Homesteading is becoming a popular choice for many families that want to become more self-sufficient or simply enjoy a lifestyle more in tune with nature. While urban homesteading isn't unheard of, most people choose rural locations to start their adventures in self-sufficiency and living off the land. However, choosing the right home and property is a critical part of this process.
Of course, selecting a property that works for your needs might be easier said than done if you've always lived in urban or suburban environments. This article will provide three tips to jumpstart your search for the perfect rural homesteading property.
1. Know Your Goals
Although some homesteaders plan for full self-sufficiency, this is far from a one-size-fits-all movement. For example, many people may only intend to grow a portion of their food, aiming to minimize their grocery needs rather than eliminate them altogether. There's also a wide spectrum between full dependence on local utilities and true off-grid living.
You should make a detailed list of your homesteading goals so you can find a property that's suitable for your needs. If you don't intend to pursue full food self-sufficiency, you can look at homes with less land. Likewise, you may want to avoid extremely remote properties if you plan to utilize municipal utilities and want easy access to local services.
2. Understand Your Limitations
Homesteading can be a surprisingly rewarding and sustainable way to live, but it typically requires a substantial initial investment of time and money. Achieving your homesteading goals will often require plenty of effort, so make sure you understand your limitations. These factors can help guide you in choosing a property appropriate for your budget, skills, and long-term plans.
One good approach is to consider where you want to spend your most time and effort. For example, look for homes that require minimal work if you want to devote more of your time to crops or livestock. By taking your focus away from the house, you can spend more time working on the land and achieving the goals that matter the most to you.
3. Don't Ignore Property Lines
If you've never looked at rural properties before, you may be surprised at the size of the lots. Instead of small half-acre yards, you may be looking at properties that include several acres of open land. Property disputes can be an issue in these areas, especially if you plan to fully utilize your land for crops, livestock, or other purposes.
When buying a home, make sure you clearly understand where your property starts and ends. Taking the time to perform this due diligence can save you from frustration in the future and allow you to avoid costly mistakes such as building sheds or other structures on someone else's property.
Contact a real estate agent to learn more about rural real estate listings.
Share9 June 2022
Once I paid of the mortgage on my house, I decided I wanted to buy an investment property. I had no idea that the buying process would be different, but it really was. There were so many things to consider that I hadn't thought about, and even the loan application process was different. It occurred to me that if I didn't know about it, others likely didn't either. I built this site to help others see what I went through buying my first investment home. I hope that it helps you to approach the process with more confidence and understanding.
