Absolutely NEVER Buy This Type Of Land
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- Опубліковано 19 чер 2024
- Buying off the grid land can be dangerous if you don't know anything about buying land. Especially if you are buying the land for alternative affordable housing like tiny homes, Mobile homes, modular homes, and manufactured homes. In this video, I cover the vacant land and how to avoid the most dangerous scenarios so you don't get stuck with a lot that is virtually unusable.
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As someone out in the deep country. You can also call up the fire departments and see if they would dig out a large pond on your property in return they have right to draw water incase of an emergency. That's how we obtained a 2acre pond fully Stocked with fish for free.
This is a great tip!! Where are you located?
I always wondered what those ponds were for-
@@SallyStClair-tv9gf not all places with large ponds in the middle of no where are used for the fire department. Most are generally just because the home owner dug one out at one point because they wanted it for swimming/fishing vs a large pool and it's multipurpose. If it's near farmland it may just be the first or just a reserve pond incase they need water for the crops. Some are natural and just increase home value, and others have also been dug up for a deal like we made.
@@traviseddy6733 Emergency livestock water supply.
Awesome Tip!!
Why would you even buy land in the country if there is a HOA? That defeats the whole purpose. Never consider moving in to an HOA neighborhood.
Sometimes you may not have an HOA but there are still restrictions filed on the property itself. The title company can pull those for you if you are not sure. Neighbors who don’t like what you are doing will find out and make your life miserable if you are doing anything “against the rules”.
@@lordhumongus8669 HOAs are not communist because you are free to participate or not.
@@jakebredthauer5100 No, you aren't. If you buy in an HOA community, you have to join. How else would they maintain the standards set by the HOA?
@@KristinaSmallhorn Out here in Central Texas, it's still free. No HOA. No zoning restrictions on residential property. After living here, I can't imagine ever buying in an HOA community. Free choice over my own property is the most important aspect of home ownership.
@@DIVISIONINCISION You are free to buy or to not buy.
Before buying land near a river, as well as checking whether you have water access rights, it is also worth checking whether the land has a history of flooding (either that or just live in a house boat).
That's what I've been thinking, too. I've seen lots of listings online bragging about the water on or next to the property. In my area, flooding is very common. So, I look at these listings and promptly look at how steep the banks are and whether or not the house is (or will be) on a hill. If the buding site is near the level of the water I don't even consider the place.
Sadly it’s often illegal to live in houseboats ):
@@Jenny-tm3cm What if you put the houseboat on a platform on dry land with very, very long tethers coiled up on the ground next to it?
@@aprilmay1700 Hi. I have no idea as I am not from the USA.
@@aprilmay1700 look up elevation level of an area, above sea levels the higher the less likely of floods.
I recommend people get the Title report. That will tell you almost everything you need to know on the property, and instead of paying realtor's commission,, pay a real estate lawyer for a 2 hour consultation to review everything for you. This is a massive cost savings to you, the buyer.
For all home purschasings ?
What’s the avg cost ?
If you are the buyer, it costs you nothing to hire a Realtor.
What off market property being sold be a wholesaler. Hire a realestate lawyer? Or a realestate agent.
@@paulsosa1872 lawyer, Real Estate lawyers have much more expertise than an average realtor, there are some exceptions though...few and far between.
The buyer pays, they're just naive enough to think they don't. They have no clue where that fee is hidden and how to get a better deal.
in reality by the time you wait for a rain to walk the property it has already been sold in this crazy market
That’s the problem right now. You are likely to have little time to do a thorough investigation.
Buy in haste, repent at leisure.
Right
You realize you have time to look while waiting to close right?
So sit it out in a cheap apartment for now.
I would rather avoid HOA all together, that's the entire point of buying land.
@SomedayIWT debtors as ...rulers..
Exactly
Ah but the squabbling
Grandma's HOA was run corruptly for DECADES until the dictator (who had embezzled thousands in kickbacks from unnecessary work) was betrayed by her own corrupt family and inserted into a mental institution. Poetic justice... It's run by a very competent and caring lady now, and the squabbling is now kept to a minimum by one man setting an example of what mature adult discourse looks like.
HOA's are to be avoided at all costs. usually run by people with nothing better to do who need a power trip.
She touched on some many useful tips in this video. I came across a listing for 40 acres of land the other day with a fantastic ocean view for around for less than $200k. After research Turns out the price was so low because the owner was only alloted 1.5 acres of their own land to build on. The rest of the land was reserved for a CFA land program. CFA land basically means Commercial Forest Program which means 99% of the property is open to public for hiking, hunting, trapping and fishing..
So it would be like living on a place that can't ever be developed and nature can thrive....how is this a problem?
Well, 96%, haha.
@@truthbetold2354 I don't think that's what commercial forest program means
@@truthbetold2354 You're paying for the use of 1.5 acres where you don't get use of the 40 acres. Are you dense?
@@Gunalizer Dense is an understatement. That kid is a certified clown.
I have learned through bitter experience....ask the seller's real estate agent for the latest platt or survey and if legal access is in place. Use the survey to determine if the actual land size matches what it says in the listing (because many times it doesn't and that's no fun to find out after making an offer) and if legal access is nonexistent, you are done. Move on. Also, be aware that the neighbors may have been using this convenient, vacant piece of land for hunting, camping, storing their RVs, or they've just built structures on it because it's been vacant for 20 years and those are things that the current owner needs to take care of and lots of owners can't be bothered. Plus, neighbors may violently object to the land's sale. We went to look at a parcel and the neighbor was putting up a fence across the easement and told us, in no uncertain terms, that we were NOT looking at that land. Ever. We took a hard pass and let our agent know the neighbors were hostile. Buying land is the time to be the most cynical person you know how to be!
