6 Seldom Followed Tips for How to Buy Off Grid Land

Steve Barnes at The Off Grid Cabin

11 years ago

The 6 Must Know Tips For How To Buy Off Grid Land

If you’re looking to live off the grid…
… then learning these 6 must know tips for how to buy off grid land is the perfect place to start.

When we made the decision to buy land to build our off grid home we dove head first like most folks. We grabbed the local real estate listings and just drove, and drove and drove. There is a better way!

Anyone interested in off grid living that doesn’t already have land to build upon wants to know what is the best stress free way to find and buy that land. well, we’ve put together 6 tips that folks seldom consider when buying property for off grid development. In fact, we’ve even created additional tips that we’ll share with you at the bottom including how we saved $20K and got out land half price because of a typo! There are millions of acres of land all over the world where anyone can live off grid just waiting to be bought. Land that will one day be turned from someone’s dream into reality. Here are our 6 seldom followed tips when buying off grid land. Enjoy!

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Don’t Buy Land With Covenants

If you are looking for a property to buy, you may come across some listings that mention covenants. Covenants are legal agreements that restrict or limit certain actions or uses of the land by the owner or tenant. They are usually imposed by developers, municipalities, or homeowners associations (HOAs) to maintain the integrity, uniformity, and value of a community. However, covenants can also be a source of frustration, inconvenience, and expense for the landowner. Here are some reasons why you should avoid buying land with covenants.

Covenants can limit your freedom and flexibility. Covenants can restrict anything from the height, design, color, or material of your building to the type of fence, landscaping, or signage you can have. They can also prohibit you from using your property for certain purposes, such as running a business, renting it out, or keeping pets. If you have a vision for your dream home or want to use your land creatively, covenants can prevent you from realizing it.

Covenants can affect the value and marketability of your property. Covenants can protect the value of your property by ensuring that the neighborhood maintains a certain standard and appearance. However, they can also reduce the value and marketability of your property by making it less attractive to potential buyers who do not want to comply with the restrictions or pay the fees associated with them. Covenants can also make it harder to get financing or insurance for your property, as lenders and insurers may consider them as risks.

Covenants can lead to disputes and legal consequences. Covenants are legally binding and enforceable by the parties who benefit from them, such as the developer, the municipality, or the HOA. If you violate a covenant, either intentionally or unintentionally, you may face penalties, fines, lawsuits, or injunctions. You may also have to undo any changes you made to your property or pay for damages. Covenants can also cause conflicts with your neighbors, who may report you for non-compliance or sue you for breach of contract.

Therefore, before buying land with covenants, you should carefully review the terms and conditions of the covenants and consider whether they align with your needs and preferences. You should also consult a lawyer to understand the legal implications and risks of the covenants. Buying land with covenants can be a costly and stressful experience, so it is better to avoid it if possible.

Always Check County Planning & Zoning Ordinances

Buying land can be a great investment, but it can also come with some challenges and risks.

One of the most important things you should do before buying land is to check the county planning and zoning ordinances that apply to the property. These are the laws and regulations that govern how the land can be used, developed, and maintained. They can affect your rights, responsibilities, and options as a landowner. Here are some reasons why you should always check county planning and zoning ordinances before buying land.

County planning and zoning ordinances can protect your property value and quality of life. County planning and zoning ordinances are designed to promote the orderly growth and development of the county, and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents. They can help to prevent incompatible or undesirable land uses from encroaching on your property, such as industrial facilities, landfills, or noisy businesses. They can also help to preserve the natural and cultural resources of the county, such as scenic views, historic sites, or wildlife habitats. By checking the county planning and zoning ordinances, you can ensure that your property is in compliance with the standards and expectations of the community, and that your property value and quality of life are not negatively affected by other land uses.

County planning and zoning ordinances can inform your decision and planning. County planning and zoning ordinances can tell you what you can and cannot do with your land, and what you need to do to obtain the necessary permits and approvals. They can specify the allowed uses, densities, setbacks, heights, lot sizes, and other requirements for your property. They can also indicate the future plans and policies of the county, such as transportation, infrastructure, or conservation. By checking the county planning and zoning ordinances, you can evaluate the feasibility and suitability of your intended land use, and plan accordingly. You can also avoid any surprises or conflicts that may arise from unawareness or ignorance of the rules.

