Buying a second property is a step-by-step process. Don't get overwhelmed by looking at
all these steps as something you have to do all at once.
For example, the first step is finding a location you like, second is whether to buy land
with a standing structure or just start with the land. When evaluating just land,
you start adding up the cost and pretty soon you've found that the $35,000 piece of
property goes to $135,000 by the time you bring in power, water and put in a
septic system, etc. -- Just take baby steps:
buy the property, put up a tent and enjoy your weekends.
It's a fun and rewarding work-in-process.
Location |
--- Max 2 hours from your home if buying as a recreational property.
--- If seeking a summer/winter spot, look at elevation and temperatures. |
Fruitland and Strawberry are very doable! 45 minutes to Heber City from the Wasatch Front and then up Daniels Canyon and over the top of Strawberry, another 45 minutes, where the scenery and drive are a sheer enjoyment.
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Access |
This one is tricky! There is physical access -- you drive into the property; and legal access -- is there a recorded easement into the property.
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Just because you can drive into a property does not mean that it is a legal easement. Someone may tell you "I've driven in his way for years!" That may be true; however, unless it is a recorded easement, it might take litigation to establish it as a recorded easement. In some cases, I've seen Buyers having to buy adjoining properties. The links to the counties below will give you the proper authorities to help ensure you really have legal access to the property.
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Building Permits |
Permits may require proof of a culinary water source and sewer options.
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I always get a real kick out of the next 3 items: water, power, sewer!
We truly take for granted these amenities. How do you want to spend your time?
Carrying water, taking long trips to an outhouse in the middle of the night,
and no electrical appliances?
Our forefathers spent the majority of their day just on survival tasks.
It can get very time consuming, it is hard work and
we just aren't used to this rustic way of life anymore. At first it can be fun --
but aren't you buying a recreational or retirement property? |
Water |
Reliable year-round water from well or culinary water system
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Drinking water is provided by Fruitland Special Service District
(435-548-2399) and comes from a Spring high in the mountains.
Bring your empty water jugs because you'll want to
take some back to the city with you.
Strawberry subdivisions' are on well water. Not all are year-round. |
Power |
Power is nearby. What? |
Moon Lake Electric (435-722-2448) provides electricity to both Fruitland and Strawberry. Two items to consider: Getting the power to the property line and bringing the power from property line into the location of your future cabin site. Moon Lake is great about helping you determine the closest power location.
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Septic Permits |
Yup! That's what we use here and they work just fine.
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Subdivision
& Developer |
--- Has the subdivision been approved by the County Planner?
--- Is there a recorded Plat Map?
---If the subdivision is on-going, what is the reputation of the Developer?
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The best research technique for this is eye-ball to eye-ball.
Go into either Wasatch or Duchesne Planning Offices;
tell them which subdivision you are interested in,
and have them pull the file. These files are public information
and you have the right to look through them.
Again, don't forget to ask about legal access to the subdivision.
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Property Lines |
Are there boundary disputes?
Can you find the property corners?
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There is only one way to ensure this one -- have the property
surveyed and the survey recorded. The County Engineer will
be
up-to-date on many problems. Talk to the neighbors,
see
if there is an ongoing boundary dispute.
Many subdivisions
are old enough that property corner stakes
went down the
gully with the last heavy rain.
Many owners are from out of
the area and have never seen
their property. Check the
Seller's Disclosures, a reputable
seller will include this
kind of information.
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This is the good 'old ranch rule.
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There may be roll-back taxes that will be due on the sale of the property. Call the Assessors office and ask about the tax status.
Wasatch County Assessor
Duchesne County Assessor
The assessed value and taxes on the property now may be a different story after you have purchased the property. Check what the current formula is for assessing the tax.
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Title Insurance |
Always get Title Insurance and READ IT BEFORE putting your money on the table. |
The Title Company I rely on is:
Wasatch County:
First American Title 435-654-1414
Contact: Marva Lee Edwards
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Fire Protection |
There is a volunteer fire station in Fruitland; however the culinary water lines were not designed to be used for fire protection.
The Strawberry area requires a sprinkler system inside of structure when obtaining building permits.
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I just don't have a real answer for this one. Wasatch County has an article entitled Code of the West that is worth reading.
I would recommend that you speak with the Fire Marshall in
each area so you personally understand the issues.
Wasatch County Fire District - Heber City UT
Duchesne County Fire & Emergency Mgmt |
CC&Rs |
Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions
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Everyone has their opinion on this one. CC&R's should be recorded on subdivisions that has them. It is a good idea to obtain a copy, review it and see if the conditions are something that you agree with. Also, make a call to a current representative of the Board, see if there are minutes of past meeting you can obtain, always ask if the CC&Rs are enforced. Ask about current fees and how they are spent.
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Well, that about wraps it up -- let's go find your property! |
