🏠 Building an off grid sustainable tiny house in the desert--is it realistic?

[@SofiaStein]

Welcome back! Two ideas for you: 1) personal loans, though the rates are higher come with none of the restrictions that home loans come with. You can definitely find one that will be open-ended. 2) you can build the infrastructure to attach to the grid and build the battery bank system and only USE the battery bank system. So off grid in practice, but on grid in principle. The ‘grid connection’ will be a waste, but it will satisfy the bank’s demand and let you move forward with the project.

[@9melissal]

You might want to look into energy efficiency rebate or incentive programs available in your state. They can bring the build costs down making things more feasible financially. A lot of states offer solar incentives, etc.

[@9melissal]

The upside to being tied into the electric grid is that you can sell your excess generation from your solar back to the grid so not only are you not actually at the mercy of the utility company but you are making money from them. I think it's all in the mind set. If you are generating your own solar energy, and enough to power everything you need, you won't be paying for any electric from the utility company regardless of being tied into the electric grid. You will still have all the "power" as you were describing. I know it's not what you were envisioning but I hope maybe this helps a little.

[@joshleonor]

This is gut wrenching. I know you will figure it out. I will share if I find anything. Love the vision you guys have and truly hope we get to watch you build your sustainable off grid home. Anything is possible.

[@candymay75]

Rebecca, thank you so much for sharing with us. I’m sorry things are not going the way you planned. But we know y’all got this! ❤

[@RebeccaSisson]

🤗

[@eightybananas4515]

Good to see you no matter what! Sorry for the frustration, hopefully it’ll happen for you guys one day! ✌️

[@melissa7334]

This really resonated with me. I am experiencing similar financial, policy and ethical barriers/challenges and for a different life goal. I’ve made myself sick with frustration and thrown in the towel several times, and keep having to come to the conclusion that I just have to accept some things otherwise I’ll end up with nothing, and to keep campaigning for change in the mean time. Sending love!

[@Rozzi381]

I do property up in England. To get through other people's hoops in order to build, sometimes you have to temporarily tow the line. So, to get your house built, go on grid, get your funding and when it is done and your loan is paid back. Then cut the wires and go off Grid. So glorious to have you back. Love your Chanel the most of all. Biggest hugs and don't give up on your off grid home. Everything will happen in due time. ❤

[@loriwells3918]

Welcome back. Glad you are alright. Sorry about your disappointment and frustration with regards to off grid living. Also manifesting good thoughts for a viable solution. Take care.

[@katrinao8902]

I’m so happy you are back! I wish I had some great advice to make this process better other than keep trying and stay positive. When my husband and I purchased our home it was the most stressful experience of my life…and that was just buying an ordinary home. Keeping my fingers crossed for you and Murphy 🤞🍀🏡❤

[@dinaoreilly9483]

I am soooooo glad to see you back. I have missed you. You are such a lovely presence on KZbin. Big hugs Rebecca. It will all work out. It always does and in most cases for the better. Trust the universe to help 🙏🙏🙏

[@mmk82758]

I’m so happy that you are back! I’m sorry about the hiccups you’ve run into but I just know you’re going to find a solution and your house is going to be amazing!

[@natashafrazier9120]

We are here for you Rebecca!

[@sarahjackman9370]

I think this video is great, One day I would like to have a sustainable home one day, knowing all this before I go in, is already great! Thank you

[@charlottesteed1026]

Thank you for sharing this experience. Your concerns and frustrations are completely valid. Out of curiosity, is there the option of tying into the grid to get the loan and then transitioning to being fully off grid at a later time once you no longer need as much of that financial support? I have zero knowledge in this area, but as someone who would love to eventually build an off-grid property, that would be helpful to know.

[@RebeccaSisson]

Yes potentially! Whether that is financially feasible is the question…

[@wildhomestead9637]

I love your channel for the “typical” content, but also LOVE watching all the tiny house vids on YT and hearing people tell about their journey with them. Don’t give up 😉🏡

[@RebeccaSisson]

🥰

[@catfish9539]

It’s not been a minute! It’s been foooooorever. Hope your house comes to fruition soon. I could literally watch you talking jiberish or talking about toothpaste or watch you doing yoga on that beautiful longe background.

[@karilouise]

Welcome back! It is wonderful to see you - and good luck!

