What We do to Sell an Acreage

When we list your property, we also:

• Check that the square footage of your home is accurate.
• Take photographs of your home for advertising purposes.
• Give you advice on how to prepare your home for showing.
• Ask for the registration number of your dugout, and talk about what to do if you don’t have one.
• Discuss the condition of your septic system. Many old septic systems do not meet current provincial regulations. We can also discuss how to have your existing system “Grandfathered”.
• Check Restrictive Covenants that may apply to your subdivision & be relevant to the sale of your home.
• Discuss Real Property Report. All homes sold need a current Real Property Report.
• Ask you to verify with Telus the outstanding amount of the rural phone line charge.
• Discuss additional buildings, and building permits needed to sell the property.
• Install free-standing signs at major intersections to help guide buyers to your home.
• Place your property on the MLS® system
• Advertise in ways that have proven effective for the country market.

How We Help You Buy an Acreage

When we help you buy a home, we also discuss:

• Costs to live in the country, driving time, child care, recreational facilities, & whether you need to buy a tractor.
• Water systems. If the home has a well, there are a number of considerations – age of well, depth, type of casing, flow rate, & current draw on the pump.
• Septic systems. We’ll walk over the septic field. (If we go over our ankles in sewage, we’ll know there’s a problem!)
• Insurance. Rates vary depending on the company & your distance from the local fire hall.
• Animals. Do you want to keep horses, have a kennel, raise exotic animals? Different counties have different regulations. It is important to know the rules before you buy.
• Home based businesses. You may need to buy a home that is not in a subdivision.
• Inspections. Country property calls for an inspector who has wide experience with both water & septic systems. We will point you in the right direction. A professional inspection is generally essential when you buy country property.
• Gas & Oil Exploration. In your back yard? We can discuss it.
• Mobile Homes. We can fill you in on the regulations.
• Fire permits. These are necessary if you wish to burn garbage, or clear the stubble off the back 40.
• Schools & buses. The busses go just about anywhere, but you are somewhat restricted in your choice of school.
• Fire protection. All fire protection is by Volunteer fire department.
• Garbage pick up. This is available from private contractors, or from the county.
• Value. Will your new home hold its value? We’ll give you an overview of what the acreage market has done in the past 25 years.