COULD COUNTRY LIVING BE YOUR BEST PROBIOTIC

 

Do you spend a lot on probiotic supplements and fancy yogurts?

If so, you’re not alone. Probiotic food and supplement sales have surged over the last 10 years, thanks to exciting new research on “the human microbiome” showing how good bacteria benefits our health.

And this isn’t “fake” or “product-company-sponsored” research. This is the real stuff.

Just hop onto ScienceDaily, PubMed, or any scholarly database, and you will find thousands of peer-reviewed studies on how probiotics enhance gut bacteria diversity, which in turn can benefit everything from heart health and digestion to immunity and even your mood.

So how exactly does enhancing your gut bacteria diversity protect you from so many diseases?

You have probably heard that a huge portion of your immune system resides in your gut. Therefore, the more diversified your gut bacteria, the stronger and more resilient your immune system will be.

Probiotics play a role by infusing your gut with beneficial bacteria that allow for greater resiliency and strength against unfriendly bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

However, as many health experts will tell you, including those quoted in a 2016 New York Times article on autoimmunity entitled: "Educate Your Immune System", the body also needs the opportunity to fight off harmless bacteria and germs for optimal immune function…

…and that’s where farm life comes in.

As it turns out, farm and country living, with all its fresh air, animals, farm-fresh food, and regular contact with nature, provides a hefty dose of natural gut-diversifying, immune-boosting germs to protect your health.

It almost acts like an earth-based probiotic.

Read on to discover 5 ways farm and country life can provide you with the best (and cheapest) source of probiotics.

#1: Farm animals

Most farmers keep animals for production purposes such as providing milk, grazing pasture, or as a source of meat.

However, new research has revealed our furry friends have been providing us with some added health perks for millennia.

For example, a new study released last year in the New England Journal of Medicine showed Amish children who spent time around farm animals had a significantly lower risk of asthma than children who did not spend time with animals.

Researchers believe this is due to the microbe-rich barnyard dust the children inhale, which challenges and thereby strengthens their immunity over time.

Scientists are so convinced by their “barnyard dust hypothesis” that they propose a comparable spray be formulated for children who won’t have contact with farm animals in their early years.

Asthma rates among typical school-age children have risen dramatically to more than 10 percent in recent years, while the Amish maintain a low 2-4 percent asthma and allergy rate among childhood populations.

And there’s more good news for pet owners…

 Additionally, research has shown that living with dogs and cats can help enhance your gut bacteria, which is great news if you don’t live on a farm or keep livestock.

#2: Reduced levels of stress

Despite evidence about the role over-sanitizing, diet and antibiotics play in degrading gut bacteria balance, many experts believe stress may play the most significant role of all.

This has to do with that gut-brain connection we mentioned earlier. Here’s how that works:

Your gut and your brain are directly connected by what is now known as the vagus nerve.

This nerve acts like an information superhighway, shuttling information between your gut and your brain and vice versa. This explains the term “gut feelings” as your gut does experience whatever your brain tells it.

Based on this new finding, experts believe when we are under chronic mental and emotional stress, it eventually wears down our gut lining, resulting in compromised immunity.

One of the biggest benefits of country living is the natural escape it offers from common urban stressors like traffic, noise, crowds, and pollution.

In addition, spending more time outdoors in green space, escaping from noise pollution, connecting with animals, moving at a slower pace, and having regular contact with the earth have all been proven to significantly reduce stress and anxiety, which will benefit your gut health.

#3: Gardening, landscaping, and playing in the dirt

You have probably heard the expression: “a little dirt never hurt anyone.”

As it turns out, a little dirt could be just what the doctor ordered.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have found infants exposed to dirt, dander, and other germs had a lower incidence of asthma and allergies.

This is believed to be due to specific microbes found in dirt strengthening babies’ developing immune systems.

For adults, children, and babies the simple act of gardening, landscaping, or playing in the dirt provides regular, safe exposure to a variety of immune-boosting bacteria and other microbes.

But the benefits of dirt don’t stop there.

According to researchers at the University of Bristol, soil microbes can help ease and prevent depression in adults.

The soil microbes work by boosting immunity by influencing the body’s production of cytokines which can enhance serotonin levels, thereby helping to alleviate depression.

Add to this what we learned in our previous point about gut-brain-connection, and one can see how a little time spent playing in the dirt could make a huge impact on your emotional well-being.

#4: Fresh, clean air

In our first point, we mentioned the beneficial effects of barnyard dust on asthma and allergy susceptibility in children.

