Denver, CO (PRWEB) April 13, 2012 – http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/4/prweb9395881.htm
Over the course of the past few years, both buyers and sellers of farm and ranch land in Colorado have wondered what the future held for land values. Recently, we’ve heard from most market sectors that activity has increased significantly. That trend has been clearly influenced by discerning buyers rebalancing their investment portfolios away from the equity markets and toward hard assets such as land.
Our most recent metrics clearly support that line of reasoning. Recent data released by United Country Real Estate tells us that in the Rocky Mountain Region our sales volume is up an astounding 58 percent from last year. While increased activity fuels this significant rise, the better metric is that market activity has resulted in closed transactions.
To better understand market trends, it’s also interesting to note that our list-to-sale ratio is 5.9 in 2012 versus 8.8 in 2011. That coupled with a 29-percent increase in average sales price tells us that properties are moving 33 percent faster this year than they did last year and at a higher sales price. The money that’s been sitting on the sidelines has clearly determined now is the time to purchase land.
In the Colorado market, grassland is selling at a premium and moving quickly. Buyers from drought stricken states are actively investing in Colorado and Sellers are benefitting from a market fueled by solid demand and a thriving cattle market.
Dryland, as well as irrigated crop land, is also seeing strong activity and tremendous appreciation in value due to record high commodity prices, burgeoning world population growth and escalating demand in developing countries to consume more meat based protein.
Recently, a property that combines grassland and dryland farming was placed on the market after 40 years of ownership. The Colorado Rolling T Ranch is an example of a seller that recognizes now is the time to benefit from healthy market demand by placing his property for sale at an established market price.
While some sectors of the Colorado recreation market remain somewhat flat, the fishing and hunting properties in that market are experiencing a significant upturn that’s focused on a flight to quality. Colorado has long been recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in the U.S., if not the world. National and international investors are actively pursuing those highly sought after properties that have live water, border public lands, offer world class hunting and fishing while providing a lasting legacy for generations to come.
When it comes to the value of land, we’ve often heard “Buy land, they aren’t making any more of it.” Recently, investors have debated whether to invest in an ounce of gold or an acre of land. Based on current market statistics and trend lines, it’s encouraging to see buyers choose land as an investment that provides security, appreciation and in many cases returns that exceed the stock and bond markets.
In this competitive market, opportunities abound for crop land, hunting, fishing, recreational, off grid and other Colorado ranches for sale. To get a sense of the market and review properties in each of the aforementioned market segments, please visit http://www.ranchland.com/ranches-for-sale/colorado-ranches-for-sale . At the end of the day, it’s quite possible your choice may be to invest in an acre of land over an ounce of gold.
About the Author
Dave Banzhaf is an associate broker in the State of Colorado for United Country – Mason & Morse Ranch Company. He is available for consultation and real estate services throughout the state.