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Harvesting hay is a significant part of my ranch operation; we need several hundred tons to get our cows, bulls, heifers, and horses through the winter.  I am often asked by fellow agents and buyers alike about hay production in our area here in Northwest Colorado.  I compiled a list of questions I commonly get, along with my answers based on my personal experiences.  

How many cuttings do you get?  We typically get one cutting here.  Every now and then alfalfa meadows can eke out enough for a second cutting.  

How much does a round bale weigh? Round balers come in different sizes but it’s typical to see 5′ – 6′ round bales.  Those weigh anywhere from 1,500-1,600 pounds each.  It takes a pretty big tractor (around 100 HP!) to pull a round baler and also to move those bales around. 

How many tons/acre do you get?  This is much more of a nuanced answer but there are some “bookends.”  A general rule of thumb is 1/2-1 ton/acre on dryland (non-irrigated) hay, depending on how much rain we get. Irrigated meadows will produce twice as much (1-2 tons/acre); rain and irrigation practices also make a difference. Fertilizer dryland or irrigated meadows can double production as well, depending on how much is applied and good rains following application,.  

Do you have to plant the crop?  This area of our state has great soils with grass hay that grows naturally, so there is no need to plant the grass meadows.  Alfalfa meadows do need to be planted every decade or so.  

Hay production can vary wildly depending on rain, wind, cold temperatures, and late frosts. But our long summer days, afternoon monsoons, and fertile soils provide a great foundation for a successful hay crop every year.

Most ditches in northwest Colorado deliver water just as they did a hundred years ago and most are organized just like they were back then–water owners either cooperate or argue (or both) over how the water is delivered and managed.  When multiple water users share the same ditch for delivery of water, absent an agreement or company, it’s up to them to work out delivery of their decreed amount.  In times of abundant water, cooperation comes easy but in times of drought….well….it brings to mind the old saying that whiskey’s for drinkin’ and water’s for fightin’…

But back to the organization point.  Some ditches are organized and structured like a corporation and the decreed amount of water to each water right owner is represented by shares. Those shares are conveyed with an actual stock certificate. The ditch company will issue the certificate to the buyer once the seller hands in the seller’s original certificate (along with any other documents required by the company).  If a seller misplaces the stock certificate and cannot find the original, it would require notification to the ditch company and the purchase of a lost certificate bond from an insurance company.  The entire process could take a few months and cost quite a lot of money, so it’s well worth it to keep those water stock certificates in a safe (and unforgettable!) place.  

Having amazing views outside your window is a significant factor people consider when buying or building homes in the mountains. Likewise, no one wants a new neighbor to build a mansion on the top of a mountain or hill in their view corridor. The natural contour of hills and mountains is interrupted by new homes and can impact the views of other landowners and recreationists. Routt County residents were tired of this happening; therefore, in 2002, the county Skyline Development Guidelines were implemented. 

This year I had a property under contract, but one of the conditions of closing was that the buyer wanted to be able to move the building envelope to a more scenic location. The buyer decided a ridge on the parcel with views of the flattops was the ideal building site. However, before she closed on the property, we wanted to ensure the building site would conform with all county regulations, leading us to the county’s skyline regulations. 

What does it mean for a home to be skylined?

According to the Routt County Skyline Development Regulations, if a structure rises above the ridgeline and creates a silhouette against the sky, it would be considered “skylined.” According to the regulations, a building can not be more than 15 feet above the skyline when viewed from county roads within a quarter-mile to three-mile radius. 

Who has to conform to the skyline regulations?

The skyline regulations do not affect the entire county. The section of the county that must conform to the skyline regulations is known as the “skyline applicability area”. The area encompasses Hahn’s Peak, Steamboat Lake, Clark, Willow Creek Pass, Steamboat Springs, Pleasant Valley, Catamount, and Stagecoach. Some areas that are not included in the skyline applicability area are Milner, Hayden, Oak Creek, Phippsburg, Yampa, and Taponas. The map below shows the section of Routt County that the skyline development guidelines affect. 

What does this mean for the landowner who wants to build their dream home with the best views possible?

