Question

Things to consider.

Purchase property: Before you even go to look at property to purchase, take some time and sit down with a paper and pen. Write out everything that you would like your property to have. Ask yourself all the pertinent questions and list your answers.

• Do we want a south-facing slope or flatland?
• Do we want year-round running water or are we just going to drill a well?
• Where are the water tables?
• Does the piece of land have high and dry places or is it going to flood out during a spring thaw or heavy showers?
• What kind of soil requirements are we looking for?
• Are we going to buy bare land or do we want some structures already there?
• What are the possibilities for natural power to the land?
• Is there good exposure for year round sun, which can be used for solar power?
• Are there winds enough to make use of a windmill?
• Where are the flood plains nearest the piece of land?
• What is the accessibility during bad weather?
• What kinds of trees and plants grow there naturally and is there any condition that might hinder the growth of plants you want for survival?

Once you have your list, you can call any real estate company and ask for some listings that include (or come close to) everything you want. When you go to look at the properties from the list, make sure that you look at and consider at least three different lots. Once you have found three that you think might suit you, then wait a day or two and go back to each one and spend a bit of time there. Find out how the property feels to you and whether or not you are comfortable there. Maybe even call the realty office and get permission to camp out on the property for a weekend. Please remember that when you buy a piece of land, you are committing to spend a good portion of your life there.

Establish utilities (water source, solar power, etc.): When you are considering a piece of property for purchase, check to see how you would lay it out for the best benefit to you and your family. Look around at some of the neighboring land sites.

• What kind of power are the neighbor's using?
• How close or far are you from grid power and how hard would it be to install hydro, solar, or wind power?
• What areas are there on the piece of land for your home and outbuildings?
• Where would be the most logical and accessible place for you to dig or drill a well for your water?
• How much of the land is woodland or plains?
• How much of it is hills or steep slopes that cannot be utilized? What kinds of foliage do you see?
• Do the trees and plants look healthy?
• Is there wildlife on or near the land?
• How far would you need to go for shopping or emergency medical care?
• If you have children, how far will the have to go to school?
• Or are you planning on homeschooling?
• Has the land been perk tested and what are the county and state regulations on the land?
• How will those regulations affect your power supply decisions and your water supply decisions?
• What is the zoning code on the piece of land and how flexible is it?

These are all things you will want to consider before you begin excavation to install your utility services.

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