Homestead property options in Maine.

[@THEL0G1CAL1]

Just stumbled onto your channel. I just purchased 20 acres with a home in Maine. Actually not too far from Lincoln. We have owned it for three mos now and am in the process of finally getting to the fixer up stuff that were not "needs to be done yesterday" projects. Let me know if you have any questions. I spent the better part of the last 15 years trying to convince the Mrs to make this move. I have learned quite a bit thanks to her procrastinating on this. The tree program has it's drawbacks, but there is another homesteading act that you can file for a tax break called the homsteading act and basically the only requirement is that you live there for a year and actually grow/farm crops/animals for your own consumption. The tree program can be ok, but it depends on who is doing it. Many companies come in and basically rape your property. Most all the properties that I looked at during my search, the owners were looking to get out of the deal. There is also another "homesteading" type program and has something to do with farming and that one I think requires one year residency also, but you have to actually sell produce or meat and be able to show a gross income of about 2k per year. That 2k was for produce/eggs. I never looked into the meat due to FDA regulations on processing meat. You are talking some serious comercial farming with that program compared to the small vegetable stand/egg farm. I must forewarn you though, winters can be very harsh up here, especially north of Lincoln. So far our winter this year has been mild. Only three storms so far and as of today, all the snow washed away and some of it washed into my garage and basement. I had an on demand geni installed back in November, and it already died and we are waiting on warranty parts for it. Not a big deal as we do have a wood furnace, but I am not here full time yet, so I rely on the oil furnace to keep my pipes from freezing. There is more, but I wont bore you with it. I do have vids starting after the first of the year documenting some of the journey.

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Congratulations on the new land. Yes a friend told me about the homestead credit. Most likely I’ll avoid tree growth. I’m looking for 40 acres. Hoping to find land/cabin soon. Take care!

[@carrie8994]

I agree, the more ready to move in a property is, the more attractive and expensive it gets. Of course, the money spent is often well worth it in the time and expenses saved on doing it yourself, such as with a well, septic, power lines, etc. Keeping my hopes up that you find your future homestead sooner rather than later! God bless and good luck!

[@patricke.987]

Just became a sub. I am in quebec canada (sherbrooke region). It's about a 5 hours drive straight east from Lincoln. So same kind of weather and geography. I got a homestead that i am still working on. I got it in 2019. I looked at the 4 scenarios that you are juggling with. I was looking for 40 acres raw land. Because a turn key house was way too expensive. I found 24 acres that had a decent off grid cabin without utilities except a well. It was decently priced. All the neighbours were out of sight and other properties around me were about the same size (20 to 50 acres). The small house needed renos, but it gave me 720sqf of living area. About 2 acres was grass. Everything else was mature trees. Still thats a lot done compared to starting from zero. I was 49 years old at the time and planning to live alone. I realized that i didn't need more than 20 acres. In actual fact, I really use like 5 acres max. The basics were there . I was immediately housed, got a basic solar system that was expandable and I setup the water to my liking. And improved the homestead slowly. The basics gave me the time to do everything at my own pace. I really appreciated that when the pandemic hit. I was too old to start from scratch. 5 years later, i realize it was the perfect decision for me. It gave me time to setup things. I got a sawmill then built my rabbit coop. Built 2 storage areas. Then renovated the house. You get the drift. The savings I made buying something like this EASILY compensated for getting solar. My initial solar kit was 6500 watts. That covered all electric needs. I was using propane for cooking/ fridge and back up heating. I had a wood stove for heat. This year I got a large solar system. It covers all my needs. The whole thing cost me about 20,000$. It looks like a lot but the same system would of been at least double that price 4-5 years ago. Now i have no bills except for gas bills required for the generator i use in December/ January because of low light for solar. My yearly cost for that is about 400-500$. I love being totally independant. I am not a prepper but if SHTF. I will get through it, no problem. Not telling what to do... i am just relaying my experience. Good luck brother!

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Wow, thank you for letting me know your journey, it gives me so much hope. I’m working through my issues and hope to be on 50+ acres someday soon. I’m trying to get back to Maine soon to look at more land. Take care, God bless!

[@mainegardenguy703]

Water is always key. Both for drinking and possible flooding. Lowlands flood at certain times of the year. Septic systems can also be problematic in some areas. A lot of maine is bedrock mountains and coastline. Tons of rock and not much topsoil. Finding a place to bury a tank can be difficult. We had to truck in soil to build up enough for the tank and leechfield. Finding a place that is already planted out with fruit and nut trees and shrubs can be a huge benefit. Makes those first few years a lot more comfortable.

