CHOOSING A HOMESTEAD PROPERTY - WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND WHAT TO AVOID

[@richardbidinger2577]

I watch most of your videos, but rarely leave a comment. This video definitely requires one. I find most of your videos very informative, this one especially so. I'd been considering buying some land sometime in the not so distant future, and hadn't considered all the things you discussed here. This has given me the opportunity to form a much better plan than I originally had. Thank you for all the information. Love your videos to.

[@valh9858]

THE MOST informative video on this topic I've seen. Many other channels make videos of this topic, but this was the most comprehensive. I would also add some advice about checking out the neighbors. Every state has a public Real Property database that allows you to look up the names of the neighbors around you. And most states have a public Judiciary Case Search database that allows you to look up people by name and county. Research your potential neighbors. My brother-in-law found a property he liked and looked up all the neighbors. Come to find out, the potential neighbor behind him had taken every neighbor to court multiple times and was a real nuisance. He learned that was why the house was on the market. He passed on that property!

[@OceanSwimmer]

Val H. --- Wow. So good to know! I looked at one community, a small town bordering on the mountains, and discovered that it was extremely high in CRIME! And not just assault, but predators, with lots of men arrested for RAPE!!! (Placerville, California!) No, thanks!

[@libertymicrofarm6032]

Thank you for this list. Most of this I knew, but trying to explain it all to my husband without a clear list can be difficult. I wish this was a journey we were starting in our 20’s but that didn’t happen. Now our kids are grown with their own lives and kids of their own. We are in our 50’s and finally ready to do this!

[@genal5808]

Myself as well!

[@RaysForDays]

Same with my parents but I couldn't be happier for them. My husband and I are starting in our 30's. Better late than never!

[@qkranarchist3015]

Sounds like lots of us. ✌🏻 Hope you are doing well.

[@hoofandpeck]

I would love to see a chat on companion planting, reducing disease and crop rotation. Getting into the nitty gritty of what plants do what (on main crops for times sake). Geoff Lawton talks about how rotation isn’t necessary with companions and well built soil. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

[@NS-pf2zc]

You guys did an AMAZING job covering all of areas one needs to watch for when buying a homestead. We just recently bought ours and while there are so many pluses to what we got (old farmhouse with land, fence, pasture, woods, water, barn and outbuildings) there is a TON of work to be done on the house and we unfortunately have neighbors with hunting dogs who very rarely take a break from barking, howling, and yelping. Even though we have land separating us it is still quite a racket and kills the peace when you want to just enjoy nature. I don't understand how one can keep dogs penned up and barking constantly. I'd go mad!

[@giveregard2truth502]

We are almost exactly at year 2 of our 10 acre raw land purchase here in hill country Texas. You are exactly right... time .... it takes time to cut down, shape and mold the property into what you want. Especially being rookies..., but, you do learn and grow confidence along the way ... we are midway through the home build- the exciting part. I’m sure building infrastructure for the farming and growing won’t be as intimidating when we get to that phase... I just bough a couple hundred dollars worth of books... but also..... I’m 46, husband is 50.... we won’t need to grow much to feed only us unless our children decide to live near or on the land.... so, I’m tempted to ask... why are we doing this?!?!!... it honestly seemed like the right thing to do before the CV-19 chaos happened .... they say food shortages, but... I don’t know. I just know I love the property/ the house / we don’t ‘need’ to homestead, but I think I’d love the lifestyle. We don’t live on property yet (actually prepping our current home to put up for sale) ... Husband is an airline pilot. He’s gone a lot and I think I’ll love having something to do for the rest of my life.... I bought Joel S. Books on making income off the land ... so maybe after a little while... and skills learned... maybe the timing of all this will make more sense to me... I really do stop and ask... what in the blank blank am I doing!!! but, because of how much work has been put into this ‘project’ lifestyle change... it’s exactly- exactly ... overwhelmingly beautiful and perfect and beyond dreams or expectations- I’m so grateful... it’s just a LOT of work and a lot of learning... Ps... worked two years by myself cutting cedar, laying logs on a hill for ‘’maybe one day’ needed erosion control ... well, we finally had a hard deluge and.... I got to see the work in action... the soil just laid right into my built up beaver dams I strung along the hills.... 😊. I couldn’t believe I was happy, even giddy the next day checking on the property for damage to see the dirt just settle in... I couldn’t believe it worked... truly couldn’t... seems like a small victory to rejoice over, but it was huge to me... and my ambitions for the property.. Anyway, good video. All good things to consider... Thank you Ps..... building from scratch ....it’s worth it... IF you have forethought or educate yourself enough to make good decisions... or pray a lot .. a lot .. for wisdom ...when ignorant 🌷Kelli

