10 Questions to Ask Before Buying Rural Property in Colorado

Rural property purchases come with a unique set of considerations that most buyers have never thought about. If you are moving from a city or suburb, you are used to infrastructure that simply exists — municipal water, sewer, trash pickup, paved roads, reliable cell service. In rural Colorado, none of those things are guaranteed.

Before you fall in love with a piece of land or a mountain home, make sure you are asking these questions.

1. What is the water source, and what is its condition? Is there a well? What is the flow rate? When was it last tested? Are there water rights, and do they convey with the property?

2. What is the septic situation? Is there an existing septic system? When was it last pumped and inspected? Is there a perc test on file for undeveloped land?

3. What is the road situation? Is the driveway or access road maintained? By whom? Is there a road maintenance agreement? What is it like in winter?

4. What utilities are available? Is there electric service to the property? Natural gas? Propane? What is the heating source? Is there internet service, and if so, what type and speed?

5. What are the zoning restrictions? What can you legally build or operate on this property? Are there restrictions on livestock, short-term rentals, or commercial use?

6. Are there HOA covenants? What do they restrict? What are the dues? Is the HOA active and financially healthy?

7. What is the wildfire risk? Is the property in a high-risk fire zone? What does that mean for insurance availability and cost?

8. What is the cell service situation? Which carriers have coverage? Is there a landline? What happens to communication during a power outage?

9. What are the neighbors like, and what are they doing with their land? Rural neighbors can be wonderful — or they can run operations that affect your quality of life. Drive the area at different times of day.

10. What has the property been used for, and are there any environmental concerns? Has it been used for agriculture, mining, or storage of chemicals? Are there any known issues with the soil or water?