7 Things To Do Before Buying Your Dream Homestead

Here are seven essential things to do before buying your dream homestead:

Determine Your Budget: Calculate your budget and assess your financial readiness for buying a homestead. Consider not only the purchase price but also ongoing expenses like property taxes, utilities, maintenance, and improvements.
Define Your Needs and Priorities: Make a list of your homestead priorities, such as location, size of land, type of property (rural, suburban, or urban), proximity to amenities, and specific features like a barn, greenhouse, or water source.
Research Locations: Research potential locations for your homestead. Consider factors like climate, soil quality, zoning regulations, and access to essential services. Visit different areas to get a feel for the local community and resources.
Seek Professional Advice: Consult with real estate agents, land surveyors, and attorneys who specialize in rural properties. They can provide valuable insights into local regulations, property boundaries, and potential issues.
Inspect the Property: Thoroughly inspect any property you're interested in. Look for signs of structural damage, pests, and environmental issues. Consider getting a professional inspection to uncover hidden problems.
Plan for Sustainability: Develop a plan for your homestead's sustainability. This may include gardening, raising livestock, renewable energy sources, and water management. Ensure the property aligns with your self-sufficiency goals.
Consider Future Development: Think about your long-term plans for the homestead. Will you need additional buildings or infrastructure? Check local regulations to ensure you can make the necessary improvements.

By taking these steps, you can better prepare yourself for buying your dream homestead and ensure it meets your needs and goals.

Written By | Emma

For many families, the idea of acquiring a charming homestead is the ultimate dream. Picture this – rolling pastures adorned with adorable animals, a sprawling garden, and a babbling creek for the kids to frolic in. However, turning this dream into a reality can be quite a process, especially if you've never experienced this lifestyle before. While your dream homestead might seem like it's a long way off, there are actually several steps you can take right now, regardless of where you currently live, to prepare for your future homestead purchase.

Learn Cooking and Canning Skills: Living on a homestead involves a lot of work in the kitchen, especially when you're growing your own food. It's a great idea to familiarize yourself with the basics of cooking and canning before you're faced with a year's worth of harvest. Explore meals based on whole foods, create meal plans, and practice cooking as if you were already on a homestead. This will help you discover your family's food preferences and learn how to plan meals around homegrown produce.
Spend More Time Outdoors: Homesteading requires a significant amount of time outdoors, whether it's tending to animals, working in the garden, or maintaining the property. To prepare, start dedicating your evenings to outdoor activities in your yard or patio. Take trips to the park, go hiking, and even embark on camping adventures. Immersing yourself in nature will help you adapt physically and mentally to the outdoor homesteading lifestyle.
Manage Your Finances: Leading a simple life on a homestead may not always be inexpensive, especially in the early stages when you're building infrastructure. There will be expenses like constructing animal enclosures, installing fences, purchasing gardening equipment, and feeding animals. Additionally, living farther from town may increase your fuel costs. Preparing your finances in advance can make this process smoother. Create a budget that allows you to live well within your means, pay down debts, and build up savings for your future homestead purchase.
Get Physically Fit: Homesteading is physically demanding work. You'll be engaged in activities like gardening, animal care, fence installation, tree cutting, and infrastructure building. Therefore, it's essential to adopt an active lifestyle now. Start incorporating daily walks, yoga, and strength-building exercises into your routine to prepare your body for the rigors of homesteading.
Develop a Detailed Plan: Take your homestead dreams and put them on paper. Research what plants and animals thrive in your climate, determine the ideal property size for your goals, explore potential homestead locations, and create a budget. Having a well-thought-out plan will help you stay motivated while you wait for the right time to buy your dream homestead.
Find a Mentor: Homesteading knowledge that used to be commonplace has dwindled in modern times. Finding a homesteading mentor and learning as much as possible before purchasing your homestead will save you time and money down the road. Seek out local mentors who can provide hands-on guidance and expertise.
Start Homesteading Where You Are: You can begin homesteading regardless of your current living situation, whether you reside in an apartment, a suburban acre, or anywhere in between. Look around and identify opportunities you may have overlooked due to imperfect circumstances. Whether it's growing tomatoes on a small porch, setting up a chicken hutch in a corner of your yard, or sprouting seeds in a mason jar on your kitchen counter, there are ways to practice homesteading skills right where you are. Embrace these opportunities to gain valuable experience during the waiting period before buying your dream homestead.

Stay Positive! Waiting for your homestead dream to become a reality can be challenging, but it's crucial not to let longing and impatience overshadow the present. Make the most of this waiting period by enjoying and learning from your current circumstances. If you take the time to prepare before purchasing a homestead, you'll find it to be a rewarding and fulfilling journey.