[@victorwillingham9731]

I'm really glad my son Layne Thomas gets to be spending time with y'all! I know y'all will teach him quite a bit and I truly appreciate it

[@thefirstpower]

Going back through all of your videos when you started out for the most part. Going semi-off grid to homestead in a year so thank you for sharing. It can be overwhelming but keeping it simple to avoid the mistakes as you mention. Put down anchors and get to know neighbors. Makes 100% sense.

[@jackthefunshack8618]

We have some raw land in Virginia near our son and DIL. We plan to start out living in an RV (we've traveled and lived in an RV before for 3 years, this way we automatically have appliances, furniture to live in while we get started). This way getting the house started will give us a more relaxed pace and we can really figure out what will be best and what we really want, but we can still get started on working our land right away. We will be starting with rotational grazing pasture cows/sheep/pigs/chickens Joel Salatin style. Then after the house is built we still have an RV we can use for fun/family. Right now there are already cows on the property, our neighbor is using our pasture and keeping the fencing/pasture maintained for now.

[@Fred-ff6bv]

i bought the place where i live right now without ever having come into the state and i am excellently pleased. Neither did i know anyone here or even if there were any likeminded people. i moved here because it is my fervent belief that YHWH wanted me here. i moved from eastern North Carolina to southern Missouri. Different crops, different ground types different everything and i couldn’t be more pleased.

[@chessastockton5645]

We put away and rotate clothing as well with our 5 kids. It's not the most enjoyable, but when we bring out all the clothes and the kids get so excited about their "new " clothes it is just wonderful. I also really appreciate not needing to take 5 kids shopping each season.

[@gardencat4952]

I loved this episode. I would add to check zoning, building permit requirements, deed restrictions, HOA restrictions, wet land restrictions, animal restrictions, and and other land use restrictions before you buy. Here in the North East of the US you can run into layers of restrictions that vary from town to town let alone county and state level. We did a lot of research into these restrictions and we are happy with our 2.5 acre home. I know many people in my state that bought a home or land to homestead or open a home based business and found they legally couldn't or the cost was to high to get exemptions to do it.

[@saltycowgirl]

we live on 5.6 acres of ROCKS!!! so we've built our garden up (raised Beds)... brought in tons of free chipped wood and have built up a nice big plot of 10 3x12 beds with room for 1 more.... excellent video and no if I had to do over I would choose better soil... some rock's are good, but we literally have no top soil..

[@SpiritHawk]

Very helpful video. Potatoes in containers grow fabulously. It’s a great solution for rocky soil. I’ve done that in a very small garden and got a very good crop. In fact, I think I prefer containers and layering over planting in the ground.

[@nicoleallen4744]

This video is a year old and I watched it a few months ago and found it very informatiive. My husband is announcing his retirement on Monday. We're moving from our tiny house in California to a homestead somewhere in Indiana. I just re-watched this one and a couple others and shared with my husband. Love your channel! Thank you!

[@Angela-js1oi]

We currently rent our homestead. It has almost everything on our personal list.. Built in 1900... the space is amazing. Celler for storage But only one bathroom! Sacrifices .

[@foxywhitetip7387]

Most of the older homes only have one bathroom

[@LorrayneHam]

Really good advice! We made a lot of the mistakes you point out as things to consider. We moved to an area where we knew no one! That has been a difficult transition. We have a fantastic neighbor, the only one close to us, which is really wonderful. We only have 2 acres but attempting to turn it into a homestead. We are adjusting to all of the new changes, but we are now committed. So we are making the best of it. We love being into the country. We are also dealing with how to deal with deer, rabbit, opossum. Figuring out how to keep them out of our garden. We are learning a lot. Your videos are really helpful!

