6 Things to Ask Your Broker Before Buying Colorado Farmland
Finding the perfect agricultural property for sale in Colorado is a daunting task, especially when it seems like properties are getting swooped off the market in a matter of days. Potential buyers must balance finding a property that aligns with their goals, budget, and ideal agricultural conditions.
When you find Colorado farmland for sale, talking to your real estate broker about whether or not it meets your needs can save you from investing in something you cannot fully enjoy. Use these six tips to ensure the land you purchase matches your plans.
1. Ask About the Land's Previous Use
A property's previous use can determine whether or not it's fit for farming. Western Colorado real estate is notorious for its many uses for farms, ranches, vineyards, orchards, timber forests, and more. If the land has sat unused for a long time, it might not have the proper nutrients to support crops. If it previously housed an industrial operation, the soil may still contain contaminants harmful to plants and animals.
2. Request a Soil Test
When it comes to property for sale in Colorado, it's commonplace to include a soil test as a contingency in your offer. Many County Extension Offices provide soil tests to determine whether a piece of land can sustain crops. Pay attention to the levels of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, aluminum, and lead. Different crops thrive with various levels of these nutrients.
3. Notice the Soil Drainage
As you tour the property, keep an eye out for pools of standing water. Standing water is an open invitation for crop diseases and troublesome insects.
4. Observe the Farmland's Topography
Agricultural land's topography has the most significant impact on soil drainage. Steep hills cause water to run off too quickly and wash away nutrients, while uneven ground invites water to pool.
5. Research Access to Resources
Western Colorado real estate tends to be in rural areas, so you want to ensure the land has access to natural and manufactured resources, like water, electricity, and natural gas.
Regarding water, you should also ask your broker about the water rights to the property. If the water rights are not included with the Colorado farmland for sale, you'll have to jump through a handful of complicated hoops to attain them.
6. Inquire About Existing Infrastructure
Like resources, infrastructure plays a vital role in your farm's success, addressing your storage, transportation, and irrigation needs. You need to ensure the roads, buildings, and irrigation systems can accommodate your equipment, animals, and crops. Whatever structures the property doesn't already have, you will need to build, which will impact your budget.
The Secret to Finding Farmland in Colorado
Finding agricultural land for sale in Colorado requires research to ensure the property meets your unique needs. Just because a property is listed as agricultural doesn't mean that your crops or animals will thrive on it.
If you are buying or selling land in Colorado, you need a qualified real estate broker to help you navigate the landscape and seize the best opportunities. To start exploring Western Colorado real estate, reach out to me at rob@coloradocountrybroker.com or 970-986-2955