By Rory Hale – REALTOR®, CIR Realty, Rural Properties & Acreages near Calgary
Week 1 of 10
The gate swings, the fence line runs straight, and the gravel lane curls past a barn roof still dark from last night’s rain. Out here, buyers decide with their boots on the ground: approach, shelterbelts, and how the yard “works” tell the story long before they step inside the house. And it’s not just horse or cattle folks—recreational purchasers are a growing slice. They’re paying for privacy, tree-covered trails, a quiet clearing for gatherings, secure storage for sleds/ATVs, easy trailer access, and reliable power/internet for long weekends. When comps are thin, those features move the needle.
The foothills were built on ranches, horses and hay sheds—and that working heritage still sets value from Cochrane through Water Valley to Sundre.
Seller priorities, handled up front
1) Pricing the land mix. We start with figuring out who we are selling to, acres and use: native vs. improved pasture, hay potential, treed shelter (wind, privacy, recreation), then add forage quality and usability. Outbuildings matter: a wired, high-clearance shop with 240V, solid doors, and dry storage can outrank interior upgrades on buyer shortlists.
2) Reaching the right buyers. We target horse, cattle, and hobby-farm/recreation segments. Long-form video shows stall layout, paddocks, waterers, and gate placement; drone frames the full yard flow, trailer turn-arounds, creek runs, ponds and trail connections—exactly what these buyers measure.
3) Paperwork that keeps deals clean. Lets confirm permitted AG uses, electrical in outbuildings, water to pens, any RV hook-ups, and update the RPR if structures changed. Well Water inspections and quality tests. Clear notes on fencing lines, shelters, and power simplify underwriting and condition removals.
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What buyers ask on site
Can I do chores in a straight line? Is there 240V in the shop? Can I turn a trailer without a ten-point dance? Is there water to the pens, garden and storage for feed and toys? We answer with video, measurements, and a simple yard diagram—so they can picture January chores and July campfires.
Myth: “Outbuildings are just ‘nice to have’.”
Reality: In the foothills, the right outbuilding and pasture/treed mix can swing price and days on market.
Thinking of selling? Book a low-pressure Seller Prep Call and I’ll send my free Outbuilding & Utility Readiness mini-checklist to help your acreage show like a working winner.
#AlbertaAcreages #FoothillsRealEstate #CochraneAB #WaterValley #Sundre #AcreageLife #FarmAndRanchAB #HorseProperties
Rory Hale, CIR Realty | 403-585-6552 | rhale@cirrealty.ca | roryhale.com