This is a perfect example of how the air we breathe influences our gut health and immunity.

Though much of the science on fresh air and the microbiome focuses on indoor environments, the consensus is the more beneficial bacteria and germs found in the air, the better it is for your immunity.

This is great news for those living in rural areas, as they tend to have better air quality than big cities while maintaining a vast diversity of beneficial airborne microbes.

Add to that the proven benefits certain tree and plant essential oils have on our immunity, and you have a powerful immune-boosting ally in the fresh country air.

#5: Farm-Fresh-Foods

You have probably always suspected homegrown food is more nutritious than store-bought. What you may not have known is that homegrown foods are typically richer in gut-diversifying bacteria as well.

For example, fruits and vegetables picked fresh from the garden and washed simply with water will still retain some of those beneficial soil microbes we discussed earlier.

We hope that you enjoyed this blog post and gained some knowledge about probiotics and living in the country.  If you are in the market to buy or sell rural property, please feel free to contact the Rural KC Team, it's all we do.  913-837-0760 or 913-837-0411.  www.RuralKC.com.  Have a great day!

Kristen Boye is the editor of Rethink:Rural and the owner of Holistic Writing Concepts---a copy and content writing company specializing in the natural health and green living markets. Kristen lives with her husband and two children on their medicinal herb farm in beautiful rural Western North Carolina. Visit her online at: www.holisticwritingconcepts.com

GETTING YOUR HORSE BARN READY FOR FALL

Cold weather is quickly approaching, so follow these tips to ensure you're ready for the change of season.

1. Organize your blankets

Cold nights will start creeping in before you know it, so make sure each horse’s lightweight sheet is identified and cleaned, especially those who may be clipped. Keep tabs on the temperature lows each night as summer begins to turn into fall so you don’t lose sight of the nights when your horses may need light blanketing. Also, have the heavier blankets ready to go so winter doesn’t sneak up on you and leave you unprepared.

2. Make a plan with all the students (and parents) at your barn

It’s back-to-school time, which means busier schedules for most families that may board or train at your farm. Make sure you keep in touch with those who may be heading back to school so you can help manage their horses and their riding goals despite their busier schedules. This communication will lead to more successful outcomes for everyone as many commitments are being juggled by all parties.

3. Inspect your farm for damage or deterioration

Winter is prime time for problems such as leaky roofing, broken fences, loose hinges, insulation problems, footing issues, and more. You don’t want to save these fixes for the middle of winter when they’re hardest to repair. Survey your property for signs that things may need attention. Be sure your windows and doors are functioning properly to seal in the heat during the cold nights to come. Check on your water tanks and insulated pipes to be sure you won’t face any issues when freezing temperatures hit. If anything needs adjusting, the fall is the perfect time to make those repairs.

4. Have a severe weather plan in place

The fall can also bring with it the chance of severe weather in many parts of the country. Research how to prepare a farm structure for high winds and heavy rain ahead of time. As fall turns into winter, heavy snowstorms can put your horses at risk, limiting access to necessities for the horses. It helps in this scenario to have 10% more supplies on hand than you normally need to keep your stable full of horses safe and healthy in case of a weather shutdown. Above all else, stay tuned in to the news this fall so you won’t be caught off-guard if the weather starts to get dangerous in your area.

5. Decorate!

There’s nothing more fun than breaking out the fall décor as the leaves begin to change and the air gets a little cooler. The best part of decorating for fall is that decorations can stay up from September through November, so you can enjoy your efforts for a long time. Use horse-safe decorations to add some fall vibes to your barn, including pumpkins, string lights (out of reach of horses), scarecrows, and more. If you have jumps in your arena, add some hay bales, pumpkins, and colorful gourds to make them festive. You can even plan a socially distant Halloween party with a costume contest to get the whole barn involved in a fun activity.

As always, please feel free to give the Rural KC Team-powered by Keller Williams Partners, Inc.-a call at 913-837-0760 or 913-837-0411 for any questions you might have, or if you are interested in buying or selling rural real estate.  Have a great day!

IMPROVING FISH HABITAT IN PONDS

Fishing on your own farm pond can provide hours of relaxation and entertainment for adults and children alike.  However, it is important to know how to create and maintain the diversity of fish species. 

Small ponds are a valuable part of rural property and are therefore common features of many land tracts. 

Most farm ponds are stocked with largemouth bass and bluegill, occasionally adding channel catfish. Some owners want to focus on trophy bass primarily with fewer catchable fish in total. 

