Buying land in prime riding areas? Anyone done it?

[Blk88GT]

I've been kicking around the idea of buying a chunk of property out West (MT/ID).

The long term plan would be to build a vacation spot that my family could use (Dad, brother, in laws etc). The distance away concerns me, but it would just take some careful planning to make a trip worth while.

I have no idea what's involved with owning out of State property, nevermind out of country.

Have any of you guys out there done anything like this? Am I dreaming thinking that this could be a pretty cool project? The place wouldn't get as much use as I'd like, but the time there would be way better than a local spot.

What are your thoughts?

 

[2XM3]

It is of course a good idea but to buy 1000 or so acres in Montana you had better have hit the lottery bigtime.........

 

[Blk88GT]

Who said anything about 1000 acres? I'm talking 5 max.

 

[bdubs]

couple of things

couple of things to consider is....

How much will it cost to heat/maintain year round?
Are you going to plan on renting it out to help with the expenses? If yes, their are a couple of other things to consider (housekeeping,repairs, book keeping, time involved in reservation and disputes etc..)

Will you grow bored of the riding area after a couple of years..
Are you at a point in life that you can honestly "get away" to the property to make it worth while etc...

My fam has a few cabins around the state in co and all but 1 we rent %100 of the time because no one has the time to truly enjoy the cabins anymore. The 1 cabin that I use a lot, I am tired of riding the area but is a good "hub" for other riding areas that aren't to far to trailer to.. This would be the only one I would consider keeping if we were to decide to or have to sell off the properties.

 

[ArcticBoy]

I wouldn't call it prime riding got a couple chunks around Lk Wenatchee with access to trails from my yard. Even with the economy now it's still a good investment.

 

[khaddon2110]

have a cabin in island park and just bought another lot up there......I plan on breaking ground next spring on a new cabin...

lots of people buy lots up there and then pull a trailer in and use that for a cabin until they can build later.... Our neighbors are from california, and wyoming, but not sure about owning from Canada... I'm sure it wouldn't be all that involved...


great area to vacation for sure, both summer and winter

 

[vmaxfrank]

I've got 5 acres in NW Colorado. Plan to build cabin someday, but just have a hunting shed now. No plumbing, but batteries, inverter, and wood stove. Good enough for hunting and a warming cabin for sledding.

If you can afford it, land is a good investment. Hardly ever goes down in value.

 

[sledskiing]

Where in Colorado would be a good place for this.

 

[Blk88GT]

Great feedback guys, keep it coming. I have been eyeing the IP area for the last 2 years.

 

[2XM3]

Who said anything about 1000 acres? I'm talking 5 max.

LOL...sorry I thought you ment buying a "private" area to ride in that can't be messed with.

 

[TIM]

I have been thinking the same thing.
a pole building with living quartes some where in the kootenays.

 

[xrated]

i would if the wife would be on board.

Hell my family land in northern MN is 87 acres that great grandpa bought way back to use as a retreat from the crap hole that is NE in the summer. this was back in the early 1900s so it was a whole deal to get up there and it ended up working out.

Don't see why a small shack on 5 or 20 acres in the hills would be any different. Think of it as extreme long term investing! Oh and let me stay there for a good price.

 

[khaddon2110]

Great feedback guys, keep it coming. I have been eyeing the IP area for the last 2 years.

things have dropped off pricewise a little up there, but not all that much....

The lot I just bought is 1.25 acres and they had it listed for $112500

I ended up getting it for 93500 and I think the closing check after all expenses and fees I wrote for 94and change... Not too bad, it has power to it but i will need to put a well in...

It is also on a well plowed road in the winter so easy access all year.. It is in Sawtel estates subdivision

 

[Wacky Wally]

have a cabin in island park and just bought another lot up there......I plan on breaking ground next spring on a new cabin...

lots of people buy lots up there and then pull a trailer in and use that for a cabin until they can build later.... Our neighbors are from california, and wyoming, but not sure about owning from Canada... I'm sure it wouldn't be all that involved...


great area to vacation for sure, both summer and winter

Am I your Neigbor?

 

[Blk88GT]

Good to know. I've noticed the market seems rather stagnant around IP right now. Not much is moving and what is moving is being sold way under asking.

 

[Wacky Wally]

Good to know. I've noticed the market seems rather stagnant around IP right now. Not much is moving and what is moving is being sold way under asking.

When I first was buying in IP, you had to jump right on it, or you lost the property. Now Days not so much. At the time I had one and didn't get it 6 months later it went up 60K. Look around I see a lot of nice one's for cheap.

 

[Blk88GT]

Wally, what particular areas would you recommend? If you would rather, you can PM me.

 

[Wacky Wally]

Wally, what particular areas would you recommend? If you would rather, you can PM me.

I'm out in Shotgun Village, I like it cause there's lots of back Country riding right out my door. Stonegate, Bills Island and Sawtel are a bit more expensive. I rent my Cabin , when I'm not using it. It helps offset the cost of having a second place. Also Macks inn is a nice area, pretty much anywhere in IP is a good place for a Cabin, just depends on what you want. I did notice price of raw land has gone up.

 

[Disco Dan Richter]

I bought 20 ac. in MT, liked it so much, I moved there.

 

[Blk88GT]

Wally, I too like Shotgun Village but wouldn't be opposed to Sawtelle. Stonegate and Bill's Island are a little out of my price range. I'd be lying if I said I don't daydream at some of the high end cabins for sale down there though

Unfortunately moving there would be nearly impossible because of the Canada/US thing.

I appreciate the feedback guys!