Thank you for sharing your story and valuable information. I appreciate you.
@@KristinaSmallhorn
They shouldn't be able to tell you where you can build on your land.
@@Designer_TopG Of course they can't. But would you want to buy property only to get into a peeing contest with an insane neighbor? It's probably just best to move along unless confrontation is your this.
It is illegal to not have access/egress. You may have to get it through the court, and you may not own the driveway, but like I said.
and if the seller's real estate agent seems to avoid to deliver you any documentation as well as YOUR OWN AGENT, Quit them, they probably both have a deal they don't care about you but about a business...be firm with your rights. Also make research. Such agent of yours will tell you only what you want to hear. There are also an agents that if they see they can't buy a house quickly with you they will quit with you. We had such an agent. The money is in their mind....definitely NOT you... look for an agent reputation, interview them and ask many, detail questions....also, it's important to ask them IF THEY AVAILABLE ON WEEKENDS, many of them tries to get easy and simply will not answer your calls....choosing the right agent should be important for you, if he doesn't work your way quit him and move to another one..
I want land so big and rural, that I have no idea who my neighbors are.
The thing is in rural America most of your "neighbors" are the kind of people you want to know unlike the city
@@deanfirnatine7814 Not always, I have 1 "neighbor" who insists on riding their ATVS at all sorts of crazy hours and not unusual for them to end up in our woods. Their nice enough people but I can't wait for their kids to grow up and move out.
That's funny, because the less people there are, the more the neighbors know each other's business.
Harry Mills, in his comment above, hits the nail right on the head. In a rural community, everyone knows everyone else’s business. I grew up in the country. While living at home, looking for work, I visited a friend a few hundred miles away. When I returned I stopped to pick up our mail, and I learned, from the postmaster, that I was called for a job interview while I was gone. So he knew before I did. If it’s privacy you want, don’t move to the country. The city offers the anonymity of indifference.
Aw, jeeze. You need security measures for that!
More than 68 years ago my mother kept trying to talk my father into buying this swampland in Mobile, Alabama. Daddy didn’t want anything to do with the land and he wouldn’t buy it. I ask momma what is on the land today? Momma said “The Airport” 😳
My parents owned a nice home about 2 miles away from an area that new construction had begun in. They wanted out before it got too "busy" in the area and moved away. The new construction? Disney World...😩
Mobile would have spent a pretty penny to buy that land off if yall
Using eminent domain, they wouldn't have had to pay your parents much for taking the land away. What is market rate for swampland?
@Micky41 Cities, Counties and Utilities use eminent domain for their projects too. Just in case there was any legal ambiguity, Alabama further delegated their powers to Mobile under Alabama Eminent Domain Code, codified at §§ 18-1A-1, et seq., Code of Alabama ("AEDC"). Ongoing hearings inform us that surrounding property owners keep asking Mobile if they are going to continue using their ED power to snap up properties for the expansion of the Aeroplex. You can bet your last dollar that you aren't getting much market-rate money for swampland.
@@yeetskeet8885 no, they give you fair market value and the city makes you move lol
Tip: don’t buy land you can only access by helicopter.
How about a zip line, would that work. lol I love all those 'affordable' land locked properties! Why do they even exist, if no one can access it? I don't get those.
@@uk7769 Access can be made, might be a hassle might not be. I would skip them lol
They might sell access after the fact…more $
They might try and sell it to abutters for more $
😆 👍🏼 That's the one I like! But unable to access! 🙈
Try to acquire it if you own the adjacent property. Frustrated owner might let it go for cheap!!!
I have been a real estate broker over 30 years and you covered a lot of great information. For someone thinking of buying land and thinks they may save money can really get ripped off from a shady seller if they do not use a smart realtor like yourself.
I wouldn’t buy into an HOA if it was the last place on earth. You have more rights homeless living in the parks
😂😂😂.
Get some welfare, and move to a park , free land 😎
Seems like that and they will not disband the already expired corporation put into contract to avoid being a perpetuity..voting instead to steal property rights, of which, ownership was one!? Demanding compliances..
F HOA
Make sure you own the mineral rights to the property. Check for right away to your property and if other properties have a right away on your property. Check for flood zones.
Yes indeed.
I found a *perfect* piece of land...something like 40 acres in upstate NY, looks like something out of a postcard - amazing fall colors, river, bridge, etc., etc... I kept trying to find the "but" and soon saw that the seller retains all timber rights 🙄
I have a natural gas line the runs through my front yard. I’m ok with it.
We made sure to that the mineral rights were ours when we bought this place. We did have an easement, and eventually people developed the land behind us. Luckily they turned out to be fabulous neighbors and friends. We lucked out!
What’s mineral rights
My tax assessor asked if I was planning to cut down trees to increase my view. No, I don't have a view even after I build (underground). Assessor was unhappy, she couldn't raise my taxes because of my view!
Why would your view have any affect on your taxes?
@@andrewyates5548 more property value
I guess typical stuff that buyers would be willing to pay more to have. Appearances, utilities, size, space, water, etc
@@samsam-ko3fp practically everything you do can increase taxes. even gravel in the driveway.
