Take note of these questions to guide you in finding the right property, so you'll find only the best place for your most valuable investment!
Questions To Guide You In Finding The Right Property
Looking for the right property is a challenging and demanding undertaking. You need to be very mindful of many aspects. Don't rush anything, because you might miss an important detail in finding the perfect property. To help you find the ideal property to suit your homesteading dream, we came up a list of 25 questions to guide you in successful property hunting. Contemplate each of these questions!.
Property Size
1. How big is the property (acres)?
Size really matters in finding the right property. Choose the perfect size for your needs. If you are planning to build a garden, install a pool, a lawn space, a playground, or other backyard projects, you will need to consider all of these before choosing a property.
Nearby Areas
2. How close is the nearest neighbor?
This is important for safety and security purposes. Whatever happens, you can have someone to help you immediately.
3. What are the nearest town and large city and their population? How far is it away?
It is also important that you know the nearest town and city of your prospective property. If you are planning to own a property, you'll want it to be situated in a place with a town or city around so you have access to basic needs.
Weather Conditions
4. What is the county's average precipitation?
If you're looking for a property, you must also do research regarding the county's annual precipitation. Know the averages of annual rainfall as well as snowfall range. This is to prepare your property and your family for any weather conditions.
5. What is the average snowfall yearly?
If you hate the cold weather, you don't want to stay in a place with high snowfall range, so considering this question is really important in finding the right property. Also, consider this question if you're planning to grow crops and other plants.
6. What are the average temperatures in January and July?
Wherever you want to invest a property, you must know the weather conditions in each month so you're always be prepared.
Growing Plants
7. How long is the average growing season?
A growing season is the period of the year when plants and other crops grow successfully. Growing season varies from different place depending on the plant or crop. Most crops need at least 90 days to grow fully. So, if you have the plan on growing crops, this question should be considered.
8. What is the area's plant hardiness zone?
Determine which crops or plants are most likely to thrive at a location. Do this by using the 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Legal Right Of Way
9. Is there a legal right of way to the land? If yes, are there documents to prove it?
Make sure the property has a legal right of way and, most importantly, the documents that validate its effectiveness. It should entitle you an easement and a privilege to pass over the land of another.
Access To Utilities And Services
10. How far is the nearest county-maintained road?
Knowing the accessibility of the roads near your prospective property is very important so don't forget to keep this question in mind.
11. Is there a power source on the property and if not, how far away is the nearest?
A power source is something you shouldn't take for granted in finding the right property. It's a necessity. If ever the property doesn't have any, you should at least know the distance to the nearest power source.
12. Is there telephone access on the property and if not, how far away is the nearest? Is the cell phone signal good on the property?
Who doesn't use telephone and cell phone, right? Communication is essential, so an excellent signal is a must when choosing the perfect location for your property.
13. Does 911 operate in the area and if yes, what is the required information?
If just in case you encounter fire, an accident, or if something untoward happens at your location, you may feel quite secured knowing that 911 operates in your area. You should be aware of this important matter as your safety depends on it.
14. What is the county extension office's and the county clerk office's phone number?
These offices can assist and help you with your concerns regarding agricultural matters, as well as with administrative functions and public services. Knowing their contact numbers will make establishing your stay easier and hassle-free.
Other Rules And Regulations
15. Are there any laws in the area on subdividing the land?
Always check if there any laws in the area regarding subdividing the land. Legal provisions are always ideal to avoid the hassle and to lessen disputes and problems.
16. Are there any covenants (e.g. prohibition on building outbuildings) that apply on the property?Are there any zoning laws that apply to the area?
Zoning laws are laws that dictate how a property can and cannot be used in a certain area. These limit commercial use of land.
Government-Related
17. Does the government require building permits and are government-sanctioned inspections required?
Government-related issues are one of the most important things to consider when owning a property. If you have the plan of building an establishment, you need to submit every document required by the government.
18. Who owns the rights for timber, water, and minerals from the property?
In finding the right property, you need to establish a harmonious relationship with the realtor or the owner. Make sure to settle the deal on the first phase of the agreement. Things such as the rights and ownership for the timber, water, and minerals must be considered to avoid misunderstanding that can lead to a more serious case.
Land Assets
19. Has the land title been checked and cleared?
To make sure everything is fine regarding your property, make sure to check if the land title has been cleared. You don't want to meet issues and problems at the end. Be mindful of this matter before you draw money for a certain property.
20. Is there surface water on the property? If yes, how far is it from the building site and how many gal./min. and total fall is on the property (ft.)?
If you have kids and are planning to live in your prospective property, don't skip checking if there's a surface water around. If there's surface water near the area, ask the realtor or make an effort to know how deep the water is. If you think the surface water is unsafe for your kids, might as well look for a safer place to live in.
21. Has the property passed a percolation test near the building site and has it been logged? If yes, when and was it clearcut or selective?
A percolation test is a test to determine the water absorption rate of the soil. Make sure the property passed the test in preparation for the building of a septic drain field.
22. How much of the property is timbered and how much is clear?
If you want a modern type of property, checking its physical features is something you'll want to prioritize. Timbered buildings look way older than those already cleared.
23. Does fruit grow in the area? If yes, what kind? Is there a mature orchard on the property?
If you're a farmer or a gardener, knowing what fruit grows in the area is really important in finding the right property. Check if there's a mature orchard to restore and start managing again.
Terrain
24. What is the property's terrain (e.g. rolling hills)? If hilly or steep, on which side of the mountain is the property located?
If you're looking for a property situated in the mountains, make sure to know its physical features. Learn carefully which side is steeper or which area is hilly. This is important for you and your family's safety.
Microclimates
25. What kind of microclimate is present in the area?
Microclimate is the climate of a relatively small area such as a valley, park, or garden. Knowing this thing will keep you prepare from any unique climatic condition you might encounter.
Listen to Peter Jones and get helpful advice in finding the right property:
We know you've been waiting to finally have your own property and we want it to be worth it. We hope these questions will help you in finding the best property. Don't forget to share this with your friends and family, pretty sure they'll be happy to know about these, too!
Do you have the plan on buying a property? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
Up Next: Land and Farm For Sale | How to Buy Property for Homesteading
Jeff Schwersinske says
info find home,Help,be back check where to live,thanks.Jeff Schwersinske