Linda Hahne

Buyer Seller Tips

Buyer Tips

Tips for Buying a Utah Water Right

1. Start with Your Purpose

Clearly define how and where you intend to use the water:

  • Irrigation? Domestic? Stock Watering? Commercial?
  • Will you use it on property you already own, or somewhere new?
  • Do you need seasonal or year-round use?

Your intended use and location determine what kind of water right you’ll need—and what can legally transfer.

2. Know That Water Rights Are Not One-Size-Fits-All

Every water right is unique. Consider:

  • Priority date (older = more secure in times of scarcity)
  • Type of use (must match or be changeable for your needs)
  • Point of diversion and place of use
  • Source (surface water, groundwater, spring, etc.)

What works for one buyer won’t necessarily work for another.

3. Check Availability Early

In many areas, especially in southern Utah, water rights are scarce. You may need:

  • Flexibility on location or source
  • Help contacting off-market owners
  • Patience—the correct water right might take time to find

4. Get Professional Help

Navigating the legal, administrative, and hydrologic complexities of Utah water rights is not a DIY job. Work with:

  • A REALTOR who specializes in water right transactions
  • A water rights consultant or attorney (especially for complex transfers)

They’ll help evaluate availability, transferability, and risks.

5. Thoroughly Vet the Water Right

Before making an offer:

  • Confirm the right is valid, usable, and in good standing
  • Check for forfeiture risks due to non-use
  • Review records with the Utah Division of Water Rights
  • Ensure there are no encumbrances or unresolved change applications

A “clean” water right saves time, money, and legal trouble.

6. Confirm It Can Transfer to Your Location

Not all water rights can be moved or changed easily. You’ll need to consider:

  • Hydrologic constraints
  • Policy decisions from the State Engineer
  • Protests from other water users

An expert can help you assess the likelihood of a successful change application.

7. Consider a Delayed Closing

If your use depends on Division of Water Rights approval, consider negotiating:

  • A delayed closing until final approval is granted
  • A contingency clause protecting your earnest money

This helps minimize risk if approval is denied or delayed.

8. Have a Long-Term Mindset

Water rights are valuable but complex assets. Make sure your purchase:

  • Fits your long-term land or agricultural plans
  • Is administratively and legally secure
  • Is being properly maintained for continued use

Seller Tips

Tips for Selling a Utah Water Right

1. Understand What You Own

Before listing, get a clear understanding of the details of your water right:

  • Priority date
  • Quantity (flow rate or volume)
  • Source and point of diversion
  • Type of use (irrigation, domestic, stock watering, etc.)
  • Place of use
  • Status of ownership (title)

Even small discrepancies can affect value and transferability.

2. Verify Its Status with the Division of Water Rights

Work with a professional to check the water right’s current standing:
  • Is it valid and in good standing?
  • Is there a lapse in use?
  • Are all changes properly recorded?
Clearing up issues early helps avoid delays later.

3. Be Realistic About Pricing

Unlike traditional real estate, pricing a water right depends on:
  • Location-specific demand
  • Intended use by the buyer
  • Seasonal or regional scarcity
  • Comparable sales (which are harder to find and less public)
An experienced agent can help assess market value and pricing strategy.

4. Know Your Market

Water rights are hyper-local. The value and viability of a water right often depend on:
  • Whether it can be transferred to the buyer’s intended location
  • The type of use the buyer needs (irrigation, municipal, etc.)
  • The hydrologic and administrative conditions in the area
This makes buyer screening essential.

5. List in the Right Places

Maximize exposure by listing where the right buyers look:
  • Washington & Iron Counties MLS (other counties MLS do not list water rights)
  • Utah Breaking News, Top Stories & Sports | World, US, Local
  • Ranches, Farms, and Land for Sale Near Me – Land.com
  • Zillow
  • Local publications

6. Expect a Longer Timeline

Water right sales can take more time than a traditional real estate sale. Delays often come from:
  • Investigating the right
  • Matching with a viable buyer
  • Waiting for approval from the Division of Water Rights

7. Use a Specialist

Because of the legal and technical nature of water rights, it’s smart to work with:
  • A REALTOR familiar with water rights
  • A water rights attorney (in some cases)
  • A certified water rights consultant, when needed
Trying to DIY can lead to major missteps.

Water Right Sales Process for Sellers

Water Right Seller Process

Initial Consultation
Contact Linda Hahne to discuss the potential sale of your water right.
Water Right Review
Before listing, your water right will be thoroughly reviewed. If any corrections or clarifications are needed, you’ll receive guidance and support throughout the process.
Readiness to List
Once the water right is confirmed to be in good standing with the Utah Division of Water Rights, listing agreements will be reviewed and signed.
Pricing Guidance
You’ll receive recent sales data and market comparisons to help you determine a competitive and informed listing price.
Marketing & Exposure
Your water right will be advertised on:
  • Washington County MLS
  • Iron County MLS
  • Zillow
  • Ranches, Farms, and Land for Sale Near Me – Land.com
  • Utah Breaking News, Top Stories & Sports | World, US, Local (statewide)
  • Additional local publications, as appropriate
Buyer Screening
Interested buyers will be vetted to assess whether your water right is a likely fit for their intended use and location.
Transaction Support
Both buyers and their agents will be supported to help ensure a smooth and efficient transaction.
Optional Delayed Closing
If both parties agree, closing can be delayed until final approval is received from the Division of Water Rights.

Water Right Purchase Process for Buyers

Water Right Buyer Process

Initial Contact
Reach out to Linda Hahne to begin the process and share your specific goals and requirements.
Needs Assessment
A detailed interview and investigation will be conducted to identify your exact needs—location, type of use, and volume.
Market Review
The target area will be reviewed to assess current availability and pricing of water rights.
Buyer Representation
A Buyer/Broker Agreement will be signed, allowing me to represent your interests exclusively throughout the process.
Matching Process
You’ll be matched with water rights that align with your location, budget, and intended use.
Active Search (if needed)
If no suitable water rights are currently listed, local water right owners may be contacted to identify off-market opportunities.
Due Diligence
Any prospective water right will be thoroughly investigated to confirm it is in good standing (“healthy”) and appropriate for your intended use.
Transaction Coordination
As needed, assistance will be provided to the seller and their agent to help ensure a smooth and successful transaction.
Optional Delayed Closing
If both buyer and seller agree, closing can be postponed until final approval is obtained from the Division of Water Rights.