Wildlife

·        the presence of wildlife had a significant influence on ranch values

·        A New Mexico study determined the presence of wildlife on a private ranch significantly influences its value.  A $6,000 bull elk permit attached to a quality private ranch in New Mexico will increase the land value between $28,000 and $127,000.”

·        Being located near attractive mountain ranges and streams that are a habitat of big game and trout fisheries enhances a property’s value.”

·        Ranches located in New Mexico’s prime mountain areas replete with wildlife and scenic views have risen in value 10%-12% a year

Fishing

·        Beginning in the 1990s, ranch purchases in the RMC were driven by the specific goal of obtaining exclusive access to fishing

·        much sought-after quality among amenity buyers, along with trout streams, mountain views and privacy.

·        Live Water – desired for intrinsic sights and sounds, also valued for impact on vegetation and wildlife, also important for private fishing

·        Live Water adds 6% to average values

·        Distance to the nearest river, a decrease in distance to a stream improved property values by $259 per acre

·        Being located near attractive mountain ranges and streams that are a habitat of big game and trout fisheries enhances a property’s value.”

Mountains/Terrian

·        Ranches located in New Mexico’s prime mountain areas replete with wildlife and scenic views have risen in value 10%-12% a year

·        Topography and Scenic Views – Mix of trees and open country, southern exposure, not too rough, not too steep

·        Being located near attractive mountain ranges and streams that are a habitat of big game and trout fisheries enhances a property’s value.”

·        Location adds up to 30% to average value

Other

·        New Mexico Farm and Ranch land values rose an average of 7%/year from 1992-2002

·        Land with potential for conservation easement implementation is very desirable

·        Community Amenities – within 30-60 minute drive of community with minimum population 1500-5000, (higher population – higher appreciation value)

·        Proximity to Air Service – Commercial air service within 2-4 hours, private strip within 30 minutes

·        Adjacent to Conservation Easement and/or Public Land – Several thousand acres of National Forest adjacent to a ranch is very desirable.  Privacy is key.

·        One hour rule, location less than one hour to work, school, entertainment, travel, ect.

·        Access Problems -  Long private roads to maintain can be deal breaker, lack of winter access is an obstacle, landlocked properties require recorded easements

·        Lack of Utilities – Water availability, power more important than telephone

·        Higher Elevations – Elevations over 6000ft may be health problem for some buyers, over 9000 ft may be out of the question for most buyers

·        Non Contiguous Parcels – Separate parcels are OK but not if they are widely dispersed

·        Improvements Not in Buyers Taste – Buyers want to build their own homes

·        isolation is a disamenity