Things To Do Before Buying a Log Cabin in Colorado
Mountain cabins in Colorado are in high demand. Buyers from New York to Hawaii have been actively looking for summer retreats or year-round mountain cabins this year, more than in previous years.
Here is a list of important issues that buyers should consider before purchasing a Colorado mountain cabin:
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Looking for your preferred cabin.
Investigate the area around you. Do you have a perpetual easement that allows you to cross other people’s land to get to your cabin?
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Does the cabin have access to utilities?
Many people prefer a remote location and opt for solar power or generators; however, a buyer should be aware of the cost of ‘hooking up’ to public utilities.
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Look for access to water.
For nearly a century, the state of Colorado has issued well permits. While not all of the information is correct, these hardworking individuals will assist you in conducting much of the necessary research regarding past ownership, original drilling, location, and much more. Water.state.co.us is the state website. Make certain that the water quality and production rate are tested.
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Know their septic systems.
Septic systems are a necessary part of mountain living, whether you spend $10,000 or $10,000,000. The county issues septic permits and regulates septic system integrity by requiring certification prior to sale. Each system is rated based on the number of bedrooms in the residence (not bathrooms). Permits may not be available for older properties.
Summer and winter visitors to Colorado mountain cabins are in high demand. However, hire a good Real Estate Specialist to assist you.
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Have a Property Insurance.
In recent years, Colorado has seen a number of wildfires and floods. The cost of replacement is staggering, making property insurance a hot topic among Colorado officials and insurance companies, who are driving up the cost and standards for property insurance. Is the land in a flood plain? Does the property meet the requirements of a fire perimeter? Understand how much insurance will cost you and how much it will add to your monthly payment.
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Get a Building Permits.
Is the homeowner in possession of the necessary permits for home improvements? Check with the county to see if the improvements completed meet permit standards. Request a list of contractors and/or work completed during the homeowner’s ownership.
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Conduct a survey.
If the owner does not have a survey or plat map (which many do), the buyer will be responsible for the cost of a survey. If you ever want to build a fence or expand your cabin, this is an important piece of information to have.
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Get the relevant real estate specialist.
Mountain Area Real Estate Specialist will assist you in gathering this critical information. In addition to the public MLS, a good Mountain Area Real Estate Specialist will have access to private listings. Of course, I am that specialist, but there are other Realtors whose experience and training can prevent you from making a costly mistake. There are special considerations when purchasing a mountain home. An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure in this case.
Conclusion
There are a lot more things to do and consider before buying a log home in Colorado. As much as Colorado is a beautiful place to stay, you should be nearly a hundred percent sure about the home you are going to buy. But knowing the benefits more can bring you a better experience where you will have little to no regrets about staying in the state.
Consider buying a home where you will stay with your loved ones permanently, and hassle-free.