Others may desire a pond with large numbers of smaller fish that are easier to catch. The discussion here is for those farm pond managers interested in a balanced farm pond population.

In “Farm Pond Management for Recreational Fishing”, a publication from the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Program in cooperation with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, a balanced pond is defined as “one where both largemouth bass and bluegill populations have stable reproduction each year and there is a range of sizes from small to large in both species.”  

In general, the bluegill population should provide plenty of food for the bass and the bass population should keep the bluegill from overpopulating. 

Fish habitat is an important factor in farm pond management.

The cover allows juvenile fish to survive predation. Depending upon the type of cover, it may also contribute nutrients for insects that become food for fish.

Levi Kaczka, Coordinator for Region IV Fisheries in the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, shared some of his thoughts on improving fish habitat in farm ponds.

“Farm ponds generally lack quality fish habitat without additions from owners since most are excavated from an otherwise open plot of land. When an owner thinks about adding structure, they should think of needs from the standpoint of both large (catchable) and small (juvenile not sought by anglers) fish since both are needed for a quality fishery.” 

In general, structures that may be added to ponds will fall into two categories.

The first is aquatic vegetation.

“Submersed aquatic vegetation is an excellent source of structure since it provides nursery habitat for juvenile fish,” says Levi. “This nursery habitat is beneficial for young fish both in terms of avoiding predation, as well as increasing the habitat for aquatic invertebrates that will provide forage for juvenile bass and all life stages of bream.”

With aquatic vegetation, there are also some concerns as it requires active management.

“Many folks are hesitant to introduce vegetation due to the common occurrence of it overrunning a shallow-water pond and the subsequent issues with oxygen depletion and the inconveniences to fishing,” adds Levi.

Along these lines, the website for the Missouri Department of Conservation says, “Too much cover is as detrimental to good fish management as too little.”

This excess cover allows small fish to be so well protected from predation that they overpopulate, get too little food, and don’t grow.  

As a rule of thumb, the Missouri Department of Conservation site suggests that no more than 10-20 percent of the surface area of a pond should have plant growth. They also note that this may require active thinning.

Levi suggests the alternative is to add hardcovers such as fallen trees, limbs, and brush along the shoreline. 

“These make great additions since they are organic material that will slowly break down over time and don’t cost much to replace. Additionally, they often provide varying amounts of interstitial space (the space between branches and hardcover) which is desirable in a bass and bream pond. The finer the structure and interstices, the more beneficial it will be as cover for small fish. The larger those spaces, the more beneficial for a bigger predator hanging out looking for a meal. Ultimately, you’d like to have both present.”

If you are thinking about sinking brush in your farm pond, the type of brush, location, and arrangement are all factors to think about.

“Some of my favorite material we put into the lakes on fish attractors are large Wax Myrtle bushes,” says Levi. “They seem to last relatively long before breaking down and provide varying sizes of interstitial space all in one or two bushes. Some other materials to consider may be leftover Christmas trees or bamboo, both of which can be anchored with cinder blocks or fixed in a small bucket of concrete.”

“As far as location, from the shoreline out to 10-15 feet works great,” says Levi. “Since most people are going to be fishing these small farm ponds from the bank, no sense in adding structure to areas outside of casting distance.”

The Missouri Department of Conservation site also recommends the brush should be sunk in sections of the pond where the top of the brush remains within 4-6 feet of the surface. Often, water of this depth is in the vicinity of the dam. Care should be taken that brush doesn’t interfere with the spillway or exit of water from the pond.

Also, this website references research suggesting that the placement of brush can impact fish concentration. For example, they note that in the case of sinking Christmas trees, three placed close together in a triangle will attract more fish than the same three trees spread out.

The second is sinking hard covers such as clean cinder blocks or pipes

This is especially helpful when channel catfish are one of the desired fish. Channel cats gravitate toward cavities for cover.

In conclusion, management of farm pond habitat can help provide a balanced fish population.  Whether you add aquatic plants or hardcover such as submerged trees may depend on the amount of time and money you wish to invest. But parting words from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission may be worth considering.

“The management of the ponds should take into account important conservation principles to prevent doing more harm than good.”

  If you are interested in buying or selling rural property, give the Rural KC Team a call.  913-837-0760 or 913-837-0411.  Have a great day!

Many thanks to Jim Mize for all of the great information.