[@kiasmine]

Thank you for continually reiterating “not that you can’t do it.” Before we knew better we did buy a house site unseen, moved across the country where we knew no one, and although we were successful, we would have done things different as you suggested. We would have rented first!

[@dancnluc1]

Great advice! Were we live; we have 8 neighbors sharing the same road. The sad part it is left up to only 3 families that maintain the road - scraping the lane, removing the snow, etc. The lane really needs stone on it but the last time it was done, only one person paid for it and he said never again. I mention there is no reason that each family can’t put so much towards the cost of it.

[@genal5808]

Wow. So many important points to think about and work through before purchasing land. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and thoughts!

[@elizabethsolomon2864]

Good simple living channel is making it work. Love their openness to sharing their experiences- not just sitting in front of a staged camera shot.

[@alwayssummer8029]

Thank you for a really very informative video. I am a very recent subscriber, and I love not only the subject matters, but the down to earth manner of delivery.

[@margemoore6634]

Thank you so much....love how kind you are....never make me feel stupid....always practical ...love, love, love you all!!!

[@idahoplantlady]

Hey guys! This is random but I figure it cant hurt to ask. We moved to Idaho 5 years ago and have no Anchor. Its just us and the 2 kids. We had no idea how lonely it would be especially watching the kids grow up with no family around. We have a little plot in the country but nothing wild. I really look up to you guys and I know the whole point is to make a living on these videos but if you ever want to mentor a family in North Idaho we could use it : ) Love you guys!

[@hoofandpeck]

Incredible video. We just consulted some friends on buying homestead property, so happy to see this video and see it met so much criteria. You guys are extremely informative and knowledgeable.

[@gettintherejanice6216]

Have a goal of buying 4 years out moving in five years. Hoping to build. Single mom with a 5 year old girl and a three year old boy in a one bedroom. Wanting to keep as small as we can save what we can as long as we can until puberty dictates we need separate rooms. Already knowing I was on my own pregnant with the second I cried a little with the ultra sound both boys and girls are great and having both adds richness. But the financial aspect of eventually having a three bedroom instead of a two bedroom when it's only two kids! I had totally thought I would have a much bigger family and a slightly bigger house. The rent difference is 400+ a month but after I had some time I realized I don't have seaperate them and three and five really when my girl is 9 to 11 years old she is going to need to not share a room with her brother. Access is terms of easments is not something I have though of yet. Though being unable to drive that access is something that I very much keep in mind. I think I am looking for two acres. But finding something close to town and bus routes will be a challenge.

[@mjk6618]

Good luck to you! You seem strong, resilient and hold a realistic attitude...so based off your mindset, I'm SURE you'll do just fine! GOD BLESS 🌿💕🌿

[@TheSjlewis]

I'd LOVE a video on making cheddar cheese wheels. Is there as different process with raw milk vs store bought if I can't source raw? Thanks for all your sharing. Stephanie

[@findland4323]

Thank God for rewinding! Has your husband ever been told that he talks too fast? It's so DENSE it's a CLASS!

[@theheritagehousesc]

Great advice! Especially heat and humidity is hard to get use to. In S. Carolina we have everything that can sting you or kill you. 😂. If you don’t like venomous snakes, this place is not for you. Just killed a copperhead in my chicken run. We just moved three hours away from our last house and thankfully have great neighbors. A good neighbor is a blessing. Do your due diligence before you guy. Hire a knowledgeable realtor and have a lot of contingencies in your contract and inspect for everything. Large is not always better. We were looking for 8-12 acres but we found a home with 24 acres that we fell in love with. We knew we had to deal with a forest covered in wisteria eventually that we will need to clear later, but when trees start falling then our priorities change and so our budget. Thankfully the wooded area is a couple acres away from the house. We also have to deal with big rocky area but we are not farming so it doesn’t affect us much. Things to think about.

[@salemthorup9536]

There are actually a lot of great resources that teach people to take less than ideal land and efficiently convert it to amazing grazing pasture. Greg Judy is a master on this subject.

[@BoTinaBina]

I just watched a video that rates Idaho as the best state to Homestead in. Your family has made a wonderful choice!!♡♡

[@colliecoform4854]

This was a great video. We are considering getting a property with some more land. Many of your points I had considered but I missed the big one, check out your neighbors. Little things like that can make or break a property.