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Agreed. I hope to see if I can start with rain water collection. I can get a well drilled if needed.

[@mainegardenguy703]

@Backyard_Chickens just remeber, if you are storing water, it can't freeze in the winter without major problems.

[@TheRusscarr]

One thing I have learned regarding property lines, the realtor (seller) can say one thing, the town can say another and your deed can say something different from everyone else. A surveyor has the last and final legal say re property lines. It can take many months to get a surveyor in Maine. People can move lines by moving the markers or just by telling you, this is the line. Sometimes that can vary from a few yards to a few acres. Its the buyers responsibility to verify where the surveyors markers are located. The ad can say 40 acres , only to find out after you bought it that there is only 37 acres. I live in Maine, love it here. 3 cars at a light is a traffic jam. You need to keep your car locked or someone will fill it with zucchini or tomatoes . You wave to everyone while driving down the country road. A slower pace is amazing for blood pressure issues.

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Thank you. Yes, this is what I worry about a lot is making sure I am buying what I actually think I should be getting. I'll just have to buy 100 acres and then I pretty sure I will be at least 90 acres, lol. Yes, could use by piece and quick and lower blood pressure, lol. Thanks and God bless.

[@shawnlachance4745]

Great video. I’m enjoying following your dream of homesteading in Maine. “Tree’ed” land in Maine is more commonly known as harvested or logged. I agree with finding something with a driveway and build site already in place. Keep an eye on the KZbin channel United Country Lifestyle Property’s. Great channel and Lots of good listings. Best of luck on your search. Keep the videos coming. I’m a Mainer, would have loved to homestead, but now like the song,I just can’t. Make that dream happen Brother.

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Thank you. I will keep moving forward. No turning back now. Yes, I do watch videos from UCLP. I met Phil in Maine also.

[@anthonyperry945]

I feel your pain an it's not fun going back an forth. I'm trying to retire in the summer of 2025. I bought land near Houlton. I still work so very hard to find time to drive up there. I'm 4 hour drive an it is growing old just to get there. I bought land to make a camp I'm not interested in living there. I had to hire people to clear the land an put a slab in. While waiting for the shed company to make my camp. I had to put in electric an than a well. An than a garage shed. It has been a pain for sure. The town has more than doubled my taxes because of my things I've done. I could go on forever. Best in luck with your adventures. 👍

[@Backyard_Chickens]

I’m happy to hear you found your land. I’m hoping to find some soon. I’m thinking of making another trip soon. My drive is 12 hours. Makes for a very long day.

[@RichardMcGrath]

I would not be comfortable buying any property without a survey. I know of people who purchased land out in Wyoming and had the trees cut giving them enough to more than pay for the property. Something to think about. There is a you tube channel you might want to follow, lots of good information on Maine. It's called "The Maine Woods" He bought a place with an older small cabin. When he got into rebuilding it, he found it wasn't worth, for several reasons, keeping the cabin. He decided to burn it down completely and rebuild new. He ran into issues with permitting due to the land's proximity to water. Long story short, it turned into a considerably larger project than just building a cabin. The type of foundation support for the cabin was even dictated and what type of septic he could have and where. Just saying a small job might become much larger and require a larger investment of time and money than first anticipated. You are wise to do your own detective work on prospective properties. In some parts of the country there are seller and buyer realtors. The difference is the buyer realtors are looking out for your interests, not the sellers. You might look also into how common it is for a realtor to represent both the seller AND buyer. At the very least, it may be money well spent to hire a lawyer to go over all the paperwork, especially when you are dealing with a different state. Best of luck finding a place that speaks to you.

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Thank you, I appreciate all the good advice. Luckily for me, I sold real estate in the past, so I am a little ahead on that issue. I do plan on looking into a land survey. Take care!

[@BroknlukCyr-t3e]

Hello, if you could compromise for a slightly smaller parcel of land than the 40 acres you mentioned, there is 34 acres of land with an existing well and septic system for sale with an old farmhouse that has to be removed. Located in Littleton, Me. Be careful where you search for land. Some counties have the “ forever chemicals “ in the water. Some of Maine’s lakes are protected from pollution and you can drink the water from the lake but the land is leased and you can still build a cabin but it will probably be a long jeep 4X4 ride to camp.

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Thank you! I’ve looked in Littleton before. It’s close to Houlton, which seems to have all the resources you would need.

[@BroknlukCyr-t3e]

My mistake , it’s 37 acres and the listing is 3 months old.