[@RebeccaSisson]

💜💜💜

[@louiseash5705]

So grateful you're back sharing your insights, they really help with my mindset!

[@rustyb9704]

Here's a thought. Do the ability to be grid tied. But have it set up with a switch. So you can be off grid. So if you needed to be switched back to the grid you could. Just to play the game the bank wants and gets you to where you want too.

[@madalinarasca]

So great seeing you again! ❤ Wishing you the best, I'm sure there's going to be a breakthrough at some point with the lending situation. Fingers crossed!

[@kellymartin5475]

That’s so frustrating, Rebecca. Look forward to following this journey however it unfolds.

[@kellyquinn1468]

So great to see you again, missed you! Struggles in life are real and although they may only last a season or two, when you are in the trenches of it it seems like it lasts forever. Thank you for sharing your idea of a new adventure. Keep sharing, people may have gone through, or are going through the same issues as you. You may get some great feedback or be able to help, or sympathize with others. Off-grid and sustainability is a serious movement that will only gain traction. Who knows, maybe you and Murphy will be the pioneers in getting this movement off the ground in your area. The best of luck to you 💜 PS - how’s Gypsy?

[@RebeccaSisson]

Gypsy is great! She had to have knee surgery at the end of 2022, but she is all healed up and back to her happy self ❤️🐾

[@k.l.8804]

I was just going to write something similar ☺️ Me and my hubby are still just in the idea stage of something similar, but in a different country! From northen Europe to a southern country, so its all a big unknown. Its really useful to hear what others face, even if in this case we’re not in the US, but your journey could perhaps give us insights into things we should or could check up on, what the rules and regulations are like in a foreign land/language even 🙈 Good luck on your journey, and pleas DO keep us posted 😊 It might seem for you right now that you have nothing to post/tell, that your journey havent started yet, but it has 😊 Frustrating as this phase might be, its part of your dream house journey 🙂🥰

[@carolbts3337]

Hi, Rebecca is so good to see you. I was missing your videos. Even today I caught myself thinking about gypsy. So sorry with this issues about your future house. Don't give up about your dreams, even if you have to adapt things. Hope everything works out for you. Love from Brazil 🤗🇧🇷🌻

[@GardenerPhyl]

All things are possible. This is too. Accept the fact that you’re a trailblazer - if your plan doesn’t fit into the box that is bank bureaucracy, then think outside the box. No solid answers - just encouragement. You’ve got this.

[@RebeccaSisson]

Thank you 🙏 💜

[@GardenerPhyl]

@@RebeccaSisson you’re welcome. What I’m really trying to say, is that we often think big banks are there to provide a service to us, but in reality they exist to make money for shareholders. They’re not interested in taking ‘risks’ even though you, your architect and I know that your off grid plan is a solid investment. Look for investors who are independent thinkers, who want to be on the cutting edge, echo friendly and are willing to take a risk on an ‘unproven’, yet safe bet. You make decisions to live your life that puts earth ahead of profits. Why not find a likeminded investor?

[@vwsunny22]

I just had a home built in Ohio 3 years ago. Try a "Farmers" bank. They have less traditional loans but you sometimes have to put down more cash...it's worth a shot. Don't get discouraged and understand that sometimes you have to comprise then change things down the road.

[@Klodonnell]

Great to see you back. I have missed your videos here in cold grey Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@bethann9880]

We live off grid and have what you hope for- 100% off grid, but we are in AZ. Perhaps you can find a location that allows you to live on the property in a camper while you build and pay cash as you go.. that's what many do here. It might not work in cali.

[@laurenknudsen9307]

Happy to see you back posting! Sending you all the vibes to manifest solutions that are in your favor 💫

[@RebeccaSisson]

Thank you my friend ❤️❤️❤️

[@mamasatya]

You’ve been missed, Rebecca. Keep the faith.

[@janellesmith8449]

So good to hear from you… but sorry to hear about your setbacks with your home vision. Lots of good ideas I see in the comments and I just know you will figure it out. Hugs ❤

[@thecountrychickadee]

Great to see you back. Thee must be a way!

