In the ranching business we have a saying: “It’s always something!”

However, far from a complaint, this statement is an acknowledgement that while there may be extra costs associated with ranch ownership, the rewards far outweigh them! Here we’ll look at a few things you might consider before jumping into a ranch purchase. Being aware that “there’s always something” can go a long way toward helping us appreciate all of the costs and rewards of ranch life.

Infrastructure:

When purchasing a sizable piece of property, you’ll want to carefully consider the state of its infrastructure. How are the roads? Do they need to be fixed, widened, cleared, etc.? Will you need to put a lot of money into this? Roads not only need to be put in, but also maintained over time – and this can be a costly affair depending on the state of things.

Electricity, unfortunately, does not grow on trees! So, if you expect to have power to your cabin or utilities for other parts of the property, you’ll have to pull in electricity. It’s important to know exactly from where and how you’ll pull that power – not to mention how far you’ll be pulling power in to your ranch. Again, this can be costly, but will need to happen if you want the general amenities of civilized life out on your ranch.

Water. Most ranches rely on wells for a consistent supply of freshwater. Drilling a well can be expensive, and you’ll need to consult with a reputable local company to determine the best location to drill. Keep in mind: water freezes in the winter. You’ll want to protect your water infrastructure, especially your well, year-round.

General Maintenance:

From fixing fences, to replacing shingles, to solving a plumbing issue, to burning cleared brush, everything is more expensive on a ranch. Trust me, it’s always something, and there’s always something to be maintained or mended. If you’re using your ranch for a weekend getaway, be prepared to find something amiss just about every time you visit! After all that, you may be wondering…

IS IT WORTH IT?

YES! Without hesitation I can say that ranch ownership, with all its inherent costs and headaches, is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable endeavors one can take. At the end of the day, you’ll have the satisfaction of owning a little piece of God’s creation, and nothing can take that away.

But wait… There’s more?

You may have noticed I didn’t say anything about taxes. In Texas we have property tax, which is based on the value of your property. Luckily, there’s relief from this burden if you have an Ag or Wildlife exemption – something I talk about extensively in this post.

Have you ever felt like it’s just always something? Leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you.