Buying an Acreage

We all move for different reasons, and whether you are purchasing your first home, or your fifteenth, you have a preference and style in mind.  There are condo people who prefer not mowing and the thrill of being close to the action….suburb families who enjoy neighborly cul de sac lives….and then there are acreage folks who love the wide open spaces.  A lot of us have dreamed of a larger property for storing all our toys, a place to enjoy the peace and quiet and the privacy, but before leaping into the great yonder, ensure you are fully thinking thru the lifestyle changes that owning an acreage will bring to your family.

The upsides of an acreage are numerous.  You can store that travel trailer, host the family reunion campout, the kids can run free, you can own a horse and you can wake up to nature.  But with an acreage brings a lot of work and it can also bring unexpected costs.  Here are a few things to factor in before expanding:

• The extra yard work:  With all that land comes a lot more care for the yard.  You will more than likely have the additional expense of a ride on lawn mower, not to mention the extra time it will require for upkeep.
• Distance:  You will now be further away from everything including groceries, schools, doctors and most likely, work.  Factor in not only the extra travel time, but gas money as well.  Remember, the closer to the metro area that you are looking, the higher the real estate price tag.
• Property Taxes:  Check into this one carefully, you may be in for a shock at the jump between your in town home and the new one.
• Services:  Is there internet?  Are you on town water or will you have to haul water?  Septic?  Be aware of additional costs and any possible issues that could arise in the future.
• Zoning:  What is around you?  Picturesque scenery?  Find out future plans!
• School Zoning:  Check into school zones anytime you are moving.  It could be a different zone and your child could be into a new school.  Some people prefer city public over smaller rural schools.

When you begin your search, set out your criteria.  How close do you want to be to town?  Price point?  How much additional time do you have for care of the acreage?  Are you being realistic in possibly giving up what you have for a smaller or older home in order to enjoy country living?  An acreage is a dream home for many….just ensure you do your homework before deciding to make such a huge lifestyle change.  And if you would like help in finding it, that’s what we are for J