Before choosing a place to build, a landowner should check to see if your property falls within the skyline applicability area; if it does not, they do not have to conform to the county skyline regulations. Suppose the property is within the skyline applicability area. In that case, you then have to make sure you are not going to build in a location that would skyline your building, and this could impact the particular views they are trying to achieve from the home. 

What does it mean if my property is located within the skyline applicability area?

The county was proactive when they developed this map and did their best to determine all the skylined areas. These areas are shown in red on the map. Improvements built on a property in any non-red area are allowed as the improvement should not be skylined and would not have to conform to skyline regulations. Any improvements built after 2002, in a red area, are likely to be skylined and have to conform with the guidelines set in place by the county. It is common for most to avoid building their home on a skyline. However, if a property owner decides to build in a skyline location, a balloon test must be performed before a building permit can be issued.

What is the balloon test?

The balloon test is conducted by the county planning department to determine if an improvement at a particular location would be skylined. The regulations allow a building to be skylined up to 15 feet. Below is a summary of the balloon test.

1. The location of the lowest point of the potential structure is identified.

2. A 35-foot temporary structure will be placed on this point.

3. A group of brightly colored balloons is placed at the top of the temporary structure. Since 15 feet of the proposed structure is allowed to be skylined, another group of brightly colored balloons is placed 15 feet below the top group of balloons.

4. Planning staff will be on-site to ensure that enough brightly colored balloons are used and placed at the proper height.

5. Once the balloons and height are confirmed, staff will drive the applicable roads within the quarter-mile to three-mile radius of the structure. If the bottom set of balloons (ones located 15 feet below the top set) are backdropped by the sky from any applicable roads for a cumulative distance of one mile, then the proposed structure is skylined. If this is the case, the structure height must be reduced until the bottom set of balloons are not visible, and mitigation measures will be encouraged if the upper balloons are still visible. 

What are mitigation measures?

If the allowed 15 feet of a building is skylined, the county encourages the landowner to soften the appearance of the building on the skyline. Besides the apparent suggestion of making the building shorter or smaller, they have a few other recommendations. For example, use colors and finishes that blend the structure with the surrounding landscape, try incorporating the roofline with other natural features such as rock formations or tree lines, or use vegetation to break up or hide the structure.

Anything else?

When looking to purchase land in Routt County, make sure to ask your agent about the skyline regulations and if it something you need to consider at a particular property.

Written by Hallie Myhre. Information received from Routt County development guidelines.

Routt County in the month of August as documented by Hallie Myhre.

Like most months, August in Colorado is an excellent time for outdoor reaction. Locals enjoy the trails, rivers, lakes, and public land. For the agriculture community of Routt County, August is a busy month. Haying season is in full swing and local 4H and FFA kids are preparing for the Routt County Fair at the end of the month. The first few unofficial days of the fair consist of horse shows and the livestock begin to arrive. The end of the week is packed with livestock shows, fun rides, vendors, and a fun event each evening. The demolition derby, rodeo, and mutton busting always draw a crowd. For the first time this year, the 4H Bobby Robinson Sr. Memorial BBQ was free for the community. Although the Junior Livestock sale has shrunk in the last few years due to covid, sale prices were still high as local businesses and locals make it a priority to support the valley’s net generation of agriculture.

A popular weekend trip to Trappers Lake takes about 2 hours. The high mountain lake is known for its scenic views in the Flattops. The Lodge, a full bar, and restaurant serve great food and fun souvenirs. There are log cabins to rent and plenty of campsites to pitch a tent near the lake.

Both the ProRodeo Series and the local Gymkhana wrap up in August, so it is a great time to get in the last glimpse of high-speed cowboys and cowgirls competing at the rodeo grounds before snow flies.

I took a couple of trips east thanks to a listing near the Williams Fork Reservoir. Just a little furth down highway 40 sits the small town of Hot Sulfer Springs. The recently renovated resort and spa has over 22 different hot pools and baths at various temperatures. There is also lodging and massages available to book to make the most of your trip. In addition to the hot springs, there is great hiking, fishing, and camping!

During August I watched a couple of ranch rodeos, hiked to the upper fish creek falls, enjoyed dinner from the Meat Bar on the Yampa River, and played a slightly above-average game of bowling at the Snow Bowl!

