Purchasing land is a great investment, but is very different from home-buying and can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. To help put you at ease while navigating the process, we recommend building a team of experts to guide you through each of the unique aspects of buying rural land.
First, loan officers play a critical role by helping advise you on your financial decisions.
“Your loan officer can help you understand what to expect along the way,” says Rural 1st loan officer Matt Schickel. “We are here to support you throughout this process with helpful guidance and insights as well as land financing packages tailored to your specific needs.”
And while your loan officer is important, there is another key player who will help you on your journey — your realtor.
“A real estate agent who specializes in land purchases can be invaluable as you look for a property that meets your needs,” explained another one of our loan officers, Jennifer Croft. “For example, did you know some properties have deed restrictions on the types of livestock you can have as well as access rights for building a road? A well-versed realtor will know to look for these specifics.”
Are you planning to build a home on the land in the future? In addition to the cost of building the home, it’s important to understand how much it will cost to make necessary site improvements, such as constructing a driveway, running utilities, drilling a well or adding a septic system. You will also want to make sure you contact your local homeowner’s insurance agent for flood zone maps of the property to find out if, where, and how high water rises during spring runoff.
Maybe you want to hunt and fish or spend weekends with your family at a cabin? In that case, you’ll want to confirm there’s enough acreage and wooded area.
“Growing food plots is one of the best ways to attract wildlife to your land,” said Emily Stamper, another one of our expert loan officers. “Consult a land management specialist to find out which plants keep deer and other critters visiting your land during hunting season.”
If you’re interested in harvesting timber, you’ll want to know the types and sizes of trees you have now and can grow in the future. Consult with a forestry professional to create a management plan for the longevity and health of the land. They can even identify marketable trees that could potentially have value.
Depending on the type of soil on your land, you may also be able to grow vegetables, fruits, or flowers — which could be a potential source of income. Do some research on which crops grow best in your area. If you don’t want to farm it yourself, consider partnering with a local farmer who may be interested in renting your land. Renting out acreage can provide you with a revenue source as well as help maintain the land.
Once you’ve found the perfect property and plan for how you want to use your land, you’ll be ready to begin working closely with your team of experts to determine final costs and move forward in the journey to make the land yours.
To learn more about Rural 1st, visit Rural1st.com/Whitetail.
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