Ownership
Aspects The Value of Experience |
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| REALTOR
STATUS Not every real estate agent is a REALTOR. In
addition to licensing requirements, REALTORS attend seminars
ranging in subject matter from water rights to lead-based paint hazards.
REALTORS belong to a professional organization, and subscribe
to a rigorous Code of Ethics. Industry standards or protocols can give you
certain expectations of fair play and honest dealing, and an organization to
mediate disputes. Go with a REALTOR in every real estate
transaction. There is a difference! |
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| SENSE OF
COMMUNITY Reflecting on why you are in the market to buy mountain land
will give you a clue as to the reality of ownership. Certain aspects of your
purchase decision, whether it is the gorgeous tree cover, expansive views, lush
meadows, beautiful rock outcrops or wildlife enjoyment, will be important
preservation or environmental concerns. You will join a new community of sorts,
and while your low density environment should provide maximum privacy,
generally protective covenants are utilized to provide a neighborhood framework
and promote preservation. While in town you have a series of ordinances
governing society, rural laws have historically related to farm or ranch
ownership and are only now "catching up" with the urban pressure. We need to
preserve the character and natural surroundings prompting your purchase in the
first place. Covenants provide the basis for agreements, and regulate
nuisances, i.e. unsupervised pets or livestock, excessive noise, shoddy
construction or noxious activity. |
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| CONSTRUCTION
CONSIDERATIONS You are in log Cabin Country! While you may opt for more
conventional construction, there are numerous log companies awaiting your land
purchase, with various levels of experience. Check references, and look at the
various design options to assure energy efficiency and climate compatibility.
The UBC (Uniform Building Code) will identify structural requirements. Your
project will require a building permit. Should you drill a well you will start
the process by obtaining a permit from the State of Colorado. Septic tanks and
leach field permits for septic systems are required. With adequate plans and
careful site consideration, permits are not difficult to obtain. Having a good
excavator can save money by identifying proper site considerations and
minimizing or consolidating utility extensions. |
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MINERAL AND
WATER RIGHTS Typically the Sellers will transfer all mineral rights
they own, but in many cases mineral rights were separated from surface
ownership years ago. If you are concerned about mineral reservations, try to
get a feel as to historical mineral activity in the local area. Look for
unusual diggings or old mine shafts. Sometimes old sites are opened with newer
techniques. Ask the local county government about mining
operations.
Water rights are generally
associated with irrigation ditches on your property. You may acquire historical
water rights; however in most cases you will not have the right to divert water
from on your property. Provided you are purchasing a larger acreage, i.e. 35
acres or more, you should be able to drill a well without having prior water
rights. |
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