Looking At Houses

Having your own piece of recreational property means you always have a place to get away and pursue your favorite outdoor adventures. Just make sure to do your research before purchasing.

1. Land Access

The most important thing to consider is whether you can access your land. Some properties are considered land locked, which means they are surrounded on all sides by other people's property. Without an easement, you may not be able to access your land without a helicopter! Even if a road borders your property, you may not be able to get access. You must check with the road authority, whether state, county, or federal, to verify that an entrance driveway is feasible.

2. Zoning and Rights

Always check the property zoning before making a purchase. It needs to be zoned in a manner that allows you to camp or build on it. Some areas, for example, may not allow you to camp or hunt on your own property if it doesn't fall under specific zoning codes. There may also be limited rights, such as water access and use limitations. In some cases, you don't buy all the rights. It would be a shame to buy a heavily treed property for a cabin only to find out a local timber company holds the right to cut all the trees down.

3. Utility Availability

If you plan to have electricity, water, septic, and even internet at the property, verify that the utilities are available. For most recreational properties, the goal is to find a property with electricity at the road. It's also helpful if septic and water are available, or at least allowed to be put in. If internet or cell phone reception is important to you, make sure that they are also available at the site.

4. Local Services

Local service needs vary. For some, having some nearby services like grocery stores, a restaurant, or even proximity to a tourist attraction is important. For others, the purpose of recreational land is to be as far from everyone as possible. Even in the latter case, though, you may need some service access. Make sure the area is served by fire and emergency services, for example. This is especially important if you will be putting up permanent structures.

5. Community Restrictions

Many recreational properties are in communities that are governed by HOA or CCR rules. These rules may limit the number of days you can use your property, how many guests you can bring in, and even what type of structures you place on the property. Often you will also be responsible for monthly fees, which may go to the maintenance of shared areas or the local roads.

Contact a company like Bridger Valley Realty to learn more about local recreational properties for sale.