FALL PASTURE MANAGEMENT

 

Fall Pasture Management

Fall provides an ideal time of year to improve horse pastures. August 1st to September 15th is an ideal time of year to seed or overseed pastures and rid pastures of perennial weeds.

Fall is the best time to seed or re‐seed pastures due to the usually adequate moisture, less weed competition, and cooler weather conditions.

Fall is also best for perennial weed control since perennial plants are storing carbohydrates in their roots allowing the herbicide to be translocated into the root for effective control.

Make sure to check fences; especially posts. Fix broken posts before they are frozen into the ground. Finally, make sure the pasture grasses have 3 to 4 inches of re‐growth going into winter. This will help with winter survival and quicker spring growth.

Keeping horses on pastures over winter causes damage to plants and offers the horse little nutrition. Keeping the horses in a sacrifice paddock (dry lot) with access to hay, water and shelter are recommended.

Horse owners should use caution when grazing after the first killing frost of the fall. Frost-damaged pasture forages can have higher concentrations of non‐structural carbohydrates following the first killing frost of the season.

This can lead to an increase in the potential for laminitis and colic, especially in obese horses or horses diagnosed with laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome. To reduce the chance of adverse health effects, it is recommended that horse owners wait one week before turning all horses, including healthy horses, back onto a pasture after the first killing frost.

As always, the Rural KC Team-Powered by Keller Williams Partners, Inc., is here to help.  If you have any questions or need help with any of your rural real estate needs, please feel free to give us a call at 913-837-0760 or 913-837-0411.  

EFFECTIVE COOLING STRATEGIES FOR SUMMER RIDING

 

Horse riding on a hot day can be challenging and tiring. Use our tips to avoid overheating, enjoy riding and take care of the horse.

Many love summer for its warmth and long daylight hours. However, high temperatures in the middle of the season and day are very uncomfortable. Especially if you like horse riding. The fact is that horses are not designed for a hot climate and are quite difficult to tolerate high heat. If you are the owner of a stable or a horse, you are aware of several effective ways to cool an animal, as well as myths that have been prevalent for a long time. Manufacturers of various horse care products try to engage with customers by offering modern products.

Stay Cool While Riding 

There are several secrets to ride a horse comfortably in the summer heat. Follow the guidelines below to enjoy a summer day ride and not get overheated.

When planning horseback riding, determine the most comfortable time of day for this. It is important to consider several factors: air temperature, wind direction, and speed expected precipitation. Also, keep in mind that your own temperature changes throughout the day. Usually, in the middle of the day, people with normalized sleep patterns have the highest temperature.

Use special clothing that repels the sun and retains moisture in the body. It sounds strange, but long-sleeve sweatshirts made of special material make you feel more comfortable while riding than sleeveless shirts. Clothing brands offer a variety of colors and patterns to engage with customers of different ages and social groups. And these clothes really provide comfort.

Another effective way for a person riding a horse to retain moisture in the body and avoid overheating is to choose the right foods. Water-rich foods, such as strawberries, watermelons, or cucumbers, move more easily through your digestive system. Moreover, they allow you to remain hydrated for a long time. At the same time, fatty foods or rich in complex carbohydrates will have the opposite effect. Your body is forced to heat up to digest this food and you will accordingly feel worse.

Remember to drink enough water while riding. Keep a thermos of WATER on hand. You can also bring along a cooler bag in which to put a T-shirt and socks. If you feel worse, chilled clothing is a good solution. If you feel that you are on the verge of heatstroke, immediately seek help. A cooling blanket may be suitable as first aid.

Cool Out Hot Horse 

A horse needs to be cooled after exercise or riding on any day, and especially on a hot day. Improper cooling or ignoring this can lead to serious consequences and complications.

Firstly, the last ten minutes of training with a horse should be calm. Let her walk and restore her breath. Next, give him as much water as he needs. Let him drink until he quenches his thirst. Make sure that the water temperature is not too high or low. Ideal – cool water, comfortable for long drinking.

Your next step is external cooling. Use the horse cooling sponge. Draw water into it and squeeze it over the horse. Repeat this procedure until the water flowing off the horse ceases to be hot. It is best if you have access to running water and you can shower the horse from the hose.

Do not forget about scraping. Special ridges help distribute moisture and allow water to reach the horse’s skin. Even when you pour cold water on the horse’s back it manages to warm up to the stomach. Scrape this water off the horse and add cold again. This process speeds up the cooling of the animal.

