Are you considering making a move away from the city and choosing to live in a more rural area where you can own a big piece of land and enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest? Buying, owning and maintaining a ranch property is very different from being an average homeowner. There is always something to fix, chop up, cut down, paint, move or clean – but life on a ranch is pure bliss and has so much to offer. Planning for a move away from the city and deciding to purchase farm, ranch or a land property is a big decision and it’s different from buying a house. There are different factors to consider and different steps to follow to ensure you are purchasing a good plot of land and investing in the perfect property to fit your wants and lifestyle. As it is with anything else, there are pros and cons to owning a big property with land, but we’re happy to walk you through them, share a well thought out checklist to help guide your purchase experience, show you available farm, ranch and land properties for sale and guide you through an easy and successful real estate transaction!
Pros of Owning Land
People have different reasons for giving up life in a big city – maybe you’re looking for a quieter lifestyle away from the hustle and noise of the city, or you’re looking into turning your new ranch property into a business. Whatever the case may be, there are certain pros to owning land in College Station or Bryan, TX.
- The key to life away from the city is that you have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with some true peace and quiet. Your “burdens” and challenges will be very different from what they used to be.
- When you purchase a home attached to a farm or ranch you also purchase a good bit of land to go along with it. This gives you plenty of room to explore your property, build additional structures, raise animals and unparalleled privacy since you won’t be right next door to your neighbors.
- The city is full of cars, buses and other transportation that pollutes the air, whereas in the countryside you will breathe clean and fresh air.
- Whether you’re looking for wide open spaces where you can ride your horses into the sunset or spacious and fertile land to plant a blooming garden, moving away from the city and buying land allows you the opportunity to get in touch with nature and indulge in your passions.
Cons of Owning Land
For every upside, there’s usually a downside, it’s no different with real estate and when making the decision to move away from the city and purchase a farm or ranch property. Before you make the decision to move away and invest in a big plot of land make sure you are aware of all of the pros and cons that come along with it so you can make an informed decision that will be best for you and your family.
- Maintenance on big land can be tough – the bigger the property the more work you will have to do to keep it running smoothly. Whether you tackle all projects and maintenance on your own or hire help, you need to be prepared in advance and know what to expect so there are no unpleasant surprises.
- The ongoing maintenance of a farm or ranch property also comes with a price tag. You will need to invest in equipment to maintain the land, fencing to keep your property private, hired help that you’ll need for assistance, pest control and any additional maintenance that you anticipate based on your structure.
- Most larger properties with acreage are removed from the city, which means that you will have to travel in order to gain access to and enjoy certain amenities. Most high-end retail, dining and entertainment is located in the heart of busy cities and if you live in area where ranch properties are prevalent you will need to commute into the city to enjoy these comforts.
- Moving away from the city could also mean you extend your commute into work, especially if you work in a big city or downtown area. This challenge can be avoided if you have the opportunity to work from home, if you find alternate employment closer to your new property or if your land investment does become your main source of income.
- The further away you get from the city the more likely you’ll run into local wildlife. Not all animals are cute and cuddly, so you’ll need to be prepared to deal with wild animals like snakes and coyotes.
Tips for Buying a Land Property
There are many different types of farm, ranch and land properties for sale in Brazos County, TX and the options are limitless when it comes to how you want to use your new property. You can look for hunting land, working ranches, properties with lakes on them, large ranch estates and more. Brazos County real estate has so much to offer and is an incredible outdoor oasis with outstanding natural amenities. Farm and ranch properties in this area feature beautiful scenery, fertile land, refreshing breezes and a peaceful atmosphere. If you are ready to buy land in Brazos County check out this checklist with tips for buying the perfect property to suit your needs.
- Understand the Layout of the Land
When you buy a piece of land, you’re also purchasing everything else that is currently standing on it – including any structures, lakes, etc. Take the time to explore and understand the layout of the land and the flow. You have to think about how this would fit into your daily routine, your lifestyle and what you are looking to get out of the property. Similar to buying a house, you need to come prepared with a list of wants, needs and questions to help you determine if this property is the right one. Some questions to ask yourself include – is it big enough, are you planning on take care of animals or agriculture, what additional structures and resources will you need, is it too far from the city, do you have room to grow if you need to, could you downsize if you need to, etc. By thinking through these questions ahead of time and determining how you will utilize and enjoy your new property you can help narrow down the options available to you.
- Insist on an Inspection
A home inspection is the most important step when purchasing any type of real estate. However, before you even schedule the inspection make sure to be vigilant during the initial showings and pay attention to the exterior of the house. Look to see if the roof is in good shape, if the rain gutters are in working condition and for any excessive cracks in the foundation or structure. Simple things like this can help you get an idea of the condition of the structure on the property and how much work, repairs, renovations and maintenance you can expect to put into it. Once you schedule the general inspection make sure to schedule additional inspections for termites, sewer, roof and any others that you deem applicable to save you the hassle in the event expensive repairs are discovered. If the property looks like it needs a lot of TLC on the exterior, chances are the things you can’t see are probably in need of serious repair or replacement.
- Explore the Community
The same way you would visit and drive around a neighborhood before you purchase a home, you should do the same when looking for ranch, farm and land properties for sale. Be aware of how close or far away you are from amenities that are important to you as well as your place of employment. You can also take the time to speak with some of the current residents and your future neighbors to discuss pros and cons of the community, what they wish they knew before they bought and to understand any HOA fees that may be associated with the community.
- Think Long Term
Whether you plan on flipping the property or holding on to it forever and passing it on to your family, it’s always a good idea to think about resale value when investing in any type of real estate. If there is something that is giving you pause about making the purchase, chances are that it may deter future buyers as well.
If you are looking to upgrade your land size and purchase a farm or ranch property, take the time to research beforehand the same way you would for an average home. If you are thorough ahead of time, then you are more likely to be prepared to handle everything that comes your way with rural living – the good and the bad. Our team is experienced in all types of real estate and we’d be happy to show you the current farm, ranch and land properties for sale in Brazos County, TX.