Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Feel free to browse our list of commonly-asked questions. If you do not find your answer, please e-mail us at info@fayranches.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Quick list of commonly-asked questions:

Q: What is a conservation easement, and how do I decide whether it would work for my property?

A: As defined by the Montana Land Reliance: A Conservation Easement is the "legal glue" that binds a landowner's good intentions to the land. Under the terms of a Conservation Easement, the landowner retains ownership of the land and is free to manage or sell the property and enhance agricultural productivity and wildlife habitat. The purpose of the Conservation Easement is to restrict unsuitable or irrevocable development. Conservation Easements are granted in perpetuity and run with the land regardless of ownership. Despite common features precluding subdivision and commercial development, each easement is tailored to the unique character of the land and the conservation desires of its owner.

A Conservation Easement fulfills different needs for different landowners. For one family, it may be the vehicle by which a farm or ranch is passed on to future generations. For another, it preserves the watershed of a prized trout stream or a wintering ground for elk. There is a story behind every Conservation Easement, but the underlying reason is the landowner's desire to preserve a special piece of land forever.

The donor of a Conservation Easement may be entitled to a reduction in income and/or estate taxes if it is determined that the easement meets Federal requirements as a charitable gift and if it is donated to a qualified organization. The size of the tax benefit is a function of the land and the restrictions of the easement and is determined by an independent appraiser.

Let's ensure the continued strength of your investment by working together to protect and enhance the reasons the Northern Rockies continue to be a favorite destination for sportsmen and women.

Q: In which states does Fay Ranches offer real estate services?

A: Fay Ranches sales associates are licensed in the states of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, and Wyoming. However, our agents consistently research and are aware of properties throughout the entire Rocky Mountain Region and beyond, including international locations. For assistance in finding the perfect property to fit your needs, feel free to contact us at 1-800-238-8616 or e-mail us at info@fayranches.com.

Q: Does Fay Ranches offer any post-sale management assistance for my ranch?

A: Absolutely. For on-going assistance in maintaining and optimizing your ranch after purchase, our sister organization, Fay Management, can handle most any of your needs. Please feel free to call Fay Management at 1-800-238-8616 to speak with a qualified member of their staff or ask a Fay Ranches’ sales associate during the property acquisition process.

Q: What is a 1031 tax deferred exchange, and how can I find out whether it would work for me?

A: Under section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, a real property owner can sell his property and then reinvest the proceeds in ownership of like-kind property and defer the capital gains taxes. To qualify as a like-kind exchange, property exchanges must be done in accordance with the rules set forth in the tax code and in the treasury regulations. The 1031 exchange can offer significant tax advantages to real estate buyers. Often overlooked, a 1031 exchange is considered one of the best-kept secrets in the Internal Revenue Code.

For a complete description of how a 1031 tax exchange could work for you, visit http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/industries/article/0,,id=98491,00.html

Q: Once a ranch has been purchased, does Fay Ranches offer any assistance in the day-to-day management of that ranch or further customization for the buyer?

A: It is important to the Fay Ranches’ staff that our clients not only enjoy their ranch and the many recreational and agricultural opportunities it provides, but also to become responsible stewards of the land. With that in mind, Fay Management, Inc., was established as a sister company to address the needs of the new ranch owner. Our team of professionals works to bring the new owner’s vision of their ranch to reality by offering design, construction, and management services.

Q: What sets the sales associates at Fay Ranches apart from other sales associates with other organizations?

A: The sales associates with Fay Ranches, Inc., are passionate fly fishers, bird hunters, big-game hunters, and overall outdoor enthusiasts. Our professional and recreational pursuits have taken us to almost every corner of the Rockies and various portions of the globe. Our ability to relate personal experience and enthusiasm for this vast and beautiful region is one of the unique aspects of Fay Ranches, which sets us apart in the brokering of the finest sporting and agricultural ranches. In addition, our associates continually research the market to identify the finest ranches for sale throughout the entire Rocky Mountain Region and select international locations.

Q: If I have a property to sell, how should I go about exploring listing it with Fay Ranches?

A: If you feel you have a property that we could sell for you, please feel free to contact us at 800-238-8616 or at info@fayranches.com. Any of our qualified sales associates, headed by our broker, Greg Fay, can illustrate to you what Fay Ranches has to offer in regard to marketing and effectively selling your land or ranch. We look forward to hearing from you!

Q: How long has Fay Ranches been in existence?

A: Fay Ranches, Inc. was founded by Greg Fay in 1992 in response to the growing threat of development to the Rocky Mountain Region’s river corridors and agricultural landscapes. Initially created as Fay Fly Fishing Properties, our organization has grown substantially since then and is now the top sporting real estate brokerage firm in the country.

Q: How can I contact a sales associate about working to find the perfect property for me?

A: Our sales associates can be reached via electronic mail, telephone, or regular mail. Please feel free to e-mail us at info@fayranches.com, call us at 800-238-8616, or mail us at P. O. Box 397, Bozeman, MT 59771. We look forward to assisting you in finding a slice of paradise.