TexasWaterFrontRanches

Farm Credit specializes in financing rural real estate in the south, and they offer plenty of free advice with their Fenceposts Blog and Landscapes Magazine articles. 

Also on their site, they offer Tips for Buying Rural Real Estate. These tips can be helpful for both someone new to ranch real estate or anyone who wants to make sure nothing is overlooked.

1. Local Advice

Get the advice of a local Realtor or loan officer who is both experienced in rural real estate, and knows the area well. They will know the local market, may know the histories of the properties in the area, and they can put you in touch with contractors and service providers.

2. Infrastructure

Be sure to ask about water and sewer services, trash pickup and road maintenance, school bus service, electric, phone, cable and high speed internet.

3.   Tax Advantages

A rural property may qualify for a tax credit, special appraisal or direct exemption. There may be existing ag exemptions.

4. Environmental Factors

By law, the presence of endangered species may limit ability to do some things like clearing brush or constructing buildings. Federal law also holds landowners accountable for contamination cleanup even if it occured before they owned the property – buyers can predetermine some environmental hazards and obtain  some liability protection.

Sandy Ranch

5. Codes and Restrictions

Government restrictions, county subdivision laws or extended territorial jurisdictions may affect subdivision of land.

6. Insurance

Some providers might not offer insurance for outside of city limits.  Your Realtor or loan officer can help.

7.  Local Land Use

Pay attention to what others in the area are using land for (for example, if you are ok living next to a large livestock operation) and any proposed developments.

8. Property Improvements

Improvements (such as fences or walls) can be expensive, especially on large properties. Certain improvements (such as septic systems or wells) may require certain county permits. Look into any permits and construction costs first, as well as needed well depths and septic system requirements for the soil conditions.

9. Maintenance Costs

Landscaping, repairs, equipment, and any building will all require additional costs.

10. Financing Country Homes

Some mortgage companies may only finance a certain number of acres, your Realtor can help you find a lender and the loan you’re looking for.

Lonesome Bayou Ranch

The Lonesome Bayou Ranch is being offered up for lease. This 188 acre waterfront playground has tons of fun for the entire family. It features horseback and ATV trails, a 1 acre swimming pond, hunting areas, fishing piers along 6,000 ft. of shoreline, boat launches, boat docks and is only a short boat ride to the excellent fishing in Trinity Bay. Family and friends can stay in 2 homes totaling 8 bedrooms/4.5 baths. This is the perfect retreat right on the Texas coast, 50 minutes from downtown Houston. Available for sale too! Click here for more information on the property. Check some video of the property:

Horses in Field at the Dream Horse Property

Buying a residential property can be difficult enough without having to consider the extra needs of a horse. But there is help – some sources on the internet give useful tips that even a seasoned buyer might not have considered.

From the Ezine article “Tips for Buying a Horse Farm”:

- Consider the house.
It’s deceptively simple: make sure that your home is one you can live in. This will be the home for your horse, and yours as well. If you plan to buy a property and build a new house or do renovations, make sure you’ve factored in all the costs, even some possible surprise ones.

- The barn: size and convenience.
Does it fit all your horse’s needs? Is it conveniently located, with enough access?

- Check for ample water supply.
Particularly in Texas, there may be dry periods. This article recommends having two sources of water available, in case of emergency. For example, our “Dream Horse Property” has two separate wells – one for the home, and the second with sprinklers to irrigate the pastures. Similarly, Rancho Estacia’s sprinkler system is fed from the lake.

- Check the pastures.
Are they steep or hilly? Are they quality? How is the soil quality? How about gating? Make sure they suit your needs.

Horses at Gabriel's Horn Ranch

HorseRides.org’s article “Things to Consider When Buying a Horse Property” echoes some of the same considerations; making sure the home is a good fit for both you and your horse. Extras like riding arenas may make a big difference. But they offer another big tip: get an expert to help you find this property. An Real Estate Agent used to farms and ranches, as well as the area you’re looking at, can offer expertise, a wider choice, and better understanding of your needs. The Dave Murray Team agents are your experts in Central Texas Waterfront, Development, Luxury and Ranch properties, serving all your needs from first time buyers to relocation. #1 Team in the #1 Coldwell Banker Texas Office, and Top 10 of all Realtors in the Greater Austin Area.

The Lonesome Bayou Ranch

Lonesome Bayou

Some ranches are for relaxation, some are for fun. This 188 acre family retreat in Southeast Texas near Trinity Bay is the best of both. Over 6,000 ft. of waterfront leads to Trinity Bay and features three fishing docks, boat launches and jet ski slips for all kinds of water recreation. Relax at the 1 acre aereated swimming pond with a shady pergola. Guests are always welcome since this unique retreat includes 3 homes for a total of 10 bedrooms and 5.5 baths.  This ranch is being sold turnkey – including all equipment, boats, jet skis, even dishes and towels!  Find out more here.