County planning and zoning ordinances can save you time, money, and trouble. County planning and zoning ordinances are legally enforceable, and violating them can result in penalties, fines, lawsuits, or injunctions. You may also have to undo any changes you made to your property or pay for damages. Moreover, violating the county planning and zoning ordinances can damage your reputation and relationship with your neighbors, the county officials, and the public. By checking the county planning and zoning ordinances, you can avoid these costly and stressful consequences, and ensure that your land use is lawful and respectful.

Therefore, before buying land, you should always check the county planning and zoning ordinances that apply to the property. You can find these ordinances online, at the county office, or by consulting a lawyer or a real estate agent. Checking the county planning and zoning ordinances can help you to protect your property value and quality of life, inform your decision and planning, and save you time, money, and trouble. Buying land with county planning and zoning ordinances can be a rewarding and satisfying experience, as long as you do your homework and follow the rules.

Try To Buy Agricultural Land

If you buy agricultural land you’re almost guaranteed the ability to raise livestock and grow your garden and farm. Think about this and the future.

Right now you may or may not want to raise livestock like chickens, goats, pigs, cows or rabbits, so just play it on the safe side and choose a property that allows livestock animals on your homestead so that in the future if you decide you want them you won’t be locked into a property you can’t use.

Agricultural land is cheaper and more available than other types of land. Agricultural land is usually located in rural areas, where the population density and the demand for land are lower than in urban areas. This means that you can find larger plots of land for lower prices, and have more options to choose from. You can also benefit from lower taxes and regulations, as agricultural land is often exempt from certain zoning and building codes.

Agricultural land is suitable and adaptable for various off grid systems and structures. Agricultural land is usually fertile and well-drained, which makes it ideal for growing your own food, raising animals, and composting. It also has access to natural resources, such as water, sun, and wind, which you can use to generate your own power, heat, and water. You can also build your off grid home according to your preferences and needs, using natural and recycled materials, such as wood, stone, straw, or metal.

Agricultural land is conducive and rewarding for an off grid lifestyle. Agricultural land offers you the opportunity to live closer to nature, enjoy the peace and quiet, and experience the seasons and cycles of life. You can also develop new skills, hobbies, and passions, such as gardening, farming, woodworking, or crafting. You can also share your off grid experience with others, such as family, friends, or community members, and create meaningful connections and relationships.

Therefore, if you are looking for a place to live off the grid, you should try and buy agricultural land for an off grid home. Agricultural land can provide you with affordability, suitability, adaptability, and reward for your off grid adventure. You can find agricultural land for sale in various locations in Canada and the US, or you can look for free or low-cost land programs offered by some towns and regions. Living off the grid on agricultural land can be a challenging but fulfilling way of life, and you can start your journey today.

Think Twice Before You Buy Property Without Easy Access

Buying property is a big decision that requires careful research and planning. You want to find a place that suits your needs, preferences, and budget.

However, you also need to consider the accessibility of the property, especially if you are buying in a remote or rural area. Buying property without easy access can have some serious drawbacks that you should be aware of before you make an offer. Here are some reasons why you should always think twice before you buy property without easy access.

Property without easy access can be more expensive and difficult to maintain. Property without easy access usually means property that is far from the main roads, public transportation, and other services. This can make it more costly and challenging to maintain the property, as you may have to pay more for utilities, repairs, deliveries, and emergencies. You may also have to deal with issues such as poor road conditions, bad weather, wildlife, and isolation. If you are not prepared for these challenges, you may end up regretting your purchase.

Property without easy access can be less secure and safe. Property without easy access can also mean property that is more vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and trespassing. You may have less protection from the law enforcement, fire department, and other emergency services, as they may take longer to reach your property or may not be able to access it at all. You may also have less social support and interaction from your neighbours and community, which can affect your mental and emotional well-being. If you value your security and safety, you may want to reconsider buying property without easy access.

Property without easy access can be harder to sell or rent. Property without easy access can also mean property that has less demand and value in the market. You may have a harder time finding buyers or tenants who are willing to pay a fair price for your property, or who are interested in living in such a location. You may also have to spend more on marketing and advertising your property, or offer incentives and discounts to attract potential customers. If you plan to sell or rent your property in the future, you may want to think twice before buying property without easy access.

Therefore, before buying property without easy access, you should always weigh the pros and cons carefully. You should also do your homework and inspect the property thoroughly, as well as consult with a professional real estate agent who can advise you on the best options for your situation. Buying property without easy access can be a rewarding and satisfying experience, but only if you are ready for the challenges and risks involved.

