Range

Definition

Range is a term in real estate with multiple interpretations based on context. Here are the primary meanings:

Mathematical Concept: The numerical difference between the highest and lowest values in a dataset.
Example: The price range of houses in a subdivision might span from $250,000 to $350,000, meaning all houses for sale lie within this price spectrum.
Open Field of Grazing Land: A large expanse of naturally vegetated, typically unfenced land used for grazing animals.
Example: A 1,000-acre range might sustain approximately 20 animal units.
Land Division in the Government Rectangular Survey System: A strip of land approximately 6 miles wide lying between two range lines, which are lines that lie parallel to meridian lines established by the survey system.
Example: Each range in the system is defined relative to a principal meridian, aiding in land description and conveyance.

Examples

Mathematical Concept: An investor assesses the price range of apartments in a given area, finding prices vary from $150,000 to $300,000.
Grazing Land: A cattle rancher decides to expand his herd’s grazing range, purchasing 500 acres of adjacent land.
Government Rectangular Survey System: A property located in Range 5 East is easily identified thanks to its position relative to the principal meridian used in surveying the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of the government rectangular survey system?
The system’s main purpose is to provide a methodical way to identify and describe land parcels using established and universal reference points.

2. How is grazing land typically measured in real estate transactions?
Grazing land is often measured in acres, with assessments based on the land’s capacity to support animal units.

3. Why is understanding the price range important in real estate?
Understanding the price range helps real estate professionals and buyers gauge market value, set budgets, and make informed purchase decisions.

4. How do ranges relate to township and section in land surveying?
Ranges are vertical strips of land, and when combined with horizontal tiers called townships, they create a grid-like structure that defines sections for precise land descriptions.

5. Can the term ‘range’ be used interchangeably across different contexts in real estate?
It’s context-dependent; while ‘range’ in mathematical terms might refer to price variations, in land management, it indicates land used for grazing or a unit in the surveying system.

1. Government Rectangular Survey System: A public land survey method used to divide land into precisely measured rectangular sections for ease of management and sale.

2. Meridian: A north-south line used in the survey system from which range lines are measured.

3. Animal Unit: A standard measurement in ranching that equates different kinds of livestock based on their grazing needs.

4. Acre: A standard unit of land area in the U.S., equating to 43,560 square feet, commonly used in real estate transactions.

5. Subdivision: A tract of land divided into lots for sale or development.

Online Resources

US Geological Survey (USGS) - Government Rectangular Land Surveys
National Association of Realtors - Understanding Real Estate Terminology
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - Public Land Survey System

References

“Modern Real Estate Practice” by Fillmore W. Galaty, Wellington J. Allaway, and Robert C. Kyle
“The Land Surveyor’s Guide to the Rectangular Survey System” by Curtis M. Brown
“Principles of Farm Management” by John B. Penson Jr., Oral Capps Jr., C. Parr Rosson III, Richard T. Woodward

Suggested Books for Further Study

“Principles of Real Estate Practice” by Stephen Mettling, David Cusic: A thorough guide to the basics of the real estate field, including key terminologies like range.
“The Surveying Handbook” by Russell C. Brinker (Editor), Roy Minnick (Editor): A comprehensive guide on surveying practices including government surveys.
“Real Estate Market Analysis” by Adrienne Schmitz: Insightful reading for understanding market dynamics and statistical data relevant to real estate.

Real Estate Basics: Range Fundamentals Quiz

### What does the term "range" refer to in a mathematical context within real estate? - [ ] The total square footage of a house - [ ] The number of rooms in a property - [x] The difference between the highest and lowest prices or values - [ ] The distance between properties > **Explanation:** In a mathematical context, "range" refers to the difference between the highest and lowest values in a dataset, such as property prices. ### What determines how much grazing land can support in terms of livestock? - [ ] The number of buildings on the land - [ ] The elevation of the land - [x] The land's capacity to sustain animal units - [ ] The color of the grass > **Explanation:** The support capacity of grazing land is determined by its ability to sustain a certain number of animal units, which accounts for the amount and quality of vegetation available. ### What is a 'range' in the context of the government rectangular survey system? - [x] A vertical strip of land approximately 6 miles wide - [ ] A horizontal strip of land exactly 2 miles wide - [ ] An individual plot of land being surveyed - [ ] The distance between two urban properties > **Explanation:** In the government rectangular survey system, a 'range' refers to vertical strips of land approximately 6 miles wide, lying between two meridian lines. ### How wide is each range typically in the government rectangular survey system? - [ ] 3 miles wide - [x] 6 miles wide - [ ] 9 miles wide - [ ] 12 miles wide > **Explanation:** Each range is typically 6 miles wide in the government rectangular survey system. ### What is a principal meridian? - [ ] A type of real estate agent - [ ] A line used for dividing rooms within houses - [x] A north-south line used as a reference point in land surveying - [ ] The median price of properties > **Explanation:** A principal meridian is a north-south line used as a primary reference in the government rectangular land survey system, from which range lines are defined. ### What is the primary use of open range land? - [ ] Converting land into urban development - [ ] Setting up residential properties - [x] Grazing and sustaining livestock - [ ] Mining and resource extraction > **Explanation:** Open range land is primarily used for grazing and sustaining livestock, leveraging it for agricultural and ranching operations. ### How does understanding the price range benefit a real estate buyer? - [x] Helps gauge market value and set budgets - [ ] Determines the final selling price of the property - [ ] Predicts the appreciation rates - [ ] Dictates the amount of mortgage available > **Explanation:** Understanding the price range of properties helps a buyer gauge market value and set budget priorities, informing better decision-making. ### What measuring unit is typically used for land areas in the U.S.? - [ ] Royales - [x] Acres - [ ] Square meters - [ ] Yards > **Explanation:** In the U.S., land areas are typically measured in acres, a standard measuring unit equating to 43,560 square feet. ### What does a 1,000-acre range signify? - [ ] It is the distance between two major cities - [x] It is an area of land that can be used for specific purposes, such as grazing livestock - [ ] It indicates the height of the tallest building in a given area - [ ] It is a measure used to describe city zones > **Explanation:** A 1,000-acre range represents an expanse of land that can be used for specific purposes such as grazing livestock or agricultural activities. ### What significant factor distinguishes residential and grazing land ranges? - [x] Residential ranges pertain to property prices, grazing ranges relate to livestock capacity - [ ] Both are measured the same way - [ ] They are equivalent in usage and differentiation is minimal - [ ] Only one term is applicable in land measurement > **Explanation:** The primary distinguishing factor is the context; residential ranges pertain to the price spread of properties, while grazing ranges refer to the capacity of land to sustain livestock.