The month of July in Steamboat Springs, Routt County (and beyond) as documented by Hallie Myhre.

July, the heat of summer is packed with fun events and outdoor adventures. Makes sense why this month’s video is so long.

Every weekend the Steamboat Springs ProRodeo hosts professional athletes as a part of the Mountain State Circuit, some cowboys and cowgirls in the running to make it to the National Finals Rodeo in December. It is a fun mix of locals and top rodeo athletes competing each week. Although the mainstream rodeo events are exciting to watch, many spectators’ favorite events may be the calf and lamb scramble. Kids the age of 12 and under line up in the arena, then a calf or lamb with a ribbon on its tail is released, and the first kid to grab a piece of the ribbon wins a belt bucket. It is absolute chaos and always a site seeing kids take off after the animals, no matter how muddy it is or how poor of footwear they may be wearing. Farmers’ markets are a popular event in Routt County. Local producers of all types bring their products to town. The Steamboat farmers market, each Saturday from 9-2 has over 100 booths. The Hayden farmers market is on Thursday afternoons from 5 to 8 pm and for this first time, Oak Creek has a farmers market each Sunday all summer from 10 am to 3 pm.

Each Tuesday, The Corner Slice, a New York-style pizza place hosts open mic night. Local music enthusiasts sign up to play a couple of songs for the crowd. I attend occasionally with one of my friends who, like many, go every week.

Depending on the weather, the haying season usually begins in July. Typically a hotter month with less rain, the tall grass is ready to be cut, raked, and baled. The yampa valley is known to produce some of the best hay in the country. Hay is shipped far and wide to provide feed for animals all over the county, but much of it is kept here to fuel local agricultural operations.

Cheyenne Frontier Days takes place at the end of July each year. The rodeo event, known as “The Daddy of ’em All” is one of the most well-known events in the rodeo world. Along with the rodeo, there is a carnival, wild horse races, a mustang sale, and big concerts. Names like Garth Brooks, Nickelback, Post Malone, Luke Bryan, and more have played there. This year I went up to see Parker McCollum and Ian Musick and spend some time with my Wyoming friends.

This July I spent some time at Williams Fork Reservoir as I had some land listed in the area. The 33 miles of river provides prime fly-fishing opportunities for catching brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout, and the Williams Fork Reservoir offers anglers the chance to hook into northern pike, Mackinaw, and kokanee salmon. The reservoir is open to motorized boats, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and camping. A quiet part of the rocky mountain west, the nearest town, Parshall doesn’t have much more than a post office and one bar and grill.

I personally spent some of my July free time in the high county. The Zirkel Wildnerness, in north Routt County is a natural environments that has not been significantly modified by human activity. The “Zirkel Circle” is a popular trail that goes to Gilpin and Gold lake. We decided to take our horses on the trail, we did get caught in a heavy downpour, but it was still a beautiful ride. I also took a ride to Manzanares lake with some friends and swam in the cold high mountain lake. A great way to spend July!

Colorado’s 35-acre rule can have unforeseen consequences when large landowners parcel off a portion of their ranch. Senate bill 35, passed in 1972, basically stipulates that subdivision of land resulting in acreage fewer than 35 must be approved by the county. I was recently part of an off-market ranch sale that took a little bit of paperwork post-closing to reach compliance with this rule. In this particular instance, the “parent” landowner sold hundreds of acres to one neighbor and kept over 100 acres that remained (in two non-contiguous parcels). This transaction did not violate any rules; the sold parcel was hundreds of acres and the remaining parent parcel was also well over the 35-acre threshold. However, the split to the neighbor resulted in a portion still owned by the parent ranch that was just under 35 acres but not contiguous to the parent parcel. That under-35-acre parcel would be referred to as an “orphan” parcel.  This orphan parcel was subsequently sold to another neighbor, but the county flagged the two sold parcels anyway. The flagged parcels would not be able to get a permit of any kind for building – a real drawback for a property owner!  We were able to get it resolved with a merger of title for the orphan parcel with the second-neighbor-buyer and everyone was compliant.  Even though all involved ranches were well over 35 acres, this particular set of circumstances bought that statute to the forefront of the transaction and highlighted how broadly reaching this simple rule can be.  