Beware Of Buying Land That is too Remote or Secluded

Buying land can be a great way to achieve your dreams of living off the grid, building your own home, or enjoying nature.

However, buying land that is too remote or secluded can also come with some serious drawbacks that you should be aware of before you make a purchase. Here are some of the reasons why you should beware of buying land that is too remote or secluded.

You may face higher costs and difficulties in developing and maintaining the land. Land that is too remote or secluded may not have easy access to utilities, such as power, water, gas, and phone lines. You may have to pay extra to extend these services to your property, or invest in alternative sources, such as solar panels, wells, or generators. You may also have to deal with poor road conditions, bad weather, wildlife, and isolation, which can make it harder to transport materials, equipment, and workers to your land. Moreover, you may have to pay more for insurance, taxes, and permits, as remote or secluded land may be considered more risky or less desirable by the authorities and the market.

You may have less security and safety on your land. Land that is too remote or secluded may also be more vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and trespassing, as you may have less protection from the law enforcement, fire department, and other emergency services. They may take longer to reach your property, or may not be able to access it at all, in case of an emergency. You may also have less social support and interaction from your neighbors and community, which can affect your mental and emotional well-being. You may feel lonely, isolated, or bored, especially if you live alone or with a small family.

You may have less demand and value for your land. Land that is too remote or secluded may also have less demand and value in the market, as you may have a harder time finding buyers or tenants who are willing to pay a fair price for your property, or who are interested in living in such a location. You may also have to spend more on marketing and advertising your property, or offer incentives and discounts to attract potential customers. You may also have less flexibility and options for your land use, as you may be restricted by zoning laws, covenants, or environmental regulations, that limit what you can do with your land.

Therefore, before buying land that is too remote or secluded, you should weigh the pros and cons carefully, and do your homework and inspection thoroughly. You should also consult with a professional real estate agent who can advise you on the best options for your situation. Buying land that is too remote or secluded can be a rewarding and satisfying experience, but only if you are prepared for the challenges and risks involved.

Always Conduct Title Search And Insurance

Buying off grid land comes with some risks and challenges that you should be aware of before you make a purchase.

One of the most important things you should do before buying off grid land is to conduct a title search and insurance. Here are some of the reasons why.

A title search can reveal any hidden issues or problems with the land. A title search is a process of examining the public records and documents related to the land, such as deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, and covenants. A title search can reveal if the land has a clear and marketable title, meaning that the seller has the legal right to sell the land, and that there are no claims or encumbrances that could affect your ownership or use of the land. A title search can also reveal if the land has any restrictions or limitations that could prevent you from living off the grid, such as zoning laws, building codes, or environmental regulations.

A title insurance can protect you from any potential losses or liabilities related to the land. A title insurance is a policy that covers you in case there are any defects or errors in the title of the land that were not discovered or disclosed during the title search. A title insurance can protect you from any financial losses or legal consequences that may arise from these defects or errors, such as lawsuits, fines, penalties, or damages. A title insurance can also cover the costs of defending your title or resolving any disputes that may occur.

Therefore, before buying off grid land, you should always conduct a title search and insurance. You can find a reputable title company or a real estate agent who can help you with these processes. Conducting a title search and insurance can help you to avoid any unpleasant surprises or problems with your off grid land, and ensure that you have a secure and peaceful ownership and enjoyment of your property.

Conclusion

Buying off grid land can be a rewarding and challenging experience. It can offer you the opportunity to live a more self-reliant and sustainable lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. However, it also requires careful planning and research, as well as a realistic assessment of your needs and goals. In this blog post, we have shared six seldom followed tips that can help you find and purchase the best off grid land for your situation. These tips are:

Don’t Buy Land With Covenants
Always Check County Planning & Zoning Ordinances
Try To Buy Agricultural Land
Think Twice Before You Buy Property Without Easy Access
Beware Of Buying Land That is too Remote or Secluded
Always Conduct Title Search And Insurance

By following these tips, you can avoid some of the common pitfalls and risks that come with buying off grid land. You can also increase your chances of finding a piece of land that meets your expectations and suits your lifestyle. Remember, buying off grid land is not a one-size-fits-all process. It is a personal and unique journey that requires patience, flexibility, and creativity. We hope that this blog post has given you some useful insights and inspiration for your own off grid adventure. Happy hunting!

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