Rural appraisals take local knowledge
Acreages and farm residences are a big part of the work at Burley Appraisals. We started in the Pembina Valley, and today our appraisers cover country properties around Headingley, Oak Bluff and La Salle, the RM of Hanover near Steinbach, the RMs around Portage la Prairie and Winkler, and across Southern Manitoba.
Every acreage is different, and there are fewer comparable sales than in town. A reliable value depends on understanding what typical buyers in that area pay for land, outbuildings and rural servicing, and on explaining that analysis clearly to the lender.
What we document on an acreage
- Water supply. Drilled or sandpoint wells, cisterns and rural water lines. We note the source and visible equipment; water testing is separate from the appraisal.
- Wastewater. Septic fields, holding tanks and lagoons, with type and age where known.
- Outbuildings. Shops, garages, barns and quonsets, measured and described.
- Site and access. Lot size, all-weather road access, shelterbelts, yard condition and drainage, including flood considerations in the Red River Valley.
Our guide to appraising acreages: wells, septic and outbuildings goes into each of these.
Farm residences: how much land?
When a home sits on a farm yard, lenders usually want the value of the residence and a reasonable building site rather than the whole farm. We confirm the scope with you and your lender before the inspection so the report answers the right question. Read farm residence appraisals: how much land is valued? for how this works.
Purposes we appraise rural properties for
We appraise acreages and farm residences for mortgages and refinancing, estates, separations and private sales and family transfers. The inspection usually takes 45 minutes to an hour, and reports are typically delivered within 2 business days.
Common questions
Do you test well water or septic systems?
No. We note the type and visible condition of each system. Lenders may ask for separate water potability or septic tests, which are outside the scope of an appraisal.
How much land is included in a farm residence appraisal?
It depends on the lender and the purpose. Usually it is the home and a reasonable building site. We confirm the scope with you and your lender before the inspection.
Do acreage appraisals cost more?
Fees depend on complexity and travel. Properties with several outbuildings or large acreages take more time. We confirm the fee before booking.
Which rural areas do you cover?
Rural municipalities throughout Southern Manitoba, from the Perimeter communities and the RM of Hanover to the Pembina Valley and the Red River Valley.