After that, walk the horse in a cool, shady area. On particularly hot days, you may need fans. Make sure they are properly installed and deliver air from cool areas. It will be possible to feed the horse an hour after training or riding. Be sure to add enough electrolytes to his diet.

4 Extra Tips for Horse Lovers 

To accurately determine the condition of the horse after the exercise, you need to know its indicators in the usual state: temperature, heart rate, and respiration. So, you can notice and take emergency measures if the usual methods do not help. So, it is recommended to use medical cooling gels and sprays on especially hot days.

Do not use a horse cooling blanket. The myth that it helps to cool the animal faster has long been refuted. An additional layer between the skin and cool water or air only exacerbates the cooling process.

Do not add salt to horse water. This prevents them from drinking enough after exercise. That is, they will drink less saltwater than ordinary. You can add salt to food or a second or third serving of water.

You can purchase special equipment for yourself and your horse so that riding on horseback in a hot time has stayed comfortable. Manufacturers try to engage with customers using a variety of marketing tools, however, even the simplest methods are effective and efficient. Factory products can be additional tools for you.

How do you cool a horse after a walk? Please, tell us about your special procedures!

A special thank you to Betty Lockwood for her expertise.

WHEN CAN YOU USE A USDA LOAN TO BUY A HORSE FARM?

 

When Can You Use a USDA Loan to Buy a Horse Farm?

by BARB on MAY 17, 2021

Buying a farm can be a very large and intimidating purchase. With such large land sizes, getting a mortgage loan seems unavoidable. Unfortunately, getting a mortgage is expensive and difficult. Luckily, you can get a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sponsored loan with many benefits that make getting a mortgage much easier. As part of the Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Program, individuals in rural areas can use USDA loans for any property type.

What does the USDA do?

The USDA oversees many different programs including programs specifically meant for horse farm loans. Specifically, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides many types of farm loans. For example, you can use a horse farm ownership loan to purchase or expand a horse farm or ranch, a microloan to help small and beginning horse property owners, or a youth loan, which helps people aged 10-20 with their educational agricultural projects. There are many more types of loans, but what you’re looking for is how to buy a farm using one of these loans, specifically the horse farm ownership loan. You can get this loan by going to a USDA-approved lender and it will cover up to 100% of your financing needs. At a maximum loan amount of $600,000, you can afford a sizable property.

Eligibility Requirements

But before you contact a loan officer, you should first make sure that you fulfill the USDA eligibility requirements. There are many requirements that you may not fulfill, so it’s important to check beforehand. The most important qualification is that you meet your county’s income requirements. Your household income must be less than 115% of your county’s median income. Luckily, the other eligibility criteria for a USDA loan are very easy to fulfill. You must classify the property as your primary residence, your county’s population must be less than 20,000, you must be a US citizen or permanent resident, and your debt-to-income ratio must be less than 41%. There is no credit score requirement, but the loan application process and your mortgage terms may vary depending on your credit history.

With a direct or guaranteed horse farm ownership loan, the maximum mortgage term is 40 years and there is an additional managerial experience requirement. To ensure horse farms are being properly managed, congress wrote that you must have at least 3 years of horse farm management experience that was acquired within the 10 years preceding the loan. Managerial experience can include many different things, but generally, this can be split up into business management experience, military experience, farming experience, and farming education. You can also reduce the managerial experience requirement to 2 years if you studied agriculture in a post-secondary institution, have significant business management experience, or have leadership experience in the military.

Applying for a USDA Loan

Once you verify that you fulfill the minimum requirements, you’ll have to go through the pre-approval process where your lender will check all your financial information including tax returns, debt, income and bank statements, social security, and your government-issued ID. Once you are approved for a farm ownership loan, you can do many things with the money, but most of the time, you would use it to purchase a farm or ranch. With a USDA loan, you’ll be able to purchase more acres of property than a conventional or FHA loan. Generally, you’ll be limited to 10 acres or less, but there is no official maximum for the number of acres you can purchase. However, the value of the land cannot exceed 30% of the total value of the property.

Once you are ready to get your loan, contact your nearest farm loan officer or farm loan manager. They can help you complete the FSA loan application process and give any other assistance required. You can then submit an FSA loan application form and any other required documentation to the USDA Service Center or FSA County Office. These programs are specifically designed to help individuals own residential property and make the purchase barrier much easier to overcome. If you are eligible for a USDA loan, then choosing it is probably your best option, so take the time to learn about what’s available to you.

If you are interested in purchasing a horse property, please feel free to contact the Rural KC Team at 913-837-0760 or 913-837-0411, or go to our website ruralkc.com.  If you are in need of a lender to help you with your financing process, give us a call; we have several waiting to help.  

TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU BUY RURAL PROPERTY

 

So you’ve decided you are going to move to the country. Of course, you want to make

sure that it is the best possible move with the least amount of stress. There are 10

questions to ask yourself before you begin looking at country property.

1) The first is, what is the biggest reason, or reasons that you want to move to

the country? Now, there can be a lot of those. Some people want privacy or

seclusion. Some people can work from home, and they want to do so in a

quiet environment. Some people move to the country because they want to

have animals, horses, goats, or other livestock. Maybe you want to move to

the country because you want to raise your kids in the country, or if you are like

us, you want to have a place where grandkids can't wait to get to come to see

grandma and grandpa. Maybe you want a garden or farm, or maybe you're

looking for rural recreation. Maybe you're into fishing, or hunting, or hiking, but

you need to know what those reasons might be because they will make a big 

difference in what kind of property you look for.

2) The second thing you would have to determine is what does my ideal country

property look like? Am I looking for scenic views? Do I want to a stream or a

pond, or maybe to be lakeside? Do I want some, or maybe a lot of timber? Do

I want something property that I could have trails in? Am I looking for a property

that's got some roll to it? Maybe I want some hills for hiking, or do you want

the more open property? Do I want more grassland because I want grazing

animals? But have in your mind, and be able to describe to lenders and

realtors what your ideal country property looks like.

3) The third question is, what does my ideal country house look like? Now, this

isn't a lot different from what you would answer in the city. Do you want to live in a

ranch or a two-story? Do you prefer brick to regular siding? How many

bedrooms, bathrooms? Do you want a walk-out basement? All the things that

you would normally decide in the city apply here as well. Or maybe what

you are looking for is a lot to build on, in which case you can build a home

that is specific to exactly what you want. In either event, you should be able to

give a description of what type of house do you want to live in.

4) Now, this fourth question is important because it really impacts the amount of

money you are going to spend. That is, how far am I willing to live away from

the city or other facilities? Most of the people who we deal with as realtors

have some need to live close to the city where there might be work or school,

or they just like getting into the city for shopping, restaurants, healthcare

facilities, or any number of things. You have to think clearly in terms of how far

away can I be from the things that are in the city that are important to me. How

long a commute can I tolerate when I need to go to those things? Now, if

you are planning on living in the country and still working in the city, obviously,

you are going to want to be as reasonably close as possible.

If you don't need to go into the city for work every day, then you just need to

think in terms of what are the normal facilities that I need? When you think of

this, don't think in terms of miles, but think in terms of time. In other words, I

need to be 30 minutes away from the city center, or I need to be no further

than 45 minutes away from my place of work. One of the things you will find

when you move to the country is that the commute times are much less

because you can pretty much drive highway speed most of the time. So think

in terms of time, not miles.

5) The fifth question is perhaps the most obvious. What's your maximum budget

amount? You should think that through to make certain that you don't wind up

with payments that are uncomfortable and recognize there are going to be

some other additional expenses you might not have considered. You are

probably going to spend more on gasoline, for example, than you would when

you were living in the city.

6) The sixth question is have you already lined up the necessary financing?

What you will find is that when you move to the country, particularly if you want

larger acreages, the lender you used to buy your home in the city may not be

able to help you. If you are willing to move to the country and buy a home on five

or fewer acres, you can probably use the same lender that you used when

you bought your current home, but the more acreage you want, you are going

to find out that some of those lenders are unable to help you.

Quite often when buying a country property if the value of the land is

significantly higher than the value of the house the requirements for minimum

down payments and potentially higher interest rates will have to be

addressed. Now, as luck would have it, we have several podcasts on our

website, RuralKC.com, about financing country property where we talk with

various lenders about optional financing programs. But don't just assume that

you can use the lender when you're buying a home in a subdivision.

7) The seventh question you would want to ask, is what are the minimums and

maximums that you might want on acreage? Often people will come to us and

say, "I just want to buy 1 or 2 acres out in the country for privacy."  You find

that in most of the counties on either side of the state line around Kansas City,

the counties have minimum acreage requirements. Meaning that if you want

to build a house, or you are expecting to live in a home in the country, you are

going to have to live on a minimum of 10 to 20 acres. Now, often counties

have various programs that allow you to live on less than that but don't just

assume that you can carve out any acreage that you want. Most counties

have zoning regulations that will prevent that.

8) The eighth question is have you considered all the pros and cons of living in

the country? We've got a podcast on our website RuralKC.com that

addresses the pros and cons. People move to the country mostly to change

their lifestyle, and we don't want you buying into a country property that you are

going to be unhappy with. Make sure you know what you are getting into.

9) Now, the ninth question is do I have an experienced realtor that knows the ins

and outs of buying property in the country to help me? I like to put it this way;

if you came to me and said, "I am looking to negotiate a lease on a

condominium in downtown Kansas City."  I would politely say, "Let me help

you find somebody who is experienced and who really knows all about that

because I'm personally not your guy."  I think that applies equally well when

you are talking about buying rural property.

The issues that you run into when you buy rural property are not the same

issues you had when you were buying a home in a subdivision. If you are

considering a doctor, you don't want to have a doctor that isn’t an expert in

your particular illness. In the same way, you are going to want an expert in

buying country property.

There are all types of issues, that a rural realtor will understand that an agent

for subdivision homes won’t understand. Things like septic systems, surveys,

gas and oil leases, easements, rural internet access, zoning regulations,

fencing laws, and a whole host of things that you may not have come across

before, which means that you need to deal with somebody who has got a lot of

experience in helping people buy country property.

If a realtor is not experienced in the type of real estate that you are buying, in

this case, country property, a good realtor will tell you that and will help you

find a realtor that can make it work.

10) Now, that brings us to our 10th and final question. Do you know the phone

number or email of an experienced realtor to help you? As luck would have it,

you are not going to have to wonder about that question at all. I'm going to

answer it for you. We here at the Rural KC Real Estate would like to think that

we are the folks that have the experience and desire to help. So call or text us

at 913-837-0760, 913-837-0411, or email us at Bill@RuralKC.com

For more information, we’d encourage you to visit our website RuralKC.com,

where we have all kinds of information on a country property, thousands of

listings of country land and homes, and when there be sure and check out our

podcasts and blogs where we cover all these issues and many more.

The Rural KC Team

BUYING OR SELLING RURAL PROPERTY-CHOOSE WISELY!

 

“Who should I list or buy my land or rural property with?” is a question I was asked this week by an owner in Kansas. Many landowners and rural property are faced with this tough decision once they have decided to sell or buy their land or rural property and do so using an agent.

All licensed real estate agents are not equally good at helping you buy or sell your rural property. If you owned an exotic car, you would not take it in for maintenance to a small engine shop for repairs. Listing your hunting land or farm with a predominantly residential real estate agent can be a mistake as well. Landowners and buyers need to choose an agent and a company that can market and sell their rural property in a way that meets the sellers’ and buyers' objectives.

Since all real estate agents are not equally knowledgeable and skilled at selling land or finding the rural property, how should you select the right agent? Here are a few suggestions from a rural agent’s perspective that I think are fair and will help you choose a professional who can help you get the deal closed.

1. Ask your friends and family. Ask people you know who they have used to sell to buy their land or rural property and if they would recommend them to you. This is usually one of the natural steps and most effective ways of finding someone you will feel comfortable with.

2. Google search for relevant terms like” rural property for sale in Kansas or Missouri”,  If you are an out-of-state or out-of-area landowner who wants to sell their rural property, but you do not know anyone in the area this can be a helpful tool for identifying potential agents. Notice I said, “identifying potential agents” because this is a preliminary step in the selection process.

3. After identifying potential agents, research how they market their listings. Pay close attention to how well an agent markets their listings online. Recent statistics show that over 80% of buyers preview properties online before getting in their car and driving to look at land or rural property. You will get an idea of how much effort an agent will put into advertising your listing or finding you the perfect rural property. Will your land be visible to potential buyers? It needs to be so that ALL possible buyers are aware that you have a quality piece of land for sale.

4. Ask a local real estate attorney. Contact a local real estate attorney in the area where you own land or rural property or wish to purchase land or rural property and ask them if they recommend an agent. These attorneys will know who closes deals and can help steer you in the right direction.

5. Interview several agents from multiple companies by phone or in-person if possible. Talking to someone over the phone or meeting them in person will help you get a better feel for someone than by merely emailing. I recommend having a list of questions prepared when you meet. The two most popular are always: “What is your commission?” and “What is my land worth?”. I would also recommend asking how they market land or what the process is to find the perfect rural property, what is the average time for the land to sell, what are the most recent comparable sales in the area, how has your business been lately, and is there anything I can do that will improve my chances of selling my land or finding the perfect rural property.

Once you have spoken to several agents and feel comfortable with one, ask them to take a look at your property or to show you rural property, with you if possible. You never want an agent to give you a specific figure of what your land is worth without them seeing it. They should be able to provide a fairly close price range of where you should list it, but each property is different and has characteristics that will distinguish them from other properties on the market. List your property with an agent that is not afraid to get out and walk the boundaries and trails on your land. An agent sitting in the car and pointing out features to prospective buyers seldom helps an owner sell their property.

6. Once you feel comfortable with the agent, sign the listing agreement. For rural land, these agreements typically run for a longer period of time than residential properties. Listing agreements may last 3 to 12 months. 

7. Lastly, check them out on Facebook or other social media. It is amazing what information you can find about someone on their social media pages. Many employers are using this as part of their vetting process for job applicants. You might find that you share common interests with the agent or that you are not fond of what you see on their page. This gives you a closer look at their personal life which can be useful information for you.

I hope you find this information helpful as you look for an agent who can help you sell your land at the right price or buy a rural property, in a timely manner, and as smoothly as possible. By spending time researching and choosing the right agent on the front end, you can save yourself a lot of grief and disappointment in the long run. 

The Rural KC Team, powered by Keller Williams Partners, Inc., is the number one team to help you buy or sell a rural property in Kansas or Missouri.  Give us a call.  913-837-0760 or 913-837-0411 or go check out our website at Ruralkc.com.  

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PROJECTS FOR YOUR HOME

 How To Choose The Right Projects For Your Home

Deciding on which projects to invest in for your home is a big deal. If you’re moving, you want to avoid putting too much money into areas that won't create a return. On the other hand, when you plan to live in your home for the long run, the benefits of your chosen upgrades aren’t always reflected in your home’s value. Fortunately, there are ways to balance your home projects so that you get the best of both: functionality and return on your investment.

If You Plan To Sell

Although we are stuck in what feels like a perpetual sellers’ market, there are still plenty of things you can and should rectify before putting your home on the MLS. According to home inspection provider US Inspect, includes leaky toilets, slow drains, and tripping hazards, such as loose carpets. Other repairs or changes to the interior or exterior will be defined by the local market.

Your Rural KC agent can help you decide on any other upgrades, updates, or repairs needed before you sell. Keep in mind, however, that you will want to go ahead and plan to stage your home to maximize its appeal. A room-by-room organization system and new light switches don’t sound like much, but it will go a long way toward improving the perception of your home. Another idea is to get rid of extremely dark and oversized furniture and stage your home with modern options that brighten and widen each room.

When You Want To Stay

Deciding which improvements to make when you plan to stay in your home is much easier. A general rule of thumb is that if it increases your quality of life, reduces costs, or helps you better utilize your space, then it is a good investment.

During the spring, summer, and fall, it might be best to start with outdoor upgrades. You can build a patio and fire pit for example. Both projects utilize pavers and a bit of ingenuity but are a great way to enhance your time outdoors. You might also consider fencing in your backyard, especially if you have a swimming pool. Keep in mind here that you will have to know your property line and, if applicable, any easements that you will have to work around. In this instance, it might be best to outsource to a fencing company that will know how to pull the pertinent permits.

On the interior, focus on rooms that help you use them most efficiently. This might be your kitchen, where new countertops and appliances will go a long way toward creating a luxury cooking experience. You might also spend a weekend painting and installing new hardware in your guest bathroom. If you plan to have visitors in the near future, these little touches will help them feel more at home.

How To Know When You Need Help

You can do many projects on your own if you’re comfortable with tools and don’t mind doing a little research. But, there are some areas that you should always consult a professional first. Like installing a fence or other outdoor structure, the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems in your home require special permits or licenses. These are also expensive, and you have to have extensive knowledge in each area to ensure that it’s done safely and correctly. Poor workmanship here can cost you tens of thousands of dollars and put your family at risk. 

Picking and choosing which projects to complete in your home aren’t always easy. When you plan to move, you’ll want to be extra selective to ensure that you are updating only what’s necessary for the home to be functional and more in demand than the next. But, when you plan to stay, don’t be afraid to go all out, even if it means calling in a professional. While you may spend more money, you’ll gain quality of life in a house that you’ve made your home.

Thank you to Micheal Longsdon for this article. As always, if you are in the market to buy or sell rural property, please give the Rural KC Team a call. We can help. 913-837-0760 or 913-837-0411.

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