TexasWaterFrontRanches

Miller Creek Ranch

Yesterday, snow fell all over central Texas, turning wooded creeks and ranches into beautiful winter vistas. Rare but not unheard of through this area, the last significant snowfall was on Valentine’s Day in 2004. Yesterday, the hill country got two inches, with Austin getting closer to one inch and parts of Williamson county, north of Austin, receiving three inches.  

Miller Creek

The Miller Creek Ranch is a luxurious 4,950 square foot custom home on 68 acres of hill country in Johnson City. Already a stunning property featuring 800 feet of both sides of dammed Miller Creek, winter snow reveals a whole new side of this beautiful ranch. You could imagine relaxing in the six person spa overlooking the creek, soaking in the large jacuzzi tub looking out the window, or by one of the stone fireplaces watching the snow fall.  You can’t help but enjoy the views that this ranch has to offer.

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.