[@RebeccaSisson]

Here’s hoping 🤞

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

Sadly our society is not set up to allow people to be truly self sufficient and thrive. Don't give up for everyone in your situation that pushes forward and find loopholes in the future it opens the door for the rest of us. ❤

[@norawotton5440]

Glad you’re back! Do you know any wealthy people who might consider giving you a personal mortgage - legally drawn-up and with interest etc. I know several people who have gone this route and it worked.

[@mayramontero4225]

I've seen this happen so many times, youtubers upload videos regularly, then they take a break and they often do not really get back, they Just show up every couple of months with a random video and that's It.. And that's fine. Nothing lasts forever, KZbin included. Life goes on. I just find slightly annoying these "l'm back/update" videos. Good luck with the project

[@m.e.nickels]

Don't give up on the off grid , you'll get there somehow ❤

[@lilly6766]

Missed you! Maybe a different view of the situation? If you can sell green energi back to the grid and contribute even more to the good direction. If more people did this it would more things!!! ❤ Ps: Did I mention that I missed your voice and input?

[@anoekbreeden7486]

Hi Rebecca, thank you for sharing your life here on yt. As far as the situation i can say. Play the game, install some poles, receive the money, then uncut from the grid and nobody will know…

[@IAmSherry12]

I recently switched from a keto diet to veganism. I really enjoyed the video you did going to the farmer's market and then making some simple meals. I'm very allergic to wheat rice and corn and that presents a big barrier for me I would love to see some simple videos To help me on my way

[@JL-hn6hi]

1. If you’re planning to be your own GC, that’s another question to ask a lender about, too. 2. Yes, def talk to small local/ farm & ag banks. 3. (Tying to the grid could be viewed as a sunk cost line item in your build budget, not necessarily a change in philosophy. They aren’t saying you can’t use your solar.)

[@ursulasmedly1572]

Northern Nm folks know a ton about off grid living. I’d say see if you can reach Michael Reynolds through his earth ship site. He’s the builder of 1000’s of off grid homes and would know who to speak to. My thoughts, you might just have to bite the bullet a build on-grid to get the mortgage, then live off grid. It’s sucks but here in Nnm we have homes with dirt floors, cisterns, wood stoves for heat. I see it as normal but the rest of the world? Good luck and thanks for coming back! Missed you 😘

[@JenHaycock]

Sending positive vibes! ❤️

[@RebeccaSisson]

💜❤️💜

[@giselaroman7643]

Can you build to be tiene to the grid and also have the batteries, and use one or the other? With a switch ir something?

[@jemma50]

Good to see you back, Rebecca! So sorry about your challenges with your off-grid home. Wishing you much success going forward. Glad you plan to take us along for the ride. ♥

[@georgia4708]

Thank you so much for sharing! This is so interesting, let us know how it is going and I hope that things will work out for you guys. Since you will be living in the desert it might be worth talking to your architect about rammed earth construction. I think you will like the effect visually and it’s a fairly sustainable construction method too.

[@georgia4708]

Also, here in Europe when you can produce energy from solar or other and to the grid, you can also sell the excess energy to the provider. So it makes connecting to the grid more appealing. Isn’t that an option in the US?

[@9melissal]

@@georgia4708 Yes, that is an option here in the US as well.

[@anotheramy71]

I guess you could consider tying to the grid to make the loan happen, then once you move in just... cut the cord and cancel your electric service. Not ideal, but possible. Best of luck, and thanks for the update!

[@michellem.4358]

Thanks for sharing.

[@heykathbye]

Liberty Bank of Utah works with tiny home manufacturers across the US, but you would have to be working with a specific tiny home manufacturer that produces tiny homes on wheels. Don't know how 'tiny' you were thinking, but that might be an avenue to explore. Thank you for sharing the up and downs of this - I'm in the saving phase of a similar journey and it's helpful to know what's coming in the land acquisition and bank loan part of the dream!

[@HelenaSousaFerreira]

Hi Rebecca! Nice to have you back! 🙂 Have you looked into peer 2 peer lending?

[@h4r4s4r4]

Hi Rebecca, good to see you again! Let me tell you a somewhat similar story from my life. I ride a bicycle, I use it for commuting (in Budapest, Hungary), since many-many years. I preferred using blinking lights in the evening and at night, I thought it's better and safer than lights that are not blinking. Then they came out with a new rule - bicycles have to be equipped with those non-blinking lights (white or yellow on the front, red in the back), and first I felt so frustrated, I was angry and rebellious, but soon I found out that I can have both! Even better, even safer! Just a thought that came to my mind, I hope everything turns out amazing for you there! Sending lots of love!!

