When conservatives won the 2016 election many people breathed a sign of relief and decided America was safe for a few years. They decided to keep their city jobs, they slowed down their emergency preparations, and pushed back that decision to move to the country. As the unrest increases in cities, I know many families who have brought the country move back to the front burner and are actively putting together their wish lists for a homestead property. I’ve been through this, so I thought I’d share some of the things that are important in purchasing a rural property.
Analyze Your Budget
Figure out your priorities and stick with them! How much money do you have to spend? What’s more important to you, a big house or lots of land? Every family will be different, but you need to decide up front so you are not blown around making changes to your plan. I am told that buying a house is an emotional decision; don’t let that happen. Yes, you need to keep your spouse and children happy, but factor those must-haves into your plan and stick with it. This decision will make or break your homesteading experience.
Rural Living is Different from City/Suburb Living
What you are used to in the city/suburb is not going to be the same in the countryside. You will gradually change your habits, so be patient. Unless you are very wealthy, it takes several years to develop a homestead. Do you have the patience to face constant pop-up problems and the willingness to solve them?
Will you have to work outside the homestead? how long will the commute take? Are you healthy and physically strong enough to do the work a homestead requires? Are you now or can you learn to be a do-it-your-selfer?
How far are the closest gas station, grocery store and doctor? You need to find a doctor/clinic; things happen…sickness, broken bones, snake bites. None of us are completely self-sufficient; there are things we have to buy. In the city/suburbs you can run to the store in 10 minutes; not so in the countryside.
What are the roads like? Many country roads are gravel and oil or just gravel or dirt with blind curves and hills. The countryside is dark…there are no street lights, no painted lines or curbs. If you live miles off a county road, then you must maintain your access road. In some areas, you have to maintain the county road around you, like clearing downed trees. If you don’t do it, then it doesn’t get done in a timely manner. Maintaining your section of the road sometimes requires equipment to push snow, level dirt, or drain water. Check with the county or neighbors to find out who does what.
Questions to Ask
If you are using a realtor (he/she) will either know or can find out answers to very important questions. Is the property within city limits or is it just part of the county? It is possible to have a city mailing address but not be in city limits. So what; why do you care? If you are within city limits you may have city water, gas trash, etc., plus be subject to city taxes plus all the little annoying rules; like you can’t have chickens, you can’t burn your trash, you can’t fence your property, you can’t build an out-building or anything without a permit, etc. HOAs may have one redeeming quality in the city in a condo, but way out here; nada.
Most country properties are zoned as farm or ranch; but some are not; it makes a difference in your taxes. Also ask about special exemptions, such as agricultural or greenbelt exemptions, etc.Continue reading“Lessons Learned From Going Rural – Part 1, by Animal House”