In my area a lot of the rich town folk got the area organized into a county size government that replaced their town and swallowed up the folks living outside of town. A lot of them have property out of town so they "adjusted" the property assessments to compensate. Here ocean front or a half mile away with no view makes zero difference. In fact my raw land (I had recently sold) was punitively (I opposed their power play very openly) assessed at more than (I kid you not) 11 times the purchase price! The poor guy I sold it to! Meanwhile assessments for waterfront homes in the same development were less than half the raw land assessment they thought they could get me with. Here it is 9 years later and the assessment is still that way! Oh and the town neighbors stole half my tools I had out there and one still has my 20' ladder out in front of his place (and he i$ loaded)! He is lucky I'm a turn the other cheek kind of guy.
As a retired realtor I can assure you she is right to advise getting an agent to help you, but only an agent that is thoroughly versed in these type transactions. I was a metropolitan agent, never having done land purchases. I would occasionally get requests from some of my residential clients to handle a land or commercial sale and would always refer then to someone that has skills and experience in those areas. If you're looking in a specific area find a realtor nearby. If experienced they'll know the odd specifics to look for and even know of parcels that may not be for sale currently, but are amenable to entertaining an offer.
As someone who has worked in the real estate industry, I can assure you that most realtors wont tell you what they probably should be telling you. Some states, the realtors collectively, are worse than others. Florida is absolutely ridiculous, they almost don’t communicate at all, they want you to figure out all of your questions on your own and they’re just there to put their name on a property and collect money.
Getting rural land on a river was the best thing I've done! I'm so happy here!
That’s awesome.
I dont know if I could handle it a night
@@WendyMiami would be a little scary.
@@WendyMiami may be light poles that are solar powered can be installed
@@WendyMiami Why? I ask because I grew up with a large creek so close to my bedroom if I made a perfect cast out my bedroom window through the trees I could hit the water and I slept great.
Besides walking it the property I just purchased I took a drone and got an airiel view of it.
Genius!
I hope you took that drone to find out the limitations and regulations that prevent the owner from using the land at will.
That’s a great point, I’ll remember that
I agree. Genius idea
Aerial* 😊👍
Honestly bewilders me that to this day, neighbors believe they have any say in someone else's property. What an antiquated self centered sociopathic power trip...systems like HOAs and the like need to be abolished.
The elimination of a ones castle rights was the first salvo to the present day of HOA's and the elites attitude that the prolitariate deplorables should rent, forever!
Rather than abolishing HOA's, you can do what I did - don't buy in one.
@@rogermccaslin5963 great point, but in many areas it's nearly impossible to find a home that is not in an HOA. Investors are buying up homes and renting them at rates that are greater than a mortgage. That said if "we the people" would quit buying in HOA's they would build no new such developments. The ones already built will be there, by contract for 25 plus years.
They honestly don't sell well. Zillow has started putting whether the property has an HOA above the scroll area. They're too expensive and can add hundreds and HUNDREDS of dollars to your monthly payment besides the mortgage payment -- or even it it's paid off. And who decides if they raise it? Over and over and over.
HOA’s are going to become more and more popular. The only people that can afford land are developers. So when you buy “your land” as a plot of 100,000 acres owned by them you WILL follow rules to live there.
Whether it’s “easement” agreements or whatever. Your neighbor has the right to say something about anything if it bothers them. That’s how societies work.
The idea of getting your own private slot of America where you can do whatever you want with who ever you want isn’t real and never was 😂
I know you are talking about something different, but I also learned to visit properties at night and weekends ... as I was unpleasantly surprised many a time.
You bet sleep on property if possible you will find out many interesting things in the midnite hours lol.
Almost purchased a swamp and avoided that money pit by walking the property. In fact people should take a friend or two with you. Especially hunters and campers friends.
Thing is, in a few years that swamp will be worth 5x what you paid, after a few people build nice homes. I almost bought some river bottom property for $400/acre and passed. 15 years later, its $15k/acre and on track to being a major upscale neighborhood.
@@springbloom5940 no guarantee though..
What if I want a duck farm
Get a preliminary title report showing the Plat map, all easements, right of ways, any local restrictions, the legal owners name and any liens on the property.
Great video!!!
Mineral rights can be another can of worms.
@@kennethahl175 depends on the state
This is the perfect example.
You don't need to wait for precipitation to see what effects it may have on your property. Look at a contour map that shows the elevations of your desired property and the surrounding area. Even if the property you're looking at is only very slightly beneath the land around it, that's a problem. Every time it rains the water will follow gravity and end up on your land. Your property will be the first to pond and flood, and the last to dry out. So make sure there's at least one adjacent property that's at a lower elevation than yours, even if just a little bit.
If the property that you are looking to purchase is lower in elevation than surrounding properties and or anywhere near a body of water, look into getting flood insurance.
Or, just look at the vegetation that is growing there.
As long as your property is accessible by road the post office will deliver mail.
Though your mailbox may have to be located at the end of your driveway at the main road.
I would avoid an HOA as i would a Timeshare.
Several people say the same thing. It’s not bad advice for a Free Spirit but some people like buying into an area knowing that no one can get away with having a rundown property with a weird-looking residence.
@@stephenpowstinger733 Ur're absolutely correct, sometimes it gets more expensive having to permanently remove unwanted property degrading owners than just paying fees to keep this matter controlled! i.e.,sights that makes eyes sore, blinds others from seeing their own, then the entire area starts to decay for even more rift raft to feel welcome!