[@TimandLiamsEastcoastkoillc]

The biggest thing about me is is not just about looking at the easements is if it has restrictions or not and if it has mineral mining and air rights. And if it's got swampland on it you got to hold the dep's not involved on restrictions. And then the other big thing is is make sure you get title insurance. I got family that lives all up by banger Lincoln top of penobscot county Aroostook county. But you are right with the different types of land. Hopefully you find what you want

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Thank you. Yes, title insurance is a must. I have seen a bunch of swap land, but with a large lot, that is not always the worst, but would like to avoid it if I can. I need to keep moving forward until I find what I am looking for.

[@dfoltz268]

Its funny to hear others like me that hate the heat/humidity so much and love the cold/snow. My wife and I fly out from Florida to stay in Lincoln as our base camp for the next week and a half Monday morning. You talking about that Drive on 95 from Lincoln to Houlton is one I cant wait to see among so many other things but that one is big for me. I drive 27miles each way daily on 95 here in Florida and over teh last 25yrs it has gotten crazy. My drive times have doubled and even getting off work at 6am and driving home on a Sunday morning the roads are packed. Cant wait to see LESS PEOPLE MORE TREES at a lower temp! Cant wait to see what you finally find as well! Hoping you find what your after soon! Dave from Florida

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Thank you. Yes, Maine has a lot less traffic, and most of the time, people just past me. In MD, they'd stay on my bumper until I move out of their way, lol. Will not miss that. Good luck on your search. Hope you find what you are looking for.

[@gabestrobehn4698]

Good message !!

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Thank you!

[@CityToTheWoods]

Originally from Jersey, bought the land in 2008 and worked on it since then. Finally retired last year and never looked back. Wish I knew about tree growth etc before hand. The property was logged probably 25 years ago and they tore the heck out of the land. Can’t get through the woods on a 4 wheeler and it’s tough on foot. I don’t mooch around in the woods much, it’s real easy to get turned around. I’m 30 miles east of Lincoln. Nice little town, not an old school tavern for 80 miles though. There’s a few realtors in Lincoln. Best of luck !! 04487

[@Backyard_Chickens]

If you’re a Maine resident, I believe you can always enter into the tree growth tax credit. Should not matter if the land was logged. Good luck!

[@paull9137]

That Cody Johnson song has always stuck with me too. Makes ya think.....

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Agreed, hit me hard and made me think and move forward.

[@johnnyg3103]

I have 3 realtors i watch in Abarooska (sp) county. Most I see is long narrow. Some with off grid cabins. Best luck on your search. Trying to convince my bride we need to go, lol. I grew up in new england and camped in Maine as a kid.

[@Backyard_Chickens]

I’ve been having troubles keeping a realtor, most likely the distance. I will keep trying though. Good luck convincing the wife, lol.

[@dlynn8015]

You mean Aroostook County? Mostly know as "The County" It was the best place to be raised!

[@MasonMcGowan95]

Floridian here looking to make a change. Just got a sub, and more to think about now!

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Thank you and welcome. Making the change is great but I have learned there are a million things to think about. All doable though. Good luck!

[@robbobcat7286]

Check out Down east Maine. Prices have doubled and tripled but still can find land and lots of it for about 1000/1200 per acre with road frontage power at street. Good luck on your hunt

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Ok, which cities? I have mostly been looking around Lincoln.

[@karenrudge3731]

Hi we are from Corinth Maine, which is farming and only 20 miles from Bangor. we purchased 7Acres a couple years ago. They cut tree apx 20 years ago on our lot.. We wanted to clear another acre and people said there was nothing worth cutting for money we would have to pay to have cut. Today I noticed a 92 acre plot for sale in Corinth.

[@Backyard_Chickens]

I did look at the area on the map a couple times. Being close to Bangor is a plus. I live close to BMI airport and hear a ton of planes. I'm hoping to avoid that noise. Do you hear planes that fly out of Bangor?

[@jamesoncross7494]

As a carpenter, you might want to think about power washing your deck. All that algae on the stringers will eat away the wood and rot it all. You can just spray bleach on it. Obviously, you want to be careful with the chickens so close. If you don't want to do that, you can rent a power washer. I would get it as clean as you can and then put some sealer on all the wood. I like a nice solid stain. Make sure to do the underneath. It is the most important because it looks like it stays wet under there. It will double the life of your deck if you keep it clean and sealed. You might want to move the chicken before you do it if you can. Just trying to help since the price of lumber is out of sight! Good luck I like your channel.

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Thanks. And yes, I will power wash it soon. Just waiting for the weather to cool some. Humidity is crazy right now.

