understand water rights and usage.

Read the water certificate and understand what it means in terms of usage of water and the area allowed for irrigation. Landowners must irrigate at least once every five years in order to retain the validity of their rights. You need to know the year your rights date back to and the sources of water to your property. Know if your rights are currently valid and active. Check if you have ponds, creeks, or wells that you are legally able to use to irrigate.

Where the property has been in your family a long time with no adjustment in the basis, you could pay a lot of capital gains tax. Check with your tax assessor your position and establish development limitations, depending on zoning status. Liaise with your accountant on issues of taxation. The appraisal method used to determine taxes has been yet another potential obstacle that could affect price negotiations.

Consider the price at which the property is sold and mode of payment. You may consider the services of an estate lawyer to help finalize the transaction. This will prevent issues such as fraud. Be careful to set your payments so that you can afford the payments along with your current cost of housing. Make sure that there is no prepayment penalty on your seller-financing note.

Consider Lease Provisions. Most land leases run for short periods, and are renewed every year. The leases may exert an influence on the buying process when they specify a right for refusal on the first instance. Where the lease period is short, the farm may not attract prospective buyers. Check with the relevant agricultural department for the lease period.

Environmental issues may signal problems for property owners. Therefore, buyers should identify potential problems before closing the deal. The presence of harmful substances may create a liability to a person taking title to the property. Owners of land with endangered creatures is likely to have strict restrictions on land use.




About the Author: