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If you are in the market for an acreage property, here a a few things to remember.
The space is great but there are a couple of other things to keep in mind. Also you have to consider possible drawbacks associated with living further away from the City and amenities. If you have teenagers, consider.
Remember it is a trade-off for the Country Life, You don't want to end up being an Uber for your teenagers, and when they learn to drive, make sure the roads around your acreage are well lit in the winter months. It has to be said that during a snowy winter both Municipalities are really good at cleariing roads, especialy on School Routes.
Here are 7 things to consider when buying a rural property, so you can weigh the costs and benefits of investing in the countryside before you move forward.
1. Logistics
Always consider the logistics for everyone in the family. Mom and dads work location for sure. But also schools and colleges if you have children. Consider the pick up and drop offs for Hockey, Rugby etc, after school and before they learn to drive. They grow up, so it won't be forever, but it needs to be considered.
2. Road Access
Year-round road access and maintenance are things to pay attention to when investing in a rural property. Especially in the winter months with our snowfalls, but both Rural Rocky View County and Foothills County are excellent at clearing the roads, and school routes take priority.
3. Garbage Collection
Garbage pick-up is no big deal on a rural property, most owners use a twice monthly pick up company and leave the bags on a scheduled day at the end of the drive. You also have the option to take it to the refuse dump yourself. Maybe burn it yourself in the yard, and in older homes you may have kitchen compactors, which come in very useful.
4. Water Supply
Your water source is important, you may be on a water coop or have your own water well, which will need to be serviced annually. Osmosis filters can be added to main supplies also, and in some cases you may be lucky enough to be connected to municipal water source.
5. Septic Systems
Sewage and water waste in the country are much different than in a suburb or city. If you are building you will have the added cost of putting your own in. This may be a holding tank or tank and field, remember to chose a septic system big enough for your house and the subsequent amount of occupants.
6. Energy Lines
Power lines and backup energy are things to ponder when looking at a rural property, but in Calgary and Area not many places have them above ground, power services here are pretty good, but you can still consider a power generator if the power lines get damaged given that you’ll be one of the last areas served for repairs.
7. Your Neighbours
Your neighbours may be a fair distance away compared to the city. Look hard though at how they keep their property, what animals if any, they may have. Always be aware of your boundary lines and understand your property rights.
Acreage living is certainly a different lifestyle, it does not work for everyone. But if you dream of the peace, quiet and relaxation, this could be perfect for you.
Sometimes finding the right rural property can take longer to find. You may consider a 2 acre property surrounded by similar sized homes a bit closer to the city, or go our further to get a bigger acreage.
Rural acreages can be a different buying process, but as always, we are here to help.
Questions Direct : Stewart 403-850-0669