What we do to sell an Acreage

The Acreage Expert î will keep you out of trouble when selling your house.
When we list your property, we also:

1. Check that your advertised square footage is accurate.
   
2. Test your well water for bacteria, and discuss systems designed to remove iron, hardness, and any unpleasant odours from your well water. If you have a cistern, a water test is not needed, but it is recommended that you clean a cistern every 5 years.
   
3. Ask for the registration number of your dugout, and talk about what to do if you don't have one.
   
4. Discuss the condition of your septic system. Many old septic systems do not meet current provincial regulations. We can show you how to save thousands of dollars by having your existing system "Grandfathered". If it needs to be replaced, we'll give you some guidance on who does the best work, or how to do it yourself.
   
5. Check Restrictive Covenants that may apply to your subdivision & be relevant to the sale of your home.
   
6. Discuss surveys. All homes sold need a current Real Property Report.
   
7. Verify with Telus the outstanding amount of the rural phone line charge.
   
8. Discuss additional buildings, and building permits needed to sell the property.
   
9. Install free-standing signs at major intersections to help guide buyers to your home.
   
10. Place your property on the MLSî system
    
11. 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:

1. Costs to live in the country, driving time, child care, recreational facilities, & whether you need to buy a tractor.
   
2. 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.
   
3. Septic systems. We'll walk over the septic field. (If we go over our ankles in sewage, we'll know there's a problem!)
   
4. Insurance. Rates vary depending on the company & your distance from the local fire hall.
   
5. 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.
   
6. Home based businesses. You may need to buy a home that is not in a subdivision.
   
7. 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.
   
8. Gas & Oil Exploration. In your back yard? We can discuss it.
   
9. Mobile Homes. We can fill you in on the regulations.
   
10. Fire permits. These are necessary if you wish to burn garbage, or clear the stubble off the back 40.
    
11. Schools & buses. The busses go just about anywhere, but you are somewhat restricted in your choice of school.
    
12. Fire protection. All fire protection is by Volunteer fire department.
    
13. Garbage pick up. This is available from private contractors, or from the county.
    
14. 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.