Things to Consider before Moving to the Country

The decision to move to the country is a big one. Having more space for the kids, the peace and quiet, and the lower cost of home prices may make it seem like the best option, but there are many things you need to consider before jumping into country living.

It’s all about preparation. You want to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into with a country home and the acreage that comes with it.

Here are some things you need to think about before committing to buying.

Location. How is the quality of the roads in the area? Is there easy access to our property? Is the house on a private road or public? How is the commute in the winter? Asking yourself these questions could save you a lot of time and money.

Utility access. How is water accessed and is it safe to drink? Many rural properties draw their water from private wells, so make sure you conduct a water test before making an offer. Will there be internet access available? Also ask how often and how long the power has gone out for. There’s a possibility you may need to get a backup generator and a regular PPM schedule. If you’re wondering, what is ppm? PPM stands for Planned Preventative Maintenance and it is focused on helping generators maintain their value for as long as possible.

Size and boundaries. Determine what size of property you want and what you can afford before jumping into the process. Utilizing a lender that understands rural property will be a great asset in providing current and potential real estate values. Also, make sure you have the land you are interested in surveyed to know the exact boundaries.

Items included with the property. Sometimes, even things you would assume come with the property do not. Make sure you get a detailed list of anything you are buying that needs to be part of the contract. Everything from portable sheds, fence posts and equipment should be included and all parties should be involved.

Property maintenance. A lot of acreage means added maintenance and added costs for things like insurance and added monthly bills. There are many normal operating costs and investments you will need after you purchase the property. You might need a mower, ATV or storage shed to assist with some maintenance.

Moving to the country, especially from a more urban area, can be a dramatic lifestyle change. Asking yourself the right questions and planning ahead will make the transition go a lot smoother.