Welcome to our ‘A Day In The Life Of a Colorado Ranch Broker’ Series, where we delve into the daily habits, stories and expertise of our exceptional M4 Ranch Group Brokers.
In this spotlight, we interview Payton Craft to explore how a typical day starts, the challenges he faces, the strategies he employs to navigate the market, and the insights he has gained over the years.
Join us as we uncover what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced world of brokering, and discover the passion that drives Payton every step of the way.
Read on to learn more:
Morning Routine: Hitting the Ground Running
Team Call
The day starts early; 07:00am team call sharp.
We go over active deals, new listings, client updates, and where everyone’s headed. It’s short, direct, and sets the tone for the day. Straight after that, I hit Gold’s Gym for an hour.
The Market
Then it’s straight to the desk to check the market:
- New ranches listed on the MLS and private channels
- Properties pulled off the market and why
- Price changes and shifting demand in Colorado Ranches For Sale, New Mexico Ranches For Sale, and Wyoming Ranches For Sale
- Updates on water rights, mineral rights, grazing leases, and any active conservation easements tied to properties I’m tracking
Communication and Planning
I then work through my client messages, anything from confirming draw odds on a hunting property to reviewing title commitments and finalizing what’s needed for showings, listings, or evaluations before I leave the driveway.
Fieldwork: Boots on the Ground
Once I’m rolling, the day can cover a lot of ground… sometimes over 700 miles!
Buyers
With buyers, it’s about showing the land in its best light:
- Walking creek bottoms and fishing stretches
- Hiking into draws to glass for elk
- Checking pasture health and grazing capacity
- Pointing out building sites and year-round access
Sellers
With sellers, I’m focused on evaluation and marketing:
- Verifying water sources, flow rates, and delivery systems
- Assessing terrain, soil, and usable acreage
- Documenting every improvement ;barns, fences, roads, and infrastructure
- Capturing drone footage, photos, and video myself to showcase the property from every angle
I also map boundaries, mark notable features, and take detailed notes so prospective ranch buyers can understand exactly what they’re looking at… with no surprises.
Building Relationships: The Long Game
Every deal depends on the people involved. I stay in constant contact with:
The more connected you are, the faster you can solve problems and keep deals alive.
“I don’t just check in when a transaction is active, I also keep my network updated on market shifts, new opportunities, and legal changes that could affect their land”
Afternoons: Negotiations and Logistics
Afternoons can swing between paperwork and pavement. I might be:
- Negotiating purchase terms and working through contingencies
- Coordinating with attorneys to resolve title, zoning, or easement issues
- Reviewing contracts that involve tax incentives or water rights transfers
- Finalizing maps, descriptions, and marketing for upcoming listings
Other times, I’m still in the truck, finishing a property tour, filming a new listing, or making another stop to measure improvements before a listing goes live.
Evening Reflection: Closing the Loop
Before shutting down for the night, I check the market one more time.
“If something new hits or a price drops, clients hear from me immediately”
If the day’s run kept me close to home, I’ll download footage, organize photos, and update my notes for the next day’s calls. If I’ve been out all day, it’s unload, recharge, and get ready to do it again.
When I do have time, I’m in the mountains; hunting, fishing, or scouting. That’s not just free time, it keeps me connected to the land the way my clients are.
“At the end of the day, this job isn’t about selling dirt; it’s about finding the right land for the right person and making sure the deal gets done right… no matter how many miles it takes”
The M4 Ranch Group Team
At M4 Ranch Group, we pride ourselves on being more than just brokers; we’re partners in your ranching journey.
Our team’s collective expertise, combined with Payton’s unique approach and experience, ensures that every client receives a personalized service tailored to their needs.
If you’re considering purchasing or selling a ranch, or simply want to explore the possibilities of ranch ownership, we invite you to reach out to Payton and M4 Ranch Group.
Let us help you find your perfect piece of property and turn your ranch dreams into reality.
View our Colorado Ranches For Sale, New Mexico Ranches For Sale and Wyoming Ranches For Sale
And Contact Us to Learn More
Bio: Payton Craft
Payton Craft was born and raised in the rugged landscapes of the Mountain West. His upbringing was deeply rooted in the ranching lifestyle, taking on various responsibilities such as tending livestock, maintaining ranch equipment, land management, excavation work, and managing the daily operations of a ranch. These experiences helped shape him and taught him the value and rewards of hard work and resilience, and the deep connections to the land instilled in him a profound respect for nature, ranching, and the traditions of hunting.
His journey continued when he enlisted in the Marine Corps at 17, for 4 years he served our country as an infantryman in a CAAT platoon and a shooting instructor. This chapter of his life challenged and pushed him mentally and physically but furthered his strong leadership abilities and commitment to teamwork.
With Payton’s extensive background in ranching, land management, excavation, leadership roles, hunting, his strong understanding of and passion for nature and the land, he is an expert in his field. His unique blend of practical hands-on experience, industry knowledge, and deep appreciation for the rural lifestyle, has equipped him to navigate the complexities of ranch transactions effectively. Payton possesses insights and skills necessary of ranch brokers to identify opportunities and maximize ranch value for clients, always ensuring a smooth and successful process.
Through Payton’s life experiences, he had cultivated a strong work ethic, the deepest appreciation for the outdoors and an enduring sense of duty. He is committed to leveraging his expertise to help clients achieve their goals, while preserving the traditions and values that define the Western way of life.
A Sample of Ranches For Sale
Red Mountain Ranch
$18,495,000
Red Mountain Ranch features two 7±-acre lakes, over 3 miles of improved trout streams, and Red Mountain Creek, which flows through the entire length of the property. This Colorado Ranch For Sale, also includes an Engelmann Spruce log cabin, a second log cabin for guests, and a barn with a caretaker’s apartment located above.
Arrowhead Ranch
$14,950,000
Arrowhead Ranch is an outdoorsman’s paradise with five magnificent Heritage Ranches that can be bought individually or as a whole. Superbly located in Central Colorado, this Colorado Ranch For Sale is ideal for ranchers, outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, and hunters alike. Nearly seven miles of trout stream meander through the idyllic grassland plateau with picturesque snow-capped peaks surrounding you.
Grand Mesa Ranch
$14,500,000
Grand Mesa Ranch is one of the most unique, private, and scenic property in the North Fork area – Located in Hotchkiss, Colorado. This Colorado Ranch For Sale contains 4,338± acres within GMU 52 & 521 and is allotted landowner Elk & Mule Deer Tags. There is water abound with water rights, ponds, lakes, a reservoir, and live water.
