We are thinking about buying a home in the country. What is the first thing I should do?
If you are thinking about purchasing a home in the country, a horse property, a farm, ranch or even land, the first thing you need to do is to decide what type of property is going to make you happy. Doing so will save a lot of time and potential heart aches in the future.
Ask yourself:
1. 
Will this property be your primary home?
2. If so, what is the furthest you are willing to commute or are you retired?
3. How important is high speed internet to you?
4. Why do you want a place in the country or mountains?
a. To live in a more natural setting where you are not staring at your neighbor’s house?
b. To avoid home owners association rules?
c. More space for flower beds or gardens? What types?
d. Room for children and/or dog(s) to run and play? (May want to avoid busy highways.)
e. Do you want chickens, horses, cattle or other livestock?
i. If so, how many?
ii. What type?
iii. What do you plan to do with them?
f. Are you wanting to hunt or fish?
g. Wanting to live off the grid?
h. Ready for a legacy property?
i. Are you wanting to farm or ranch?
j. Do you envision some sort of business, i.e., a shop, a riding stable, bed and breakfast, bait and tackle shop, dude ranch?
k. Is this going to be an investment?
5. Are you wanting: water frontage, mountain views, or flat land?
6. Trees or open?
7. What are your feelings about dirt roads?
8. What are you feelings about manufactured homes?
9. How close do you need to shopping and medical facilities?
10. Do you want to have some neighbors around or do you want to be in a remote area?
11. Do you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle? Would you get one if necessary?
12. Lastly, very similar as to in town:
What size of house do you need? How many bedrooms; bathrooms, features, age and condition of home do you prefer?
The answers to these questions will help you determine what location, type of road frontage, soil types, water rights, terrain, fencing and other amenities will be most suitable for your needs.
Once you know what you want, you need to figure out how you will pay for the property. Do you have cash or will you need to get financing? Will your lender finance they type of property that you want to purchase? Do you qualify?
Lastly, if country property isn't for you at this stage in life, there may be options in town that could meet your needs. For example, this home in The Pinery backs up to the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, CO.
If you are thinking of buying a home in the country, a horse property, a farm, land, or a ranch it is very important to decide what your wants and needs are before you start shopping.
Whether you are thinking of buying, selling or are another Realtor, please feel to contact me with any questions that you might have.
Sincerely,
Sondra Meyer, CPA
Horse Property Specialist
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