Finding the Homestead You Want

Getting out in the country is a goal for many. Some want a garden and a few chickens for eggs while others are more ambitious wanting to raise most or all of their food for maximum self-sufficiency. Often real estate professionals don't grasp your needs so you must go in with a clear view of what you need. The right land is as important, if not more so, than the home itself on the land.

Consider your resources and skills honestly. If you're looking at two different properties that are comparable, one has a barn and one doesn't, $5,000 difference between them and you don't have building skills or enough to hire someone to build you'll be money ahead to get the property with the barn, even if it's one that needs adapted. Consider honestly what you want to do. Are you looking to do a market garden? Raising your own food and selling extras? Maybe have a couple of horses and raise a pig or two for meat. Write these down and be crystal clear about what you need. If you're looking to keep a horse, a couple cows, raise a few pigs, some chickens, a garden - this can be done on five acres in most areas. However there's some key points to consider.

Do not believe real estate professionals that say "oh yes livestock is fine" - LOOK. I've had several trying to sell 5 acre spots in subdivisions that said it was fine for livestock - but in the fine print at the bottom expressly forbid pigs and/or poultry. If you're raising your food supply and buying the land to have those that'll leave you high and dry and without recourse.