Remote, Secluded… or Armageddon?

Ever watched the TV reality show “Doomsday Preppers”? For most, it seems to depict a group of extreme survivalists – a fringe group with some odd beliefs. If you live in a major metropolitan area, it may seem to be almost an “other world” frame of thought.

In each episode, different families are shown in various stages of getting ready to “bug out!” It is their collective belief that some catastrophic incident is about to occur. Those incidents range from an overnight collapse of U.S. currency, nationalization of the banking or energy sectors of the economy, or the complete collapse of society as a result of the first two.

Basically, they are in the “planning” stages of being prepared for the loss of electricity (and Internet), food and fuel shortages, worthless currency, and worse. Their plans include long-term food and water storage, ammunition and firearms stockpiles, and “BOL’s” (Bug Out Locations). Personal and family security is also at the top of the list.

The more ardent followers of this type of planning use a variety of acronyms to describe the coming events – example “SHTF” (s _ _ _ hits the fan) and “TEOTWAWKI” (The end of the world as we know it) and “BugOut Bag” (emergency supplies in a duffel bag for when SHTF).

So how does this affect land sales? The basic “Prepper” premise is that you must have a location somewhere (else), where you and your family will be safe. The security and location of this “somewhere else” varies greatly.

Internationally known author Joel Skousen’s book “Strategic Relocation” suggests that this is a location known only to you (and not your family or friends). This is a property purchased specifically for its absolute anonymity, which has stockpiles of food, medical supplies, ammunition, and available fresh food sources such as pre-planted fruit trees, plentiful game, and a pure water supply.

On a less extreme plane, it could also be a remote parcel in the nearby countryside or the mountains with limited access. Nevertheless, it should be a “defensible” parcel, with water and shelter, perhaps at the end of a road with no traffic. The main idea is to disappear from sight, become anonymous, and be able to survive safely and securely.

There are plenty of websites and blogs on the subject of “prepping” so you may want to better acquaint yourself with the concept in more detail. Believe it or not, this is a viable movement, and you are likely to be approached by individuals looking for such land.

How do I know, and why am I writing this article now? Although I’ve been aware of this activity for some time, I’ve recently seen it beginning to mature. Beginning about 4 weeks ago, I began receiving land inquiries for “remote”, “secluded” or “private” land parcels. Notice the subtlety of those words – no direct references to SHTF or other such acronyms. More recently – last week – those inquiries became much more direct when a prospect indicated he was looking for an “Armageddon” property – and he meant it too! In addition, I’ve been hearing more “Off the Grid” terms, and even “BOL” (bug out location).

So, who are these individuals that are likely to contact you? Hippies? Anarchists? Nope – they are professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs, teachers, and other seemingly unlikely individuals – as normal as you and I. They are serious, and financially capable of making a purchase. What do they have in common? They are simply following the Boy Scout mantra to “Be Prepared”.

Is Armageddon just around the corner? Probably not – but there is enough uncertainty about government, the economy, foreign policy, and the value of our currency to have created a unique new segment of the land market. Just so you know – “Be Prepared” when they come knocking on your door.