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Buying land in Bearspaw involves several important steps, from understanding zoning and land use regulations to completing the final transaction. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
1. Determine Your Budget and Financing
Set a budget: Consider how much you are willing to spend on land and any associated costs such as property taxes, legal fees, and development costs.
Get financing: If you are not paying in cash, you will need to secure financing. This can be through a traditional mortgage, a land loan, or other financing options. Some lenders specialize in land loans and may offer terms suited to land purchases.
Down payment: Expect a larger down payment than a typical home purchase (often 20% or more), especially if you’re purchasing rural land.
2. Define Your Requirements
Size and location: Bearspaw offers a range of lot sizes, from smaller acreages to larger estate properties. Define the size and specific location that fits your needs, such as proximity to amenities or scenic views.
Zoning and land use: Check the land’s zoning and land use regulations. Rural lands in Bearspaw are often zoned for residential, agricultural, or recreational use. This will affect what you can build or do on the land.
3. Research the Property
Land title and ownership history: Verify the title to ensure the land is free of liens, legal disputes, or unpaid property taxes. You can check the Alberta Land Titles System for this information.
Land use and restrictions: Confirm whether the land has any restrictions or easements. There might be restrictions on land development or the use of water and sewage systems. The Rocky View County website is a good place to start for regulations.
Environmental conditions: Assess the land for any environmental issues, such as flood zones, soil quality, and access to utilities like water and electricity.
4. Find a Real Estate Agent Specializing in Land
Expertise: A local real estate agent who specializes in land transactions will be invaluable. They can help you navigate the area’s regulations, negotiate prices, and offer advice on the market.
Listings: They can provide you with listings of available properties that fit your criteria.
5. Make an Offer
Offer negotiation: Once you find a property, your agent will help you make an offer to the seller. The offer will typically include the price, closing terms, and any contingencies (e.g., financing, by-laws or land inspection).
Due diligence: Before finalising the offer, you may wish to conduct land inspections and surveys to confirm the boundaries and condition of the property.
6. Legal Assistance and Contract Review
Hire a lawyer: A real estate lawyer familiar with land transactions in Alberta can ensure that the contract and land transfer process are legally sound.
Review the sale contract: The lawyer will help you review the sales agreement and clarify any legal issues or terms.
7. Due Diligence
Survey and inspection: Depending on the size and location, you may need a land survey to define the boundaries. It's also a good idea to inspect the land for any environmental concerns or infrastructure needs (e.g., drilling a well or installing a septic system).
Land use and zoning check: Double-check with Rocky View County to ensure the land can be used for your intended purpose (e.g., residential, agricultural, or recreational).
8. Finalising the Sale
Closing the deal: Once everything is agreed upon, the lawyer will help with the closing process. This includes transferring the title of the land to your name and registering the land at the Alberta Land Titles Office.
Paying for the property: You will pay the agreed-upon purchase price and any applicable closing costs.
9. Post-Purchase Considerations
Property taxes: Bearspaw landowners must pay annual property taxes, which vary depending on the size and value of the land.
Development and utilities: If you plan to build or develop the land, you may need to apply for permits from Rocky View County. Also, consider the costs and logistics of connecting to utilities (water, sewer, electricity, etc.).
10. Land Ownership and Development
After the purchase, you can start any development projects you have in mind, whether it’s building a home, setting up agriculture, or developing recreational spaces.
It’s crucial to adhere to the county’s land-use bylaws and zoning regulations for any development work.
Land zoning: Bearspaw is a rural area, so land can be zoned for various uses such as agricultural, residential, or recreational. It’s important to ensure that the land you’re purchasing is zoned for your intended use.
Water and sewage systems: Many properties in Bearspaw are not connected to municipal water and sewer systems, so you may need to drill a well and install a septic system.
Utilities and infrastructure: Confirm whether the land has access to electricity, natural gas, or other infrastructure, or if it will require installation.
Property taxes: Rural properties in Bearspaw will have property taxes that can be higher depending on the land size and use.
For Expert Guidance in navigating the Bearspaw Acreage Land Market, reach out to Stewart J. Lowe, an award-winning Realtor with over 23 years of experience, specialising in Country Residential Acreages. Recognised in 2010 as a Certified Guild Member of The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, Stewart has a proven track record in high-end real estate sales and exceptional client service. He is known for his friendly, warm, and professional approach. Why not request a no-obligation Marketing Consultation
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