Farms and Ranches Most Desirable Type of Land to Live On

 

It was a mixed bag of results, but according to the November LANDTHINK Pulse results, 35% of respondents would choose a farm(ette) or ranch(ette) to live on. Americans are moving to rural areas in ever-increasing numbers, reflecting their increased desire to seek out more space, embrace entrepreneurial opportunities, and take advantage of a lower cost of living. Whether you’re retiring, starting on a farm or ranch, or escaping the rat race, a farm or ranch can be your own special oasis. There are so many types of farms and ranches and ways to live the farm or ranch life, making this lifestyle appealing to many.

Last month, the November Pulse asked: If you had to choose a type of land to live on, regardless of size or location, which would it be?

Outside professional agriculture, the terms “ranch” and “farm” often get tossed around interchangeably, but they refer to distinct types of operations. A ranch is a specific type of farm that is focused on herding and raising hoven animals, usually cattle or sheep. The primary purpose of a ranch is breeding, raising and selling livestock, although there might be a small farm or garden on the land. A farm on the other hand, is used for agricultural purposes. There are different types of farms, such as dairy farms and crop farms. Large acreage farms and mega-ranches come with a hefty price tag and for many owning and operating a full-on farm or ranch just isn’t feasible. The good news is, there is a smaller and more pocketbook friendly alternative.

Most small acreage farms or ranches (often called ranchettes or farmettes) are rural properties, usually under 40 acres, where part of the land is used for agricultural purposes, including crops, livestock and horses. Buying a farmette or ranchette can be desirable for people looking for a mix of lifestyle benefits, potential income generation, and a connection to the land, especially for those seeking a semi-rural living experience with the ability to raise some livestock or grow produce while still maintaining a manageable property size.

Reasons to Invest in a Farmette

Wholesome family activities: Farmettes are often family-owned and operated, with the owners actively involved in day-to-day activities. This provides a hands-on learning environment where children can directly engage with nature, learn about food production, care for animals, and develop a sense of responsibility through gardening, livestock tending, and other farm chores, all while enjoying the outdoors and building strong family bonds through shared activities.

Environmentally friendly practices: Many farmettes are considered to be organic because of their smaller size and focus on producing a diverse range of crops for local markets, often utilizing sustainable practices that align with organic farming principles like composting, crop rotation, and minimal chemical use.

Increase your income: Farmettes can generate income from selling fresh produce, eggs, meat, honey, and services like agritourism activities like farm stays or workshops, educational programs, or direct-to-consumer sales.

Reasons to Invest in a Ranchette

Peace and privacy: Because of their proximity to metropolitan areas, ranchettes are the perfect location if you’re looking for the peace and privacy of the country with benefits of a nearby city. They also allow for more privacy, security, and independence.

Self-sufficiency: Ranchette owners value the ability to produce their own food or resources, whether through gardening, raising livestock, or harvesting timber. These days sustainable living has a large appeal and is often times becoming more and more necessary. This self-sufficiency can lead to a more sustainable lifestyle and reduce reliance on external sources.

Views and scenery: With landscapes that often stretch as far as the eye can see, ranchettes redefine the meaning of spacious living, providing the ideal backdrop for a buyer’s grand visions. Ranchette offer beautiful views of hills, fields, woods, lakes, and rivers. They also have access to natural resources like water, plants, and wildlife.

Pride of Ownership: The weather can be unpredictable at times and a lot of hard work goes into properly maintaining a ranch. It takes a lot of sweat equity to improve and manage a ranchette. Ask any owner about their land and they’ll wax poetic about the grazing, the scenery, and the hard work that comes with owning a ranch property.

It was a tie for second place, with 17% of respondents indicating they would choose waterfront land and 17% indicating they would choose rural undeveloped land to live on.

Whether it’s the majestic ocean, the serene ambiance of a lake, or the tranquil flow of a river, waterfront properties hold a unique appeal. There are several reasons why waterfront real estate could be an opportunity worth discussing. When it comes to investing in real estate, waterfront properties often stand out as high-reward investments, owing to their long-term potential. Additionally, the opportunity to wake up to panoramic water views and experience nature’s captivating beauty up close is a privilege that few can resist. Waterfront properties offer more than just a stunning view; they provide unique opportunities for community engagement and a lifestyle deeply connected with nature.