[@annalv605]

Hi guys!! I’ve been doing my research on starting my own homestead farm. When I found you guys I had no idea you were in Idaho! That’s my primary focus in my land search. Question, I am a single woman and almost 40. I’ve never run a homestead before. I was wondering if there are any groups in Northern Idaho where I might be able to get connected? Thank you for all of your wonderful experience!

[@shiltswa]

Re having a sufficient anchor: What about “moving back to where you grew up but moved away from quite a while ago”? For example, I grew up in rural north-central Wisconsin. Save for occasional trips back to visit family (usually for weddings, family holidays, funerals), I’ve spent the last 30+ years in Iowa. But I have never really fit well in Iowa, and still think of myself as a Wisconsinite. While I have lived around farmers all my life, I have always lived as a townsman, sometimes with gardens and often not; and Iowa farms (and Iowa topography) is very different than what I grew up. I was planning to use the next 6-18 months to take some weekends up north fishing, camping, visiting relatives and reestablishing connections with high school friends, before deciding, and then maybe finding a place to rent for a year first. (I wasn’t going to limit myself to the single county where I grew up. In fact I thought that might have special disadvantages, since I am more likely to fall into the trap of thinking it is the “same place as when I left” and making bad assumptions. Any other suggestions about what I should do to ensure that I have a sufficient anchor? Thanks. Just subscribed. P.s. just found you on youtube and have been spending most of the afternoon watching your videos instead of working on my three new 4x4 raised beds. Oops. 🙂

[@DCastleberry66]

Another consideration is cell phone/internet coverage in case you have a home business, work from home or home school your children.

[@gemmadurrant7233]

WOW, that really took me by nice suprise. 😀 great answer (as ever) and thank you so much for all your wonderful videos and media content, informative, inspiring and encouraging. Best wishes to you all. 🤗🤩

[@JeanneKinland]

You guys put put some quality information that I appreciate very much. Most informative show!

[@Goadenhomestead]

We live in AZ and have calechi soil. We've been urban homesteading. We are planning on homesteading for years. Thank you for your advice.

[@ladysarah6198]

Being Australian I find the American accent hard to listen to for long periods of time, but I could listen to you all day Carolyn. You have a way of saying a lot with very few words. Thank you to you both, for sharing your life with us.

[@RaysForDays]

Lol! That's funny. I've always thought what people think of an American accent. Is it boring? And then again, it depends on what part of America you're from. Northwest and South are very different.

[@lkhfun6575]

I am new to your channel and subscribed right away. I love the way you broke up the time line at he bottom of the video with subject titles. I didn't know that could be done. Thank you. Very considerate! Love the lists too. Thanks Robin!

[@katiewinn5468]

Great video, great comprehensive advice. Bless you for being so thoughtful and giving.

[@purepennylane]

This video has been so helpful! Thank you for sharing your experience and insight!

[@katherinewhitson1712]

@homesteading family, if you are seriously ointerested in a large greenhouse/ hoophouse/high tunnel, check with your local USDA extension office. They have (in my state) programs that reimburse 75-80% cost when you work with them to developing a plan through fruition. Something to check into maybe

[@psoren423]

Love y’alls videos, you put out such a great product. My wife and I are looking now for homestead in Central, Western Texas and I feel like I can’t consume enough information on this topic. Thank y’all.

[@crazyldy002]

very informative, this would help a lot of young people that are considering buying property to live and work on :-) thank you for sharing.

[@kristineschilling6917]

so moral of story: buy a homestead that has the basics so that you can get to the fun stuff right away. :)

[@GenXican84]

Please clarify what you mean by "fun stuff right away"?..Seems to me there's gonna be plenty of sore achy everything AND that's AFTER doing your due diligence.

[@kristineschilling6917]

@@GenXican84 sore and achy is worth it if its doing stuff you want to do and enjoy. By "Fun stuff" I mean getting to design your garden, go to purchase your livestock. Really getting into the meat and bones of your homestead dream. Having a ready to go homestead means not having a year worth of unexpected repairs or infrastructure on the property. Unexpected or extra work on a roof repair, a new well, building your livestock shelters from scratch or having to tear it all down due to unanticipated rot or termites sucks. THAT is not the fun stuff.