There are HOA's and there are HOA's. Get a copy of the charter (rules). Some unincorporated areas that get plotted out have to file a covenant with the county about how the land will be used. It functions like an HOA because if they say "No houses under 600sf will be allowed" and you buy land for your tiny home you'll have a problem.
If you're worried about the property being gone try and include a sunset clause. "Property must support the building of a tiny home" for example. Then as you do your due diligence you can back out because you can't build a tiny home.
I found an amazing time share.
Go to your bank. Open a new account. Put money in it every paycheck. Then when you have enough money… go on vacation.
Cut out the middle man.
NEVER buy a single family home in an HOA, unless of course you don't mind being told what you can or can't do with your property by a bunch of "Kevins" and "Karens"...
HOAs really work for people that want protection from inconsiderates that have forgotten how to behave socially. I LOVE living in an HOA because i know, understand and can abide by the rules. My property values stay secure, I have trash and lawn maintenance management along with property and street maintenance management and that is great value.
Fines for joe shmo that works on cars out of his garage - you bet that noise And exhaust fumes ends pretty FAST after receiving fines.
Fines for betty boop who has a daycare with 23 screaming kids 7/24 - you bet that ends pretty quickly after the fines start coming. R&Rs usually stipulate no in home businesses, how many people can live and park and no working on vehicles...cleanliness...etc.
If any of this hits a nerve...welllll...just sayin...dont live in an HOA. In the meantime, life is great in an HOA for the rest of us.
Sounds like you have loud parties after 10 o clock. And a couple of dogs barking all night. HOAs would probably save your dogs from a disgruntled neighbor poisoning them. I’ve seen it happen.
@@puga420 I'm in bed by 8 p.m. Even if I didn't and had dogs constantly barking, I would get rid of them myself. :)
@@markhazzard9730 Get rid of the owners u mean? They’re the real problem, not the dogs
@@puga420 No. I would get rid of the dogs I had if they were constant barkers. As far as other people's dogs, I would sue the owners in court and make THEM get rid of their public nuisance. I would NEVER do something that could land me in prison. :)
Another thing to check if your property includes a river is whether it's on a flood plain. Just looking at it when it rains isn't enough. Also, if you have renters on the property and you intend to build and use the property yourself, make closing contingent on them being gone. You will save yourself an enormous headache, especially if you live in a small town where the renter may be somebody's cousin. Have the seller take care of this before you close.
"Off the grid", to most people, doesn't include fire hydrants everywhere. What kind of nonsense is this? "Oh, I want to be off the grid, but I'll take the grid with me when I go there." Nope. It does not work that way.
You can bet most off-grid people who can't stand the city still expect the city to come, sirens blaring, the moment they need it (and half won't accept it's their own fault when help comes too late).
Never assume you can do ANYTHING on a property until you check with the municipality it is in! You should go to the planning office, the building Dept, Zoning dept tell them what you want to do with the land. Go to the county health department or agency that regulates wells and septics. Outhouses are commonly prohibited. Find out the past history of the land and any attempts that were made before to develop it. Dont assume anything is "grandfathered in" only the municipality can determine that. Too many buy land start to do something on it and then get stop work orders. Just clearing land, cutting down trees, making an access road to the street can require permits.
a Land Patent is the law of the land, no permit needed... keep your stink on your property and nobody else has any say...
Such bs too, the government needs to get there nose out of business. That’s why the US has slowed down progress.
@@marcusmaynard1526 You are simply inexperienced and uninformed. My comments were for the purpose of educating about the reality of the situation
@@marcusmaynard1526 ☝️🤡
@@Ambrose05 "goods are cheaper, more expensive, less freedoms, worsening quality of food, crumbling infrastructure. Ahh, it must be pixie dust."
Yeah walk it when it’s sunny, snowing and raining. I’m sure the seller will hold it for a year so you can do that. 🙄
Hey now.
I have land easy.
10 acres in west Texas.
It rains about 3 days between July and September. Rest of the year its sunny.
A couple days it may snow in the winter. But it never amounts to anything.
I want to sell it for $10,000 or best offer. Will trade for Nevada land or gold
@@baddog9320 ROFL...
@@user-ii4zf5iq3t oh you thought I was joking
If you already own land at least walk in all kinds of weather for the best place to put your home. It may not have the best view , but piece of mind is priceless
Exactly my thoughts lol
I live in Oklahoma. I've been to Nowhere many times 😂 It's at Ft Cobb lake. Fun fact: Cordell Oklahoma, just a few miles away from Nowhere, has a gas station/convenience store called "Right Here" 😄
The neighborhood I moved to doesn't have an HOA but it does have a strict code enforcement.
Your not likely to have a fire hydrant if you are really off the grid or in a rural area
You're
The biggest thing is when it’s raining or snowing, no one wants to buy land when they’re constantly going to be using a boat to get in and out of your house.
That sounds fun for a while.
get that land perc'd before buying baby
I would .
It would remind me of the family fishing cabin growing up. All I need is a green rough lumber 20 foot rowboat that is as skinny as a canoe. And a homemade paddle. 😋. ( grandpa built it in the depression and it lasted thru over 30 children and grandchildren)
When I say I want “off-grid”, I mean I want it Fed-Proof in case things go sour in the future.
Not really any such thing. It comes down to force and resources ultimately.
