Buying Land? Ask Your Greeley Farm Realtor These 7 Questions First
Buying a farm or rural property around Greeley, Colorado isn’t like buying a typical home in town. There are more variables—zoning, water rights, soil quality, and land use restrictions, to name a few. If you’re working with a Greeley farm realtor, make sure you ask the right questions early on. It could save you time, money, and a lot of future frustration.
Here are seven smart questions to ask before you move forward with any rural property purchase.
1. What Are the Water Rights on This Property?
Water is a big deal in Northern Colorado. Just because land looks green doesn’t mean it comes with water access. Ask your Greeley farm realtor what kind of water rights come with the property. Are they surface rights or well rights? Are they transferable?
Some parcels come with shares in a ditch company or reservoir. Others rely on a well permit. And in some cases, there may be no usable water rights at all. Understanding what you’re actually buying is essential.
2. Is the Land Zoned for My Intended Use?
Not all rural land is zoned the same way. Some plots are zoned for agriculture, others for residential or mixed use. Zoning impacts what you can build, how you can use the land, and whether you can bring in livestock or set up a business.
A good Northern Colorado farm realtor should walk you through the zoning code and help you understand what’s allowed now—and what would require permits or rezoning.
3. Are There Any Easements or Access Issues?
Some rural properties come with easements, which give others legal rights to use parts of your land. For example, a neighbor may have a legal right to drive across your land to reach theirs.
Ask your realtor to check for any recorded easements, access issues, or legal restrictions. Make sure you understand how they might impact your use of the property.
4. What’s the Soil Like?
If you plan to grow crops or keep animals, soil quality matters. Different types of soil affect drainage, crop yield, and how easy it is to build on. Some soils may require amendments or special equipment to farm effectively.
Your Greeley farm realtor should help you assess soil quality and, if needed, connect you with a local soil engineer or county extension agent. Don’t assume every piece of land is ready for planting.
5. How Has the Land Been Used in the Past?
Ask about the land’s history. Was it farmed? Grazed? Left untouched? Past use affects soil condition, weed growth, and potential contamination. For example, land used for industrial farming might have leftover chemicals. Grazing land might have fencing and irrigation infrastructure already in place.
Understanding the past gives you better insight into what it will take to get the land ready for your goals.
6. What Utilities Are Already On Site?
Many rural properties don’t come with standard utilities. You may need to install a septic system, drill a well, or bring in electricity from the nearest connection point. These costs add up fast.
Before buying, ask your realtor what utilities are currently available on the property. Find out how far power and internet lines are from the site and what it would cost to hook them up. A Northern Colorado farm realtor with local contacts can help you estimate those costs.
7. Are There Any Local or State Regulations I Should Know About?
Every county has different rules for land use. Weld County, where Greeley is located, has its own permitting process for everything from outbuildings to irrigation systems. Colorado also has environmental regulations for water usage, wildlife protection, and building on certain types of land.
Your Greeley farm realtor should be familiar with these rules and help you understand how they apply to your property. They can also connect you with planning departments and help you gather the information you need.
The Right Questions Lead to Better Land Deals
Buying land in Northern Colorado is a big decision. And while it can be a smart investment, it also comes with more risk than buying a home in town. Asking the right questions helps you avoid costly surprises down the line.
A good Greeley farm realtor won’t rush you. They’ll take time to explain property features, check legal documents, and help you make an informed choice. Whether you’re looking to farm, build, or just get more space, having the right person on your side makes a difference.
Before you buy, slow down and get the answers you need. That’s how you end up with a piece of land that works for you—not against you.