June in Routt County, Colorado as documented by Hallie Myhre.

June in Routt County is a favorite (even though I may stay that about every month)! The days are warm, but not too hot, and the evenings are cool. 2022 brought much-needed rain, so the valley is green, the grass is tall and the wildflowers are bright.

Depending on the runoff levels, the Yampa River usually opens up for tubing, a popular activity among all ages. I enjoyed a couple of floats from fetcher pond to the transit center. Just be careful when the water levels are low, as there are lots of rocks to bump into! The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series starts in June and runs all summer with 20 performances. The local gymkhana takes place on Wednesday nights, where local kids and adults compete in barrels, poles, and team roping. If you have a horse to ride, it’s a fun event to attend each week, if not, it’s still fun to watch!

Although I enjoy going to the rodeo every once in a while, I try to spend as much time on my horse in the mountains in the summer. Riding through aspens with Hobie (the dog) in tow is my favorite way to spend a June evening. If I had time during the day I took the dogs for a walk in one of my favorite areas. The trails behind The Sanctuary are some of the best in town. The loop around the golf course has great views of town, the dogs love playing in Fish Creek and if you can find your way, it’s possible to hike to the upper (and lower) Fish Creek Falls, just make sure you know where you are going.

June is also when the Colorado chapter members of the Realtors Land Institute get together for the Ranch Tour. Each year land brokers meet in a different part of the state to look at property, learn about the market and have a little fun. In 2022 the Ranch Tour was scheduled for Steamboat. Over 50 ranch brokers from around the west met in town and we caravaned across the county, looking at land for two days. I presented one of my listings outside of oak creek to the groups, made new connections, and learned more about ranch real estate from some of the most exceptional brokers in the business.

Routt County during the month of May, as documented by Hallie Myhre.

May in Routt County is usually the start of spring, however, we are known to get a snowstorm, or five! The grass begins to turn green and leaves are popping up on trees, but you still might wake up to a few inches of snow on your car in the morning!

Steamboat is only a few hours from many popular concert venues on the front range. It’s common for many locals to make the drive to see some of their favorite artists on stage. Me and what seemed like a quarter of the town drove to the Ball Area to see Zach Bryan, Cody Johnson, and Luke Combs in concert. Well worth the 6 hours of driving if you ask me.

The creeks and rivers in the Yampa Valley were rushing high and fast as temperatures rose and spring storms brought more precipitation. Every afternoon there is almost always someone kayaking, boogie boarding, rafting, or paddleboarding on the A, C, or D hole in preparation for the annual Yampa River Festival.

In May attended the spring RLI (Realtors Land Institute) meeting in Durango. Members of the Colorado chapter meet quarterly to present listings, discuss buyer needs and network with other brokers in the land industry. I also attended the educational session where we learned about recreational properties, land owner tags, and more. It was a great couple days filled with great food and people!

A quick look into life in Routt County, CO during April as documented by Hallie Myhre.

April can be a great Month in Routt County. The ski season at Steamboat Resort wraps up mid-month. Great spring skiing conditions are always a favorite, made better by fun events and a decrease in tourists. April 1st was gaper day, a tradition at ski resorts across the country. Locals dress up in costumes that range from blow-up dinosaurs to retro ski gear and just have a good time. For the last 10 days each season, Steamboat Resort has a fun festival known as springalicious. Each day a backpack full of fun swag provided by a sponsor is hidden somewhere on the mountain. One clue is given and skiers and riders try to be the first one to the location to grab that bag full of great prizes. Each day is different, with items from Smartwool, Budlight, and the last day is usually a brand new go-pro. Closing weekend is full of fun annual events and concerts. Local teams work all winter long to create the best vessel for the cardboard classic and many skiers and riders try their hardest in the pond skim no matter the weather. Not to mention the fun to be had if you catch one of the last chairs before the mountain closes, and find a fun celebration.

Spring break for the local school district always takes place after the mountain closes. This allows for those who work at the resort to be able to actually take a vacation (or staycation). I had the opportunity to visit my brother in Croatia for spring break, it was an amazing trip filled with so many fun experiences. Mid-April usually commences the start of mud season. The change of weather and lack of visitors make it the slowest season of the year, which can be great for locals. Many businesses give their employees some much-needed time off after a long ski season. The restaurants that do stay open offer great deals to those who are in town. I certainly didn’t pass up the 2 for 1 Tuesday at Back Door Grill, where everything you order, you get a second free. There are deals like this every day at different restaurants during mud season, so it is certainly worth it to seek them out.