Nothing g is fed proof. Techno tyranny will find all of us. Let's stand up , organize, vote, kee0 our guns etc. Let's go Brandon
Then you had better love Southeast, Alaska, because that's the only place you have any chance of success.
She isn't talking about off-grid property - i.e. a place to bug out or homestead. She repeatedly mentions "off-the-grid," which translated literally means to pull from the grid. Some latitude can be given to potential buyers who are new to this kind of property search but to a real estate professional? In general, the advice in the video is valuable advice for considering general real estate purchasing. Off-grid properties have no easements or HOA. In fact, they have no utilities whatsoever and often don't have an improved road or access.
Watch out for old underground things, like oil tanks that may leak and be expensive to remove. It wasn't of the grid but it happened to me. We didn't spot it when buying only a few years later when we wanted to build on that area
The mailbox area is 1.5 miles from my land. When I bought the land, I had to get an address from the county. I never went to the USPS to get a mailbox. Not getting USPS mail is one of the best things I have ever done. I keep a private mailbox in town with a UPS STORE, for official mail. I often use Amazon lockers for ordering online and pickup when I make a trip into town once a week.
What is wrong with USPS mail?
The service got noticeably worse in 2021. Also theft in between the transit points is common unless you have insurance on it.
@@rubyoro0 I assume he's referring to junk mail.
@@rubyoro0 Other than the fact they haven't turned a profit in over 30 years? Gotta love those tax dollars hard at work!
@@dakota9821 Government services aren't supposed to make a profit off of our tax dollars. They are designed to operate at a loss/not have money left over, since we want them to use as little tax money as possible.
I looked at a piece of land in Hana Maui. It was beautiful and the price was right, but there was an old abandoned home next door and there was a homeless crazy occupying it. He was rather intimidating...and the community tolerated him. Nobody complained. I concluded that he was allowed to stay there to discourage prospective buyers. The locals don't want outsiders coming in.
I might have bought it anyway🤣. Hana is beautiful.
If you can afford to live there you could easily hire a few other street bum's to rough him or her up or even worse for a few hundred dollars! Duh 🤷♂️
He might also have helped guard YOUR house from thieves
Leave their land alone
@@kuritheking Have you ever served in an infantry unit?
Great info! You covered it all: deeds, easements, land and water rights, covenants, title searches, zoning restrictions, land scams and more. Know before you buy. Don’t be shy to inquire and verify EVERYTHING!
Find the flood debri line also. Friends bought one near a creek and came close to drowning. It flooded twenty feet in less than two hours
You forgot to mention wildlife including bugs and snakes. I know a few that gave up that “off the grind” living when I mentioned snakes, bugs and bears lol
I guess I thought that went without saying. You live in rural land, you’re gonna have wildlife.
@@KristinaSmallhorn you'll be surprised how many city folks loves the idea of living in the boonies until the summer when the snakes and bugs come out to play lol.
I'm a city dweller that grew up in the sticks. Bugs and snakes I can handle, it's the bears, mountain lions, and alligators in the pool that freak me out.
@@1Letter23Numbers. Snakes, bears, mountain lions, alligators are a problem easily solved by keeping a few big guard dogs. Bugs? No so easy, the skeeters are impossible to get rid of.
@@denisl2760 I have an Akita and I'm willing to get a fee more lol my house will be surrounded by every bug repellent plant known to man that's safe for dogs.😀
by the time you go while its raining, while its sunny, while its snowing, the seller already gonna have 5 offers on a table and signed contract
just an example to go during "bad weather".
its only going to snow or rain a couple of days. shes saying while you're waiting, if it happens to rain or snow, go then. dont just sit home waiting for things to go through.
and it's always about to do something.
But at least you'd see how and where the rain water flowed by the dry grass bits and debris on the ground.
I went an looked at a 2 acre lot for $30k. Landlocked, surrounded by other land. Contacted those owners, they don't answer. The state replied and said you can apply for access, submit form whatever, but we always 100% deny them.
decent basic advice. Here's a couple suggestions based on my experience-
Climate is the first thing in choosing off grid land. Much easier to conserve food, heat up in cold climates, than to cool down in hot climates when living off grid.
Greenhouses facing south can trap massive heat.
Avoid being close to wind farms and power lines - you'd be shocked as to how they will rock your world with emfs.
Some of the cheapest off-grid lands can be right along railroad tracks and power lines - you don't want those!
Mail - sign up for USPS informed delivery. You'll know when you have mail and what it is. Amazon & supplies packages will arrive at your PO box - before you show up, there's probably an off-grid community that's already got things worked out.
Gas powered pressure washers are your fire prevention & pumper trucks. I rarely hear an off-grid video telling people how to cut fire breakers
Location of your house on your property could make a big difference in a forest fire
It amazes me how often people don't have fire prevention off grid, even on grid - pick up a used pressure washer or 3.
Also might help fend off unruly wildlife. Just the noise of pressure washers scare off wildlife.
I also use them to make small drainage culverts. Lot easier than a shovel!
Used pressure washers are 100 bucks. It might be the best hundred bucks you've ever spent!
I'd advise folks to try the style of living, see how long you can go out without your cell phones to see if it's something you really want to do
Base your decisions on what skills you actually have and already use, not skills you think you have. Don't assume you're going to lose 50 lb and suddenly be in shape!
Most humans want a community, and cabin fever is real
One of my camps a few years ago was pretty much dirt on a Riverbend -
So I discovered another little off-grid secret... go to a hotel one weekend a month and take 12 baths!
