Country Property in Oregon, Country Real Estate, Acreage for Sale

About Room to Breathe and Country Property

For those who believe that country living is the only way to live, Oregon country properties have great value. One of the greatest features of Douglas County is there is country property within just minutes from town.

For many, country living (on small acreage in a rural setting) is simply a more enjoyable way to live - it allows them to leave the stress and noise of urban life. It allows them to decompress every day and not just live for weekends.  It gives them “room to breathe”.

Finding the perfect country property

Finding a place with “elbow room” is a good thing for many reasons:

• The houses aren’t stacked on each other
• You can have some privacy
• You have room for a workshop for your hobbies
• You can have a sizeable garden
• A little noise isn’t going to get you in trouble with the neighbors
• It’s a short drive to town but still far enough to have space
• You don’t have to haul your kids to a park for them to play outdoors
• Taxes are typically lower on property outside city limits

For the Buyer of Country Property

If rural living is new to you, it is important to become familiar with the issues that are different from living in town. Your water supply could be on your property and be a well or spring. Your sewer disposal system is probably an on-site system.  Zoning and CC&R’s need to be understood so you know what is and is not allowed on property of that type.  If there is no dwelling, is the property zoned for it.  Rivers and creeks criss-cross Douglas County making lots of waterfront properties.   This also makes many beautiful homesites in the floodplain.   Agents that work primarily with properties in town are probably not qualified to represent you well. 

For the Seller of Country Property

The biggest challenge for the seller of rural and country property is knowing the value of what you own. There is far more value to the property than just the house.

In town, it is easy to set values on “cookie-cutter” subdivisions. The lots are worth about the same.  The houses are worth a certain number of dollars per square foot based on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, etc. The "comps" are easy to find.

However, with country property, there is a value in many things and good comps are just not there.  Thought is required to establish reasonable values.

• The homestead (it's built or buildable with water, power, septic, etc.)......just like in town.
• The house....just like in town.
• The view.......just like in town.
• The neighborhood/area.........just like in town.

But here's where commonality ends.  Now add to the mix

• Accessory buildings like barns, shops, greenhouse, etc.
• Flat, usable land versus steep land
• Additional acreage beyond the homestead.  What is the value of a 2 acre place versus 20 acres?  It isn't 10 times more.
• Merchantable timber (or is it worth more left alone?)
• Creek or river frontage
• Distance to employment, shopping, school, medical services
• Good or poor water supply
• New or old septic.  How big of a house will it accommodate?

 Presenting the benefits of these features makes a difference in the sale of your property.

Whether you are a buyer or a seller, it is important to work with someone who understands and values country living and can help you find what you want - Walt Gayner Real Estate.