With the weather warming up, me and my dog Hobie took many walks along the Yampa River, it wasn’t quite hot enough to go in the water yet, but it won’t be too long. Hobie has been working hard in the office so he enjoyed his first happy hour at Storm Peak Brewery in April. Not only does Storm Peak make great beer, but it’s even better when our four-legged friends can come to enjoy the space as well.

Although there may not be a lot going on during April, there is still plenty to do. It’s a great time to enjoy what Routt county has to offer with a few fewer people around, like the hot springs, core trail, and downtown shops and restaurants. The signs of spring amid the April (snow) showers make it one of my favorite times of the year, and who doesn’t love seeing all the babies being born during calving season.

March 2022 in Routt County, CO (& beyond) documented by Hallie Myhre.

The month of March went by fast! A somewhat unexpected fact is historically, Steamboat received more snow in March compared to any other month. This season it was not the biggest snow month at Steamboat Resort. However, storms still dumped 58 inches of fresh powder which made for some awesome skiing and riding. Not to mention there were also some nice bluebird days, perfect for sitting in the sun with a drink in hand.

A popular weekend trip for many Routt County locals is across the border to Moab Utah. Whether it’s for hiking, biking, horseback riding, off-roading, or just the warm weather there is a rush of visitors to the area this time of year. A little under 5 hours of driving is worth it for those looking for a red rock adventure.

I took a trip to Red Cliffs Lodge for a western photography workshop. The lodge is situated on the bank of the Colorado River and surrounded by red cliffs. The amazing views and the 80-degree weather were amazing, although I did miss a great weekend of spring skiing in the Boat.

At the beginning of March, I finished up my lambing season for the year. My last ewe to give birth had a set of triplets. All three were born alive, but as life happens one of the lambs didn’t make it. There are many hard situations when raising livestock, for me, this is one of the hardest. Sometimes there is nothing that can be done, it’s just nature, but it doesn’t make it any easier. The two of the three lambs that made it are growing quickly and the ewe is having a much better time making milk for two mouths rather than three. I am looking forward to watching my lamb crop grow, a green spring, and summertime!

Life in Routt County, CO during February 2022 as documented by Hallie Myhre.

February is always a big month in Steamboat Springs! The beginning of the month starts with Winter Carnival, one of the most exciting weeks of the year. The tradition started in 1914 to create a little joy and excitement for locals during the long winter months. The event has evolved over the last 108 years but is a small sign of Steamboat’s western heritage. Schools are let out of class, downtown Lincoln is filled in with snow and local kids are pulled on skis by local ranchers on their horses. There are many events including slalom, the donkey jump, and even an event for adults, the shovel race. Locals compete in a snow sculpture contest and build intricate snow creations along the side of Lincoln Ave. The biggest event is the Night Extravaganza. Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Skiers and Snowboarders show off their skills at Howelsen Hill. It’s important to mention that the mountain is completely dark and the athletes are carrying flares, glow sticks, or covered in lights. The special guest of the evening is the Lighted Man. A single man skis down the face of Howelsen Hill completely covered in lights, with a backpack that shoots full-size fireworks. Watching the lighted man during the winter carnival is not something you want to miss.

The 25th Winter Olympics took place from February 4th through the 20th. Although it is exciting to watch the Olympics no matter where you live in the world, it is particularly exciting if you live in Steamboat Springs. As of 2022, Steamboat has sent more than 100 athletes to compete against the top athletes in the World. This Year there were 13 athletes competing that had ties to Steamboat Springs, 6 of them being steamboat natives. It’s crazy to see people you passed in the high school hallways competing on the flat screen at Carl’s Tavern. Steamboat held multiple special events to honor past and present Steamboat Olympians.

