If you’re looking to purchase or lease an agricultural property, you may be thinking that only the seller needs the services of an agent or broker. But buying a farm or ranch can be an extremely complicated process, and buyers stand to benefit as much as sellers from the subject area expertise and negotiation skills of an experienced farm and ranch agent.
Services Access
Unlike urban residential developments, many rural properties have limited access to community water systems, electrical systems, and roads. Additionally, amenities like high-speed internet or cable service which are readily available in the city or suburbs may be less reliable or more costly to acquire on a rural property. A local real estate agent or broker specializing in agricultural properties can explain which municipal and utility services are available for a given plot of land.
Environmental Issues
Whether you intend to run your farm as a business or a hobby, it’s crucial that you select a property with soil history and environmental conditions that match the crops or livestock you intend to raise. Real estate agents specializing in rural property will know the processes necessary to evaluate the soil for productivity and check your property for things like floodplains, wetlands, and threatened species habitats, which can seriously limit how a property can be used
Rights and Usage
Water is the single most important factor in running a successful farm, and water rights law is very complex. An agricultural real estate professional can explain the particulars of water, wind, and mineral rights for a given property. If you’re purchasing an undeveloped plot of land, it’s crucial that you carefully investigate local zoning ordinances to ensure that you can use a property as you see fit. Finally, many rural properties have easements for road, power, or irrigation access, which means that others can access your property. An experienced agent can explain these easements and what, if any, responsibilities they require from you.