If you think going off grid is going to put you out of prying eyes, it may just end up being the opposite. Suddenly there's noise in action from an area of the woods and people are going to want to know who's there and what they're doing - including the drug addicts that are ready to steal everything you own
Off grid crime rates are not reported
So get a house sitter if you're going to step away
Excellent advice! Buying raw rural land can be a double nightmare - the risks inherent in undeveloped land plus those associated with living off the beaten tract. Another thing to consider, especially if your dream parcel lies close to, or contains, a body of water: where does the “extra” water go in flood season?? PS - I love your hair!
Thank you. :)
Great video, one thing is to have the property surveyed and marked so you know exactly where the boundary lines are.
Absolutely!
@@jeanettewaverly2590 I agree don’t just take someone’s word for it
Yes!my real estate agent urged me not to and they caused years of problems for me.
Lol. Thats a joke.
What you really need it to have it surveyed yourself.
I have seen many times surveyors. Ask where you say it is. And that's where it is. They place the rods. And there you are.
And much more.
( hint) first come first serve. And the court goes by this.
There is just so much more.
So if you have a neighbor. Just agree with where they say property line is. And go from there.
If not. Well use your imagination.
@@baddog9320 It is no joke that only the licensed survey will stand up in court.
I'm an engineer. Due to the type of work I have worked dozens of projects where we had to have surveyors involved and never have any of them ever asked. They calculate the longitude and latitude to determine the boundaries. If as surveyor does as you have said in my state they would loose their license that cost them years and much cost to attain.
I have won 5 legal cases based off of licensed survey's and will never go off word of mouth unless the land is perfectly flat with no water bodies near by. When it comes to water & drainage legal jurisdiction matter.
You know, I already knew most of this after all my research, but it's nice to see someone actually put it out there. Excellent video.
Wow, you are SO knowledgeable! I even check with Delinquent Taxes and home ownership at Register of Deeds office on rentals - landlords are often in financial trouble. I've seen rent ads from people who do not even own the property!
The GREATEST advice I ever got about buying a place out in the wilderness, came from my brother Roger. He said, "before you buy, rent a cabin out in the middle of nowhere, and stay a week. After the week, if you are going stir crazy, you'll thank me". I lived on the edge of a gorgeous lake, and after five years couldn't wait to get out of there.
Totally wild that that kind of land with even all that you described made you feel that isolated and mentally divided
@@emilydodson1233 Paradise like a stay at the hospital gets old..... fast!
The only thing, the fire hydrant isn't going to be anywhere near where I want to live.. but the fire dept has water trucks for this purpose.
Rivers flood....a lot. Something to think about if you want one next to a river or creek. Plus if its in a low spot. Be prepared to flood unless its on poles.
YEP......here on the east coast, everything floods, and High!....roads get cut off, life basically stops! And people never learn.....
Nice presentation. Speakers voice is even toned and to the point
Thank You 😊
I'd love to see a video about the different types of deeds. Thanks for this off-grid video, Kristina.
Yes I would enjoy that too!
@@georgedarragh1774 Tennessee
Warranty, gureenty to be free of liens except what is listed. And house is as deed states
Special Warranty same
Quick claim. This is a deed that the person is turning over ownership to you. Liens are often not said.
However. I have brought a lot of quick claims. Ans they had no liens.
No matter the deed you must check yourself. And don't trust a title company they are NOT responsible to do a complete title search. Most only have to do the quick 5 minutes at the courthouse if that.
Also quick claims are used a lot in mining claims
I have probley over my life owned a hundred properties. Only twice was there a problem. One he double sold the land. But I was first to register deed and find the mistake. So I received the land.
The second was a fake deed. Person sold land they didn't own.
Both I didn't walk deed through at moment i bought. And both were warranty deeds.
Most land sells by quick claims
Most houses sell by warranty deed.
And if it's not on the deed it doesn't happen.
Meaning a person can say water is 50 foot down. If the deed doesn't say it. Then it is not legal.
No deed has to say if liens are on property. And this is legal
So legally a person can give you a deed and not mention any liens. But there are legal liens in it.
However, if you get them to say in the deed. No liens. They are responsable. But if they say, no liens that I know of. They are not.
Then is the matter of nailing them.
I know some people that are owed $1,000,000 since mid 80s on such a matter. But will never see it.
In the mid 80s i was a teen working for a investment group. They taught me how to invest, do title searches, and I painted, drywall and helped thier contractor. They also taught me how the above people were ripped off. And how the criminals would never pay.
And no the investors i worked for were not the criminals. But the victims were my parents. I have bought and sold property ever since. Never doing it as a source of income. More like a hobby. I have not rented since early 90s
Honestly I know more about real estate then most agents. I have lived in many states.
@@baddog9320 Thanks for responding.
@@baddog9320 My parents were buying a property from my uncle and escrow/title people said there was no property taxes due. I had already looked at assessors office and knew my uncle hadn’t paid taxes for 5 years.
Zoning can change once you become the owner. In rural Washington State, I was looking at 3 small cabins next to a general store. All under the same ownership. The owner wanted to just sell off the cabins and I intended no change in use so I didn't anticipate any problems. It wasn't until I went to the county hall of records and talked to zoning people about remodeling that I found out that once that parcel is no longer owned by the general store owner, it becomes commercial property and can no longer be used for residential purposes. The county people said that this owner has been trying to stick somebody with dreams of owning 3 cute little cabins (that they'll never be able to live in) for years. I guess he's hoping that someone won't do their homework before the deal closes.