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

👏👏👏👏🤗

[@denisescull4227]

Maybe think of the electric situation on grid as a back-up. Rain Country Homestead is connected to the grid but uses solar as their primary power. They started on grid then added solar gradually. You can't know everything and even if you knew this, there could be something else that doesn't happen how you thought it would. Maybe it isn't your ideal situation, but in the scheme of things, you can still do it. No biggie, there are a couple of poles and some wires you didn't plan on. Use them until you can afford to do what you really want and continue with your dream.

[@RebeccaSisson]

I like the way you’re looking at this!

[@beataylor641]

Could you connect to the grid to get it built but then produce and use your own power?

[@feliciabryant1839]

In Oregon we are required to be tied to the grid. :(

[@crocheh]

I love your channel and am always happy to see a new video come up! In regards to the finance issue, (preface: I am in Canada and have no idea how American banking works) are you able to do non-traditional lending for the home build, or does it have to be financed as a mortgage? Here, for example, I could buy a house using a line of credit, if I could cover the full amount with the LOC. Granted, Line of Credit interest rates here are usually prime plus 1-3% so the interest can be a lot more. Anyway, all of that being said, I just wonder if there are other ways to get your dream accomplished. :)

[@9melissal]

To get a home equity line of credit they would have to have the house already built, but a personal line of credit could be an option but as you mention the interest rates would be significantly higher than a mortgage rate.

[@fromhumblebeginnings7798]

This is a frustrating scenario. I have had similar thoughts about off-grid, but simultaneously, I think tiny house living could be a wonderful combination of both. Tiny homes are affordable, made to your specs, small with the ability to travel, or large which are more stationary. There are container homes as well. Manufactured homes are best financed with credit unions and tiny homes can be had with a personal loan vs mortgage and eliminating the discussion of attaching to the grid. All of the aforementioned are a start to a dream and all dreams start somewhere!! Solar options are unending with these homes as well. My thought process is that you'd eventually be making additions to an already existing dwelling over time, once the "foundation" is made from a different beginning than you expected.

[@krisfahrt5665]

Maybe you could reach out to high carb Hannah here on KZbin. Her second channel is The off-grid diary's. She and her husband try to build an off-grid house too. I don't know how they deal with the problem but maybe they had an idea?!

[@massieb]

Good luck, will keep my fingers crossed for you 🤞 Maybe Google lenders for off-grid houses/mortgages? I’m sure they exist 🤞🤞🤞🤞

[@RebeccaSisson]

🙏🤞🙏

[@alexagolden9172]

I’m sorry about the house. It’s unfair that money is always the answer. Can’t wait to see your declutter video although I have no idea how you have enough stuff to declutter that many items all month. I definitely need to do the same though.

[@eightybananas4515]

I don’t know if you follow “High Carb Hannah” but her and her husband have a tiny house. They built there’s like 5+ years ago on a trailer and plopped it down on property in AZ. They may have some insight. Her other channel is “Off grid diaries”. The laws might differ from state to state, I have no idea. 🤷‍♀️

[@sharonknorr1106]

Tiny homes on wheels or mobile homes are usually financed with personal loans/cash because it is almost impossible to get a traditional mortgage and it looks like you are in a similar situation, just for a different reason. Is it possible to perhaps build a smaller home, like an actual tiny home, that you would have the financial wherewithal to finance with a personal loan, maybe combined with loans from family or friends? Do you know anyone who could actually help you build a tiny home?OTOH, if you are using all solar for power, even if connected to the grid, you are still living sustainably, not pulling power from the grid or perhaps even sending power to the grid. The bank's concern, I believe, is how you would sell the house, if that was necessary, if it were not connected to the grid and potential buyers did not want to live off the grid or if the solar system broke down. Then they are looking at a future foreclosure and not recovering their money. Good luck with all this. We ran into a similar situation when refinancing our house - the original mortgage officer apparently didn't look into it closely enough, but the original bill of sale for the house registered with the county listed our house as a mobile home even though it is obviously a modular sitting on a permanent concrete base. We had to pay an engineer to look at the house and say yes, this is not a mobile home, there are no wheels, it is affixed to a foundation. That all dragged things out for months and cost us extra money. Very frustrating.

