How to Choose a Rural Property

We had a small piece of property several years ago that was quite an interesting mess, to say the least. I'm sharing it with you so you can avoid some of the pitfalls we faced.

CHOOSING A RURAL PROPERTY

Suggestion One

We bought a piece of land (2.3 acres) in the northern California mountains. It wasn't the best idea we'd ever had. Instead of buying a "stick built" home and having it constructed, we bought a big double-wide mobile. So, suggestion one is that you make sure what the laws are in your area. Does the "snow load capacity" for the mobile you want to buy meet the local standards? Ours didn't. The mobile met the manufacturers standards for Alaska and northern Maine, but not for the county where we lived. We had to hire an architect to design a "Ramada" roof to go over the mobile, then the country told us... "Ooopppsss, did we say architect, we meant engineer." Which cost us a few thousand more. Be sure of the requirements before you even start!

CHOOSING A RURAL PROPERTY

Suggestion Two

The land was mostly a steep slope, unusable for anything. The property lines were a little vague, and we were never sure where our land ended. There was a road, of a sort, along the lower end of the yard. After paying for the land, we found that it was a World War 2 government access road that hadn't ever been used. Unfortunately, the government still owned it and it gave access to all the quad runners and bikers who wanted to use it! Make sure the land you buy belongs to YOU, not some government agency that forgot about it fifty years ago. Make sure that any trails or tracks on your property are not available for public access.

CHOOSING A RURAL PROPERTY

Suggestion Three

If possible, buy both water and mineral rights to your land. Believe me, there is nothing quite as aggravating as having a carload of strangers arriving at six o'clock Sunday morning to prowl your property for gold or silver. If you don't own the mineral rights, you can't stop them. They can even take out a mining claim in your front yard!

CHOOSING A RURAL PROPERTY

Suggestion Four

Do everything in your power to make sure the land doesn't contain a cemetery of any type. An ancient burial ground can be a fascinating thing to watch over or a royal pain to have archaeologists up your nose. If you want to buy an old town site, be prepared for plenty of visitors.

CHOOSING A RURAL PROPERTY

Suggestion Five

Once the history of the place is settled, decide what you want to use the acreage for. An orchard? A farm? Pastures? Or just some distance between you and the neighbors. In any case, you can find out what grows best in your area. Lawns can be trucked in and set on the spot. Trees (as long as you get trees that are native to your location) can be brought in and planted with relative ease. Flowers and vegetables can be purchased from any number of nurseries, from seeds to half grown plants. Fencing isn't that hard to buy and put in yourself, hog wire works great to keep critters in or out.

With a little attention to details and history, your rural property can be the best thing you ever did! Good Luck!