[@Angela_Alaimo]

Shout out to Robin who is great at every job, even the most difficult 🙂

[@alinapatricia8639]

So glad to have found your channel. This is a great video posting with loads of helpful information and wisdom. Thank you. I'll be a regular now. :-)

[@musicalatv]

We visited North Idaho recently and checked out a couple places that are for sale. One was already mostly set up for off grid with solar panels, but water needed to be hauled in. It was also almost 3 miles down a dirt road that took over 15 minutes to drive.

[@amberday7435]

I saw another homesteader that had bought property on several acres that started a chicken coup. It turned out due to local rules that their property was one of just a few in the area that were not allowed to have farm animals. May be something else to check into before committing to buying as well.

[@shelbybisson6126]

Thank you so much for putting this video together. My family and I are thinking about getting some land and this is super helpful and informative. You guys put out amazing content

[@ryanhuber2276]

Thank you so much for this. Very thorough, great resource.

[@puccipower]

You both have personality types that I value immensely. Were you both raised traditionally? I have so many questions about you personally! You are living my dream...lots of kids and homesteading but I wasn't raised this way at all.

[@conradhomestead4518]

Great information! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@brightstarr57]

Great chat! Thanks for the tips! 😊🌼🌺🌸🌈

[@annamatre4577]

Thank you for sharing your thought, and experience. those are very important idea to consider. what if your alone and on your early sixty wanted to buy a land for farming. what do you think I need to consider in order to survive the economy or would it be even possible? how much should I have in regards to capital? Anyway Thanks for all your video's

[@mjk6618]

@AnnaMatre I can understand that way of thinking unless you have family members wanting to do the same thing it gets difficult...

[@irenesilva744]

Excellent information. Thank you!

[@willow3310]

I jsut got to this video very informative for sure! We are looking to buy land next year. I never realized there was so much to consider!

[@julierose6254]

we bought 30 acres 4 yrs ago and when we were looking we kept running into easement issues. when we found our property we had a lawyer check go thru the easement stuff to make sure there wasn't any issues and it cost us $200.

[@sacredmommyhood]

Excellent video. Extremely informative. Thank you!

[@castleofcostamesa8291]

Thank you very much for your informative video!

[@garytucker6485]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@wagz2003]

This is great info! I'm getting my real estate license and want to specialize in helping people find agricultural or homesteading land. I know so many people moving from the Atlanta area who are looking, I figure I'd better seize the day! :)

[@hoofandpeck]

I would love to see you guys put all of these into podcast form. Since chat 1, I listen to these while working, but it really drains my battery having to leave the screen on, on my holster. Please consider podcast!! :)

[@Volcker1929]

HoofandPeck Homestead you can download videos and audio only from KZbin using plugins for the Firefox browser.

[@hoofandpeck]

Volcker1929 yes! And I have done this. But for me, the amount of time it took to rip them and move them to my phone every time, was not worth the effort. So I just play it through my Bluetooth or speakerphone. Works great, but podcast would be better. They’re already very busy, so I would completely understand if they didn’t have time for podcast.

[@vickismallwood2082]

Fantastic video great tips. Thank you guy's.

[@crochet.with.illjay]

Great video, thank you!

[@WayToVibe]

I've been looking at land in TN, where I am from, though I currently live in OR. I know the climate, the soil types, the politics, the religion. Still, a couple of your points had me hesitating to just purchase a property I see online that looks beautiful and has the right exposure. What kind of neighbors does it have? Is the community going to support what I'm wanting out of my property? How easily might I be able to resell when I need to upgrade? I now think I'll definitely need to visit any land I buy to survey the neighborhood and nearby towns. Homesteading is a community event a lot of the time so finding the right community is key longterm success.

[@melindamcculloch141]

What an awesome video! Thank you

[@ggreviews24]

Should we ask about mineral rights when looking at buying land?

[@journeyoflovelight]

Im so excited to watch the rehab and use of the pasture .. Do you have a video explaining how you remineralize your soil? i just bough Rock Dust. I need some practicable info. Thank you for all your content. You give me peace being apart of your lives and learning from both of you.

