Before you fall in love with that scenic Colorado mountain parcel, there’s one thing you must get right—property lines. In Colorado’s mountain towns, boundaries aren’t always what they seem, and relying on listing maps or assumptions can lead to legal, financial, and logistical headaches.
Let’s break down what every buyer needs to know about property lines before stepping into a real estate deal.
1. County Parcel Maps Aren’t Always Accurate
Most buyers check online GIS (Geographic Information System) maps from county websites like Clear Creek or Gilpin. While these maps are helpful for getting a general idea, they’re not legal boundaries.
👀 What to look out for:
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Oddly shaped mining claims
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Overlapping or split parcels
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Missing easements
Pro tip: Always follow up digital maps with a site visit using GPS-based tools or an app like OnX Hunt, which our team uses to walk the property with clients.
2. Mining Claims and Easements Can Affect Ownership
Some mountain land comes with historic mining claims or easements that pass through the parcel.
⛏️ This could mean:
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You might not own the mineral rights beneath your land
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There could be remnants of old mines or water runoff
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Someone else may have legal access across part of your land
This can impact insurance, value, and how you use the property. It's essential to do a title search and ask for full disclosure from the seller.
3. Property Can Be “Split” and Still Look Whole
We’ve seen it many times: A listing shows a 5-acre property… but it’s really a combination of multiple parcels, or worse, bisected by someone else’s mining claim.
💥 Be cautious if:
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The property lines form odd angles
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There's no recent survey on record
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The listing uses the phrase "buyer to verify"
This is where hiring a professional surveyor makes all the difference.
4. Hire a Surveyor Before You Make an Offer
In competitive markets, it’s tempting to skip the survey to speed up your offer—but don’t. A certified boundary survey can reveal:
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Property line disputes
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Encroachments from neighbors
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Issues with access roads or driveways
🎯 We always contact local surveyors before writing an offer so we can build realistic timelines into the purchase agreement.
5. Walk the Property with the Right Tools
Before you fall in love with the views or make renovation plans, take time to physically walk the land using:
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County GIS maps
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All-in-X (OnX Hunt) app with parcel overlays
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GPS coordinates from the legal description
We’ll do it with you—and help you understand exactly what you’re buying.
Final Thoughts
In Colorado, property lines aren’t always as straightforward as a picket fence or stone wall. By doing your homework, walking the land, and bringing in a professional surveyor early, you’ll save yourself stress—and set yourself up for a smart, secure investment.
📞 Contact Us
🏡 Moxie Property Group
📞 (303) 578-1220
💻 [email protected]
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