Purchasing land can be a wise investment. Whether you’re looking to build a house or use it for hunting or recreation, you probably have big plans on what you want the property to look like. While you may want to jump right in and start on those projects, there are some priorities you need to take care of first.
Establish Boundaries
More often than not a piece of property is going to already come with an established boundary. This can include fences, roads or natural boundaries such as creeks, rivers or treelines. Sometimes it’s nothing more than paint marks on outlying trees. No matter what it looks like, you’re going to want to establish boundaries on your property.
There are many reasons for doing this. If you are preparing farmland, you will want to keep predators away from your livestock, and if you want to build a home or hunting cabin, you will want to keep other hunters and trespassers out. Wood fencing may be the most visually appealing type of boundary, but it won’t last and is tough to establish around trees. Barbed wire works best to keep livestock in, and will give people a hint that they are not welcome.
Pick Up Trash
It’s surprising how much garbage and waste can accumulate on large plots of land, especially if it was vacant for a few years before you purchased it. No matter what plans you have for your new piece of property, you want to clear it of trash. By doing so, you’re improving the visual appeal of the land and also preventing wildlife and livestock from coming in contact with or consuming any garbage.
Most trash will be obvious to spot, but keep in mind that items such as rusted metal or glass can rest just below the top layer of soil causing them to blend in with the ground. Be sure to check the property carefully. The upshot is you’ll be surprised by the interesting things you find to put on display in the barn.
Clear the Land
After picking up all the trash, it’s time to clear the land. This is especially important if you’re planning to build a home or a hunting cabin. Remove any fallen trees, obstructing boulders or any other debris that could cause problems for land development. You’ll be able to clear most fallen trees and if you have a good chainsaw, fell any trees that need to come down. However, it’s best to hire a professional to remove any boulders or any trees that you aren’t comfortable with removing.
Meet the Neighbors
Even though it’s listed last, this is one of the most important things to do after purchasing property. If your neighbors live there full time they can be vital to keeping an eye on your property when you’re not around. They also might be able to offer advice on clearing and developing your land if they have a similar piece of property. In addition, being on good terms with your neighbors can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
Buying and owning land is a big step. When the sale closes, if you’re already thinking into the future, the work you can get done to shape up the place will be less of a hassle and more of a goal worth achieving.