I wonder if you could incorporate a business, then buy the cabins as short term rentals, like a motel type deal. Then you could live in one and rent the other two, maybe put in a couple of other ones.
Airbnb or a candle shop in the front and residence in the back...like make a foyer with the product and a glass window by appointment only sign.
Zoning is a plague. People want cute, walkable cities, but they're basically impossible to build under modern zoning.
Sounds like a perfect place for a storage facility with a "manager's unit" up top ;) There are ways to pretty much force the city hall into re-zoning and they almost always never have a problem downgrading from commercial/industrial to single family homes, once they get a bit of a push.
Thank you, Kristina. Much-needed info, especially when you mentioned the discrepancy between the tax assessment value and the asking price. Was looking at a parcel in northern TX. Tax assessment, $250. Seller asking: $3,499. 😮 I know the land flippers are in it for a quick turnover for profit, but I was frankly shocked by this difference. I thought that maybe I wasn't understanding but what you have shared has helped me to see that I was understanding perfectly. I had thought that I should ask them if they will accept less if I wanted to buy. Now I know that that was the right idea!
I will NEVER buy a home with HOA.
I have been getting into real estate the last 10 years and always looking for other people's opinion. Interested. Great advice.
Thanks for watching.
Sometimes it’s hard to view a piece of property in all the seasons as property is going fast
Love the channel!! You’ve helped us out immensely with our first buy!!
Go to the title company, check the land title to see if it is free and clear of any debts/ lien's.
best way is to use a credible real estate professional and always get a current survey
You forgot to mention "easements" on land. For instance, if you see a ditch on the land, check to see if YOU will own the ditch, or if it's an easement, especially if the land is near a body of water. Also, a street drain, could have a buried pipe passing under your land, and it would likely be an easement, which would have priority, and could interfere with where you could place any buildings. If an area is expanding, or has chance of expanding and there's an easement to supply electricity in future to areas beyond your land, you could find high tension lines being placed on that easement, and you'd also not be allowed to put a structure within a certain distance of such powerful electric lines.
Wow! Just stumbled onto your video while browsing UA-cam. You are one of the most interesting and informative real estate agents I've ever come across (and I've been around since the '50s). Great job!
Thank You 😊
Ask local old timers and neighbors about ANY stories of flooding also check local flood plane and flood way maps. We lived on our property for almost 20 years when everyone, including old timers, were shocked by a "100 year flood" that turned the back of our property into a raging river. Two years later there was another "100 year flood". We were lucky our house was on the high ground we only lost fencing, always build on the high ground. As for fire hydrants we have one but during heavy rains low water crossings flood and emergency vehicles and fire trucks will not cross.
I found the perfect plot of land that’s 5500 sf with utility hookups (a home was previously removed). I negotiated a cash offer with the seller in hopes to move a manufactured home on the property since both of my neighbors have manufactured homes as well. I called and spoke to my town’s zoning and planning office and they said I couldn’t move a home with vinyl siding onto the property. Almost every home in the surrounding area has vinyl siding, including everyone of my would-be neighbors. Figure that one out 🧐. I always look forward to your videos btw, so much valuable information and it’s greatly appreciated.
The land was 5500 square feet? That’s a postage stamp.
@@crosisofborg5524 it’s perfect if you don’t want a huge yard to take care of
The others were probably grandfathered in.
What was the outcome?
Packed with great information, no fluff.
Thank you!
Subscribed. :)
Thank you Kristina! As someone looking into vacant property to use for recreation during summer I thought the information presented answered many of my questions.
I think that most people today, regardless of their desire to have more space around them, still do a lot of things online(research, shopping, banking, youtubing, etc). I would add that it is important to find out where the nearest "utilities/cable" are in relation to the property that you are interested in. My uncle has a driveway that is 1/2 a mile long. Most areas only require that the cable company eat the cost up to 50 yards or so, to trench cable to your house. You then have to pay to have the remainder dug and a lot of the time it has to be dug by the cable companys' approved trenching company who has a contract with them. My uncle paid around $12,000 to get cable to his house. It's just another cost to have to factor in. He also has to have a landline because he has no cell service anywhere except one bar at one corner of his property far from the house. Just another reason to walk the land and check for cell service where you are thinking of siting your home.
Just curious, was a cell signal booster not an option?
@@chriseller8029 They have tried them, but there is a limit to what they can actually deliver in real world conditions. They made no difference.
Off grid cable service?
What about Hughes Net Satellite?
@@deeandrews7051 then again, I left in 2007 and the last time I went and helped them may have been 2009 or 10.
Make sure water is available to your property plus how much to drill a well.
The more I learn about owning land, the less I want it. The amount of overbearing restrictions is just too much. I think its even worse here in Norway than in the US. I just want land I can do what I want on. If I have to ask permision for everything. Then I might as well not own at all. The whole property as an investment, and the restrictions that pop up because of that is insane.
My thoughts exactly. And here in the US we have the EPA. I've heard some horror stories about them.
Not all land is like that, you can actually move somewhere with no building restrictions. B
@@AnastasiaBeaverhousn From what I can see, it's not like that in Norway. You always need permission from the municipality.