[@RebeccaSisson]

Wow that sounds super frustrating. We have also looked into legitimate tiny homes and are keeping that pathway open. The issue there is that they are not legal as the only dwelling on a property.

[@LuuGolinski]

Argh 🙄 those banks don't appreciate a good future or the planet 😞 or are not designed to. I know nothing about the banks in the US in general though. I hope you find some ethical/green bank or some way to finance your dream! 🤞🤞 And thank you for sharing this!

[@safepethaven]

Real Goods Trading Co the Solar expert guys, not the catalog or gimmicky Schaeffer side; they were once in Ukiah CA. Also avoid the Gaiam bunch

[@MR.MeMe6000]

I wonder if there are any loopholes with energy improvement loans🤔 Disappointing but not surprised by the responses from larger lenders. Have you tried a lender that caters to individuals that don’t have a credit score, such as Churchill mortgage? They may not be tied to the same investor restrictions.

[@RebeccaSisson]

I’ll look into it! 🙏

[@MR.MeMe6000]

@@RebeccaSisson comps are also tricky bc it is a balance of recent sales in the area and a certain distance from your property. Best of luck on your journey. I would love to one day see your home featured on “living big in a tiny house”.

[@IAmSherry12]

Can you tie to the grid but not use it?

[@IAmSherry12]

Sorry I didn't watch for nothing the video before commenting!Sorry I didn't watch for nothing the video before commenting!

[@amycorley1658]

You may want to check out HighCarbHannah and her associated channels with her husband about their off grid build. They are also moving and will be doing it again.

[@MrSurfingbudha]

You have to be on the grid to have solar because the power that you capture goes back to the power company, not you.

[@joni1]

Do you have independent mortgage brokers in the USA? They could possibly provide more flexibility. Could you get a line of credit and work slowly to build your home? Good luck! Building a home can be rewarding and frustrating at the same time.

[@RebeccaSisson]

I don’t know actually! But I’ll definitely look into it 💜

[@vanessas9264]

Why is off-grid more sustainable than being connected to the grid?

[@cstar6682]

That is short sighted and disappointing. Can you tie into the grid in order to get the loan and then switch to battery back up? Also, if you are relying on solar, will your usage even require use of the grid? Are there any building grants/loans specifically for green builds that you could chase? Don't give up. It will be worth it all in the end.

[@kakaakemi678]

Good to see you back Rebecca! I wish I could help you..but the idea of building an off grid tiny house is great! Is it gonna be on wheels? My dream is to build a tiny house in a shipping container! I'm gonna follow your journey ❤

[@emilyevans6989]

You may not care to hear this, and I DO understand at least part of your vision. How do I say this? Not to be offensive, but perhaps consider a different desert. Texas is kind of famous for an “off grid” “freedom loving” attitude. Just a thought. No shade to anyone.

[@belloves2laugh]

Welcome back! I appreciate your honesty and openness with your housing situation. Having an off grid tiny home is one of my dreams so I really hope it’ll work out for you! Just an idea but you could try getting a personal loan instead of a mortgage? I wish you luck! So glad you’re bringing us along for your journey:)

[@RebeccaSisson]

I hadn’t thought of that!

[@larajohnson8656]

Or what if it is a business loan, since you are in the business of educating us on the process of sustainable living? Or what if there is a grant program to be the example that teaches us?

[@9melissal]

Personal loans tend to have significantly higher interest rates than mortgages which could affect the feasibility of that option. Also the bank can raise the rate at their discretion during the duration of the loan as opposed to mortgage rates which are regulated.

[@lizasoliman723]

the "machine" supports those who are a part of the "machine"... off-grid = not part of the machine, you do not get funding from the machine 💔

[@marie-andreehould9859]

Very happy to have some news! I was just thinking about you recently, I was wondering if a new video would eventually appear... well yes! Good luck with this project and can't wait to learn more 😊

[@RebeccaSisson]

❤️❤️❤️

[@olgabergere]

Such a pleasure to know that you're still here, Rebecca 🤗🤍🤍🤍 Thank you a lot for your news 🙏🙏🙏

[@RebeccaSisson]

🥰🥰🥰