How to Invest in Rural Recreational Land

Rural recreational land has a variety of uses such as fishing and wildlife viewing.

Rural recreational property is acreage located outside towns and cities. Uses for recreational land include timber harvest, growing crops, camping, hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, photography, wildlife viewing and raising livestock. Investors attempt to purchase rural recreational property to make a profit. Land improvements and land-use enterprises often provide the means for a profit. For a successful investment, the type of property must match the intended use. Information about rural recreational land is available from many sources.

Instructions

1. Identify the counties of interest for land investment. Visit the area and find property that matches the intended use. Carefully inspect the property for environmental hazards or restrictions.

2. Contact real estate brokers and agents with a specialization in rural recreational land. Many agents have extensive websites with property pictures and information. Some real estate brokers specialize in waterfront rural recreational property adjoining lakes and rivers.

3. Visit the county's planning department and determine the permitted use of the land. Research county rules and regulations regarding land development. Determine the legal access to the property.

4. Find the nearest source of water and the sewer hookup for construction projects on the recreational property. If none are close, research the permitted type of well and septic system. Find the power and phone hookups.

5. Contact the county University Extension Service representative to find information about crop- and livestock-raising enterprises. The type of soil, available water and climate are some of the factors affecting farm and ranch operations.

6. Call insurance companies and research the availability of property and liability insurance. If the land does not have fire protection, insurance may not be available.

7. Contact the county's Natural Resource Conservation Service to obtain information about the condition of the land and how to improve or maintain it. Timberland, wetlands and rangeland benefit from land management.

8. Talk to area residents and neighbors. Discuss the property challenges including wet soil, harsh winters, high wind, difficult access and trespassers.

9. Research comparable land values and make a competitive offer.

References

• Farm Credit Bank of Texas: An Appraiser's View
• Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service: Absentee Rural Land Ownership
• Information Use and Delivery Preferences Among Small-Acreage Owners in Areas of Rapid Exurban Population Growth

Resources

• Maryland Cooperative Extension: Landowner Liability and Recreational Access