This online course covers topics specific to farm and ranch properties, preparing Montana real estate professionals to handle rural transactions successfully. Participants will learn how to manage brokerage operations, valuations and contracts. The course also explores zoning regulations, financing and environmental challenges.
After completing this course, students will:
- Recognize the distinct aspects of rural brokerage versus traditional real estate transactions
- Address emotional and financial complexities in agricultural sales
- Identify key factors influencing agricultural property values, such as soil quality, water resources, crop yield and livestock production
- Use various valuation models, including the Cost, Income and Sales Comparison approaches
- Understand how environmental laws and regulations affect farm and ranch property values
- Interpret and craft contracts, including clauses for water, mineral and crop rights
- Review available grants, loans and alternative financing options for agricultural sales
- Recognize the importance of metes and bounds when managing farm and ranch property transactions
- Evaluate the impact of infrastructure, zoning laws and water rights on rural real estate
- Confidently assist clients while ensuring full regulatory compliance
Course Format: Text
Credit Type: Elective
Course ID(s): 11120
Approved By: Board of Realty Regulation
- Farm Brokerage
- Introduction to Farm Bureau [9 Activities]
- 01. Hour 1 - Understanding Farm and Ranch Brokerage
- 02. Evaluating Geographic Location and Regional Climate
- 03. Balancing Environmental and Geographic Risks and Resources
- 04. Ranch Infrastructure
- 05. Farm Infrastructure
- 06. Financial Considerations
- 07. Mineral Rights
- 08. Environmental and Conservation Factors
- 09. Local Laws and Zoning Regulations
- Review Quiz #1 (10 questions)
- Farm and Ranch Valuation [6 Activities]
- 01. Hour 2 - Farm and Ranch Valuation - Introduction
- 02. Farm and Ranch Characteristics
- 03. Approaches to Valuation
- 04. Financial Analysis and Projections
- 05. Special Considerations for Agricultural/Rural Property
- 06. Communicating the Valuation
- Review Quiz #2 (10 questions)
- Farm and Ranch Contracts and Financing [13 Activities]
- 01. Hour 3 - Farm and Ranch Contracts and Financing
- 02. Zoning and Land Use Regulations
- 03. Financial and Legal Considerations
- 04. Environmental and Conservation Factors
- 05. Inspection and Appraisal Process
- 06. Contractual Special Clauses: Purchase Agreement Terms and Conditions
- 07. Traditional Lenders
- 08. Government Programs and Agencies
- 09. Private Financing Options
- 10. Cooperative Financing
- 11. Other Financing Options
- 12. Cash Deals and Large Down Payments
- 13. Financing a Farm and Ranch Property
- Review Quiz #3 (10 questions)
- Introduction to Farm Bureau [9 Activities]
- Course Completion
- Mandatory Questionnaire
- Certificate of Completion