Rural undeveloped land is an investment like no other. Undeveloped land, often called raw land, is a vacant area without any public utilities, buildings or even driveways. Typically, undeveloped land is in rural areas, found off county roads and could be the place to build your dream home. It can be used for many other purposes as well, including:

• Recreation and Relaxation
• Agriculture & Farming
• Long-Term Investment
• Tax Benefits
• Freedom and Privacy
• Leasing Opportunities

Whether it’s a farm or ranch, waterfront land or rural undeveloped land, living on acreage have many benefits. If you’re considering buying land, it’s important to have a plan in place for the land and how you’ll finance the purchase. Knowing what to expect ahead of the purchase will help you save time and money. Make sure you factor in all costs and all the steps you’ll need to take to purchase, prep and use the land the right way.

If you have any questions or are wanting to move to the country, please give the Rural KC Team-Keller Williams Realty Partners a call at 913-837-0760 or 913-837-0411.

WHY OWNING A HOME IS WORTH IT IN THE LONG RUN

Today’s mortgage rates and home prices may have you second-guessing whether it's still a good idea to buy a home right now. While market factors are definitely important, there’s also a bigger picture to consider: the long-term benefits of homeownership.

Think of it this way. If you know people who bought a home 5, 10, or even 30 years ago, you’re probably going to have a hard time finding someone who regrets their decision. That’s because over time, home values usually grow – and that means a homeowner’s net worth does too. Here's a look at how that can really add up over the years.

Home Price Growth over Time

The map below uses data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to show how much prices have grown over the last five years. Since home prices vary by area, the map is broken out regionally to really showcase larger market trends:

You can see that nationally, home prices increased by over 57% in just five years.

Some regions are slightly above or below that average, but overall, home prices saw a big uptick in a short time. And if you zoom out even more, the benefit of homeownership — and the drastic gains homeowners made over the years — become even more clear (see map below):

The second map shows that, over a roughly 30-year span, home prices appreciated by an average of more than 320% nationally.

So the typical homeowner who bought a house about 30 years ago saw their home triple in value during that time. And that’s a major reason so many homeowners who bought their homes years ago are still happy with their decision today.

Bottom Line

There’s no denying today’s market is complex. But if you’re ready and able to buy right now, let’s connect to talk about how we can still make your move happen. That way you can take advantage of the long-term advantages that come with homeownership, like your ability to build wealth as your home value rises. 

Make Your House the Top Thing on Every Buyer’s Wish List This Season

 

With the holidays right around the corner, homeowners planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait? Some may even consider taking their house off the market until next spring. But is that the best choice? Because at this time of year, your home can really stand out.

Here's the thing: there are plenty of buyers out there who want to be in a new home by the holidays, and your house might be just what they’re looking for. As an article from Redfin says: 

“. . . there is typically less inventory in the housing market this time of year, allowing your home to easily stand out among the available inventory. And though there are technically fewer buyers overall, the homebuyers that are looking are far more serious about finding a home within a specific timeframe. . . selling your home during the holidays might be your best present this year.”

Here are four key reasons you may not want to wait to sell your house.

1. Serious Buyers Are Looking Right Now 

The holiday season doesn’t put a pause on the desire to own a home. Sure, some buyers might delay their search until next year, but others have a reason they need to move now. These buyers are highly motivated and ready to make a serious offer. As Investopedia says:

“Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely going to be a serious buyer. Putting your home on the market at this time of year and attracting a serious buyer can often result in a quicker sale.”

2. You Have an Inventory Edge

While there are more homes coming to the market right now, overall, the number of houses available to buy is still low. 

So, what does that mean for you? If you work with a trusted agent to price your house right, it could still sell pretty quickly. That’s because today’s buyers are on the hunt for quality options – and your home may be exactly what they’re searching for.

3. You Have Control Over Your Showings 

Selling during the holidays doesn’t mean constantly disrupting your schedule. You have the flexibility to set up showings at times that work best for you. This is especially helpful during a busy season, and many buyers are likely to be more flexible with their schedules since they often have extra time off around the holidays.

Now, it’s always better to offer more flexible access to your house. But the reality is, you don’t have to stop the process entirely – especially when you have a great agent to help you navigate each step along the way.

4. Holiday Décor Can Make Your House Shine

For many buyers, a tastefully decorated home can create a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s easy for them to imagine holiday gatherings and cozy nights in a space that feels just right. Keep your choices simple to let your home’s charm shine through. An article on holiday home-selling advises:

“If you’re selling around a holiday and have decorations up, make sure they accent—not overpower—a room. Less is more.”

Bottom Line

There are plenty of good reasons to put (or keep) your house on the market during the holidays. Let’s connect to see if this is your moving season. Give the Rural KC Team-Keller Williams Realty Partners a call at 913-837-0760 or 913-837-0411.