Great information - thanks for sharing!❤️. I now see that there are a LOT of things to consider before buying land that many of us don’t know 😦🤔
“Within a 30 minute drive”
Tons of people commute an hour or more (one way) every day to their job that they can’t stand.
Fred Flinstone So then they drive as far to a store that they can't stand. It's a trade off. In the west, though, it could be over an hour to work vs over an hour to somewhere like Home Depot or Walmart.
I would love to see more videos on how to buy land etc. I am decifing to just buy my own land and just build what want.
I have a few on my channel you can check out.
@@KristinaSmallhorn could you link them please? I cannot find them
@@melissab8500 ua-cam.com/play/PLL2NpJzFd3bvm1Ex8BAxThPiWipAibaxg.html
You are incredibly astute, correct with all of your assumptions and very articulate as well. Thank you.
Its nice to see a realtor who understands the issues
In a nutshell: Do your due diligence and have your closings at a title co..
No close it yourself.
Never trust a title company. They only have to cover what takes 5 minutes in a court house.
I walk all my properties through the same day I buy or sell.
This way the new owner, me or another, has a clear title the same day.
@@baddog9320 Are you saying you can do a better title search than a title co. can with it's software. I have been doing searches for over 35 years, sometimes on a commercial level of 65 or 70 + a week for investor groups. The cos. are adept at finding the hidden (sometimes innocent sometimes not so much), the issues concerning your prop. but not filed under your name or folio # also at finding the old, things like a TIF 1930,s era (do you know what one is and the tells that may point to ones presence?). How do you get your title insurance? A co. won't issue a policy w/o their own search, I believe.
@@friendlystranger167 yes.
You don't need title insurance if you do the checks
If you are a title company you know its a scam.
Does someone have an easement across your land? Do you have room for your septic system? Is the property line as described or did somebody years ago put a fence in the wrong place? So many things!
not only do you need room for the septic system, you are required to have 100% "reserve" area. 100% "reserve" area to completely rebuild the entire leach field years later without disturbing the bacteria laden soil of the "in use" leach field which has run its course and is used up/plugged up and needs to be replaced. This all needs to be perk tested and rated for adequate seepage by an official engineer licensed by the county. This all then is required to be drawn as a blueprint, certified and stamped by an engineering and design firm, then filed with the county Health Department. In my area of southern California look at spending at least $20K for this, this does not include building or installing a single thing.
And have a title company check & insure for liens! An unpaid college loan goes onto the house! And it's bad when the Sheriff shows up to evict you, and you've BEEN paying the landlord! But the landlord did not pay HIS mortgage!
Great video. You brought up so many things that never crossed my mind.
I almost bought 5 acres that had 4.5 acres of swamp. Glad I didn't go through with it!
There's nothing wrong with buying a swamp...as long as you know you're buying a swamp in advance, and that's what you want to do.
Wow, so many pearls of wisdom under 9 minutes. Subscribing.
I do agree with you.
Great video. I can also highly recommend the book "Finding & Buying Your Place in the Country" by Les & Carol Scher. Les Scher is an attorney specializing in rural real estate and property issues. Make sure you get the latest edition. I have the 5th edition, which was the latest at the time I purchased and I'd guess still is. It doesn't get updated that much, but that doesn't mean it's irrelevant.
Your sincerity is palpable. Thanks.
My buddy rented a house in Sicily up a hill on Mt Etna. Didn't know during the rainy season bottom of the hill turned into a hundred foot long, 3 or 4 foot deep lake. His car eventually died after all the mud in the engine, and I had to go pick him up for work for a month.
NAS Sigonella?
@@benjaminperez7328 Yep. Nicolosi.
Walk the property to check no one has been using it as a dump. There may be remediation of the soil required or pollution of ground water.
Brilliant and common sense tips. Just like buying a home, you want to know if dogs bark throughout the day, who has dogs, where might a lot of noise come from you need to check out that possible new buy might be a nightmare once you move in. Then, it's too late.
You’re a wonderful advice giver- thank you!
Thank you.
Wow, that’s probably the most I’ve ever learned from one UA-cam video
I never even thought of fire hydrant placement! Thanks for all this!
Awesome, video!
Full of perfect points, every bit of it helped me with my planning process.
I love your upbeat, positive energy, and I too LOVE the Monolithic Dome Home.
The Torus design is one of my favs.
p.s. I hope you, your family, and your community are safe from IDA.
Sincerely, CR
Currently live in NYC with no plan to move anytime soon but still found this video really interesting!
Make sure the fire hydrant actually works and has pressure! I lost my house because of an old faulty hydrant!
@@georgedarragh1774 I have the pleasure of living on the Key Peninsula in the Evergreen State of Washington🤗🌲
Will NEVER buy any property with an HOA attached.
The last part of the video was scary it reflects the kind of world we live in.
Subscribed! Hello Kristina! I live in the Lafayette area and plan on purchasing land for a trailer park, rent houses, etc. Very informative video. Thank you.
Thank you. I am still looking. You pointed out alot of things I had no idea of. The color in your hair looks beautiful.
Water rights and mineral rights are vital. Also check for floodplains and 100-year-flood levels.
You can look up flood zones, and most have been updated especially in Florida...where you need to worry is if a landowner has subdivided his property, and created very low spots
Thanks for posting. Can you post a video about your philosophy for going off grid? It's pretty obvious you know what you're talking about and you present it well.
Cheers
Off grid with hoa, zoning, fire hydrant and power lines. How to get rid of an abandoned structure🔥