Although not Olympic caliber, I personally had a few good runs at Steamboat Resort in February. There wasn’t much powder to be found but the untouched groomers made up for it. I also skied at Howelsen a few Ski Free Sundays, riding the poma is something I have loved since my first “poma trauma day”. I continued checking on ewes each day as the arrival of more lambs took place. Only a few left to round out the 2022 lambing season!

Life in Routt County, CO during January, documented by Hallie Myhre.

January was a great start to 2022! There were many days spent on Mount Werner at different events and skiing. The Music Fest at Steamboat is a Texas country music festival that takes place at the being of the year. Known as “Texas Week” by locals, the event attracts thousands of fans and packs in over 200 hours of music in just five days. There are great free concerts to attend, but watch out for all the warm weather drivers on the icy roads!

The Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill is a fun event in January. Each year during the National Western Stock Show in Denver, PRCA and PBR competitors are invited to Steamboat Resort. The night before the race, the base of the ski area is lit up with hot air balloons and music. The next day the cowboys and cowgirls compete in a one-of-a-kind dual slalom race that includes a jump, roping a cowgirl, and throwing a saddle on a horse (yes, a real horse). During the stampede, the most popular event of the weekend, all of the ProRodeo competitors race straight down the course at the same time, always resulting in big crashes. After the racing, there is a free concert on the outdoor stage.

The end of January marked the start of lambing season. A set of twins were born on the morning of the 20th. A little ewe lamb and her significantly bigger brother have been growing quickly since. A week later another ewe went into labor on a bitter afternoon when the temperature had already dropped below 0°F. The single ewe lamb was pretty big and her momma need a little human help. Despite the cold temperature and difficult delivery, she was on her feet and nursing in no time. When she is not jumping and running around with the other lambs she is usually napping in the lamb warmer, can’t blame her! This January brought some of the coldest temperatures of the winter so far along with 19+ inches of snow. The snow-packed trees and frosty mornings make for some of my favorite winter scenery. As usual, there were stunning sunrises and sunsets. Happy 2022!

Ranching property is more than just a space for livestock or other large animals. So many land buyers recently realize that there’s so much more that they can do with their property, and they’re not wrong!

These are the best structures anyone can build onto their ranching property to make the most of it!

1. A Fun Barndominium

Barndominiums are trendy structures that create visual interest and appeal, giving you a space that renters can use for a couple of days or a couple of years. The best barndominium design ideas tend to stick to a rustic and minimal look on the exterior while allowing the interior to be spacious and more modern.

You can lean into the property’s theme for this; for instance, if you raise angora goats, you can use their wool in some furnishings. For a horse ranch, you can use a classic ranch design in your interior decorating. Consider what would make your listing stand out most on a rental site: and lean into it.

2. Fantastic Agricultural Buildings

Whether they’re silos or barns, agricultural buildings should be well built and safe for animals without impeding too much on the property itself. You can achieve this by researching how much steel buildings cost in your area and seeking a builder who’s capable of following your specifications. 

Steel lasts longer, is more resistant against the elements, and can be painted or coated to look however you want. Best of all, it will guard your livestock or harvests against whatever is happening outside.

3. Ranch Vehicle Garage

Your ranch vehicles are something that should be carefully maintained and watched over. If not, they can rust, break down, or be prone to damage. It’s a good idea to pay attention to where you store these vehicles; otherwise, you may lose money having to repair or replace them.

A good ranching vehicle garage should be well insulated, capable of handling different types of weather, and on higher ground so that any water or debris drains out. You can research how to insulate a garage so that you can build onto any current ones you have, but it’s a good idea to build one from scratch with the plan to insulate it as you go.

4. Small Rental Cabins

Smaller rental cabins can be a fantastic addition to any property. Although you’ll have to have electricity and water hooked up for modern people to be comfortable using them, you don’t necessarily have to worry about getting internet or cable out to them unless you want to offer ‘glamping’ as an option on your property.

These cabins are great for short-term rentals any time of the year, so make sure they’re well insulated and capable of being either warm or cool, depending on the season. A great investment for these small structures would be a fan that can reverse flow. This will push cool air around in the summer and warm air in the winter to stay at a steady temperature.

5. Root Cellar or Basement

This is a structure that you can build even if you don’t have a home on the property. Underground storage gives you a place to keep things at a cooler and more comfortable temperature constantly. For areas with more moderate weather, this can be a great space to store spirits or alcohol. In areas that tend to freeze, this could be a great space for anything you want to ferment or store throughout the winter.