[@geraldb4201]

i live in maine and you can have a septic and well put in for under 30000 in most areas

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Thanks. That is still a big chunk of money. If I can find a piece of land with a well and or septic on it that is great. I am also looking at cabins/home that are more turnkey.

[@maineapple52]

If you aren't already following this KZbinr; Hanbleceya Ranch, you might want to. He answers the question as to why they chose Maine. :)

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Yes, I follow Jason and Jen, love their KZbin material. Thanks and God bless.

[@erwinaddison2030]

There could be oil/gas and timber rights and lease agreements with the land that may transfer when you buy a property..the owner or realtor should know. There could be a lien on the land. Better have a attorney check..😊

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Yes, 100% agree, that is another major thing to look for and take into consideration. Thanks.

[@erwinaddison2030]

Not sure about Maine but in Pa they allow fracking. Sometimes people will sell property and keep the gas Rights

[@sarbear3134]

Curious as to why you chose/decided on Maine?

[@Backyard_Chickens]

The price of land is great. Air is good, stars are amazing. I can hunt on my own land. Be more off grid and self sufficient. I do like colder weather also. Take care!

[@anniejefferson7329]

Cuz were awesome up here in maine

[@ocean1233]

Make sure you get A TITLE SEARCH 💯

[@Backyard_Chickens]

100% agreed!

[@Mil-dot6.5]

70 acres. What are you planning on farming? I keep half mine wooded. In Missouri you can lease acreage to the conservation department and keep it natural. Nice way to pay the taxes on idle ground.

[@Backyard_Chickens]

I simply want land to spread out on, hunt on, ATV, raise more animals. I always had a dream of more land.

[@Mil-dot6.5]

@Backyard_Chickens sounds nice. Goodluck and God bless.

[@judyhoffer7976]

God bless you to just don't take on to much work it will make you old fast God will lead you to the right one and you will know it

[@erwinaddison2030]

I'm guessing you want to build a cabin? Maybe look at property with a liveable mobile home. Then you would have a well,septic and electric,move in and take your time building a cabin.. 😁

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Yes, I’ve looked at a couple, but they all had 1 or 2 acres. I’m looking for 40 plus acres. Thank you!

[@christophere9200]

I would look in New Hampshire ........Maine is just northern Massachusetts

[@beewees9025]

If you are a Democrat trying to come the Aroostook county you’re not welcome. You have zero clue. this place is like no other and Aroostook will protect its own way of life. Ask around you’ll find out

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Well, I think I'm safe then, lol. I want to homestead, hunt my own land, and keep to myself. Help a neighbor or two out if I can. God bless.

[@paula...sister1of12]

Wish you the best. Just remember not to take on too much when you get there. So that you are not overwhelmed. Or God forbid if you had to have surgery for something how hard would it be to keep your homestead going Not trying to be a Debbie downer😊 I just think about things like that 🙏🏻❤🙏🏻

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Thanks you. I hope I don't have to worry about any surgery. Really want a simpler life and much more peace and quiet.

[@AmericaBound]

I’m having a very hard time hearing you

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Ok, very sorry about that. I will try to use a better mic. My Chrome book it not that great with audio either, but if I use headphones it seem much better.

[@AmericaBound]

@@Backyard_Chickens no problem I just wanted to let you know

[@ROBERTNeedles-kb4vc]

IM WITH YOU BROTHER,IM FROM DELAWARE AND I MOVED TO NEW HAMPSHIRE,I BOUGHT A LITTLE UNDER 7 ACRES OF LAND AND I LOVE IT HERE,A HUGE DIFFERENCE FROM HOME,I HAVE A TREED PCS OF PROPERTY LUCKILY THE SELLER HAD A ROAD AND POWER LINES PUT IN TO MAKE IT MORE ATTRACTIVE, ITS SO PEACEFUL LIVING ON A PCS OF LAND, FRESH AIR,WILD LIFE ALL AROUND A SENSE OF FREEDOM MORE PRIVACY THAN BACK HOME,ATV TRAILS,WATER FALLS,LAKES MOUNTAINS ITS BEAUTIFUL, SKIING HIKING ,SNOW MOBILING,ITS GREAT

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Thank you. Yes, looking forward to peace and fresh air, and a slower pace of life.

[@scottcarson4570]

Well, as a lifelong County resident, I typically haven't wanted more flatlanders here😂..but welcome to the "other Maine"😂

[@Backyard_Chickens]

Gee thanks, lol! I’m easy going and will take good care of my property and land.

[@scottcarson4570]

@Backyard_Chickens you'll figure out, once you get here, there are 2 Maines