[@NS-pf2zc]

You ought to check out Dan Kittredge's series of talks on Living Web Farms. Fascinating stuff!

[@journeyoflovelight]

@@NS-pf2zc Thats awesome ..I will. Thank you..

[@connieblasingame7996]

Good, well thought out information.... Larry @ Scoot's Organic in N. Alabama

[@kerryrimildi2320]

Loved all info you guys rock

[@leslielejeune3299]

Very informative, thank y'all

[@SilverLining650]

I’m 59 y/o and looking for a place that is not on a highway. This is such great content and gives me a good direction to begin my search. One thing I didn’t hear you speak to is community and the importance of having a like minded community. Thoughts?

[@stacycoupland4276]

These pantry chats are so valuable. Is there a way for you to offer these chats in an audio only version that can be downloaded? Since the chats are lengthy and loaded with information, it would be nice to have it in a format that can be listened to while driving or exercising. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

[@Sue-ec6un]

Thanks! Nice chat :)

[@audreyossewaarde]

Topic starts at 9:20 You're welcome 😎

[@eastsidemuu]

Thank you!!!!!!!!! I don't know why people feel the need to never just get to the point!

[@gailpurcell3209]

Great information. 👍🏻

[@houdagirl5014]

This is awesome and informative! Thanks y'all. Do you guys have a podcast?

[@janellekeisling5891]

super helpful thank you

[@raquelapicella3]

What are your top homesteading/cooking/canning books? Thanks

[@sminthian]

And you missed one big thing. Rural internet is still not very good. You might find some places where none of the local ISP's will cover it. And you might have to do (super-expensive and super-slow) satellite internet to go on the internet at all.

[@JaredLaswell]

Looking at land here in TN and I got some really good friends and a mostly enjoyable job in the area im looking.

[@ardenpeters4386]

We have 1 acre and can grow most everything. I really need pasture to grow beef and rotate and pasture feeding

[@surrenderbend6828]

I loathe it too...but as you said it saves so much money and when you donate clothes you get a tax break

[@kyleaegis5613]

If you had $250k cash, would you buy property outright or with mortgage? 20-100 acres, river or stream on property, fresh water spring are my personal requirements. Up to $150k for property. I'm considering building a tiny home to live in initially and to rent out via Airbnb for additional income after larger home is built.

[@gerlindechristina238]

Loved that 'chit chat' session🙂 - truly lovely and insightful at the same time!

[@tomcollick8111]

we are looking to buy 200 acres of woodlans for a small farm and ability to also hunt. most of the land will be allowed to live uncontrolled.

[@williamwoodham687]

Springs. Is the spring a year around spring? Does the spring put out the same output year around?

[@amybecker6742]

I am presently in Pennsylvania but not sure if i want to stay. My heart’s desire is to homestead but i am in my early 60’s, and single with little to no experience. I am concerned about the political climate and looking for a community that shares my Christian values and beliefs. I don’t want to live in a hot humid environment but I don’t like the severe winters here either.Do you have any suggestions ?

[@finestplanet1353]

Hi Mr & Mrs..Enjoy your talks. Are you farther North West or North East. Did the Challis Earthquake effect You?

[@jessicafutrell7672]

Nice!

[@debkincaid2891]

A different topic, but in your area of expertise... Have you ever heard of canning butter? I've canned lots of foods, but never butter. I heard it's possible though. Tho'ts?

[@HomesteadingFamily]

According to the NCHFP it is not safe to can dairy of any kind.

[@findland4323]

Btw, you forgot Erosion and Flooding.

[@RaysForDays]

How many acres do you have?

[@carolcecil2451]

What state are you in

[@JeanneKinland]

Do you think about the political climate when choosing a property?

[@TheDucey1]

Have you considered a book?

[@HomesteadingFamily]

Yes! Have to find the time though! LOL

[@TheDucey1]

@@HomesteadingFamily your all are refreshing and awesome source of knowledge. THanks for what you do

[@stargazer5073]

Well $100,000 in California

[@cherylboyd3110]

What State are you in?

[@HomesteadingFamily]

We are in north Idaho

[@stargazer5073]

What state are you in?

[@HomesteadingFamily]

Idaho