Electricity would be a fantastic addition to a space like this. Still, it should be naturally refrigerative, so it’s not going to take up a ton of your power or increase your electricity bill by too much.

6. Storage Sheds for Rentals

Storage sheds can be an incredible way to build income without having to stress about someone else living on your land. In addition, a good storage shed will allow you to offer space for tenants to use for their items and then leave them trusting that you’ll keep an eye on them.

This setup will require code locks, electricity, a lot of building to ensure you have the best units put in, and security features so that people feel safe with their items out there with you.

Before taking this type of business on, it’s important to get to know the local laws. This means how long someone can leave their items without paying before it’s forfeited to you and what legal action you can take if someone tries to take residence in one of your storage facilities. 

Ranch Properties Can Do More Than You’d Expect

Although when people picture ranch properties, they think of large plots of land that cows graze on: you can make this property into anything you want. Get to know the local laws, decide what type of business works best for you: and create a property that will give you a great return.

Andrea Erickson is a contributor to Innovative Building Materials. She is a blogger and content writer for the real estate industry. Andrea is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that increase property value, maximize energy savings, and turn houses into homes. 

Every now and then a property placed into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) comes for sale on the market. Buyers and agents alike ask what exactly is CRP? In a nutshell, a landowner enters into an agreement with the government to implement practices that conserve the landowner’s land. Most often in northwest Colorado, the landowner agrees to refrain from grazing the land. In exchange for this land-use restriction, the owner receives an annual payment. CRP contracts are 10 years in duration and the annual payment is fixed at the time of the contract.

When property that is subject to a CRP contract changes hands, the buyer usually assumes the contract. If a buyer does not assume the contract or fails to honor it, the seller is responsible for the penalties. These penalties can be steep and depend on the time of breach in the contract and the nature of the violation. So it is in the seller’s best interest to ensure that buyers are willing to assume and uphold the contract early in the negotiations. The buyer usually benefits from the annual income for the remainder of the term. The Conservation Reserve Program has been a successful partnership between private landowners and public agencies to maintain soil health, improve water quality and enhance habitat for wildlife.

Surveys are a complex subject. Casually assumed as a buyer benefit, they are just as important to a seller. At the most basic level, a survey shows where a property is located on the planet. The level of detail shown on a survey can vary and it is often a negotiation between the parties. Surveys show a varying degree of information that is useful to the buyer but a survey also protects a seller. A survey can be a disclosure of sorts; items shown on a survey notify the buyer of issues that may affect a piece of property. Access (to the property and/or by others on the property), easements, fence lines, ditches, building locations, and setbacks can be shown on a survey.

Title companies almost always require a detailed survey when issuing title policies. Because property conveyance deeds normally include a seller warranty, it is in the seller’s interest to provide a strong title insurance policy to the buyer. The survey provides important information to the buyer and title insurance company, which allows a seller to provide a stronger title policy to the buyer and ultimately protect the seller in the long run.

The ranch and resort market delivered quite a surprise this summer.  The initial shutdown of everything real-estate-sales-related was ominous and fraught with uncertainty.  As the restrictions were lifted and as the pandemic spread, interest in scenic and lightly populated areas grew. When unrest in densely populated areas dominated the headlines, the interest grew into a frenzy.  The resort areas around the nation have experienced unprecedented real estate sales and northwest Colorado is no exception.  Properties in every segment of the market are flying off of the shelves. Ranches have tremendous appeal right now: they are the original social distancing venue! Wide-open spaces, private recreation, solitude and safety have always been hallmarks of ranch properties.  The cultural shift brought on by COVID-19 have pushed those amenities to the front burner for many buyers.  A strong stock market plus historically low interest rates are tipping the scales in the favor of sellers. LJ Ranch, north of Hayden, Colorado sold for full asking price after just a year on the market.  Steamboat Equestrian Estate sold after only a few months on the market with Ranch & Resort Realty and had multiple offers. Lack of inventory has been a challenge in the resort market for at least a year; pandemic-driven events have shoved ranches into the same category…..certainly an unexpected surprise.