Country living has become a hot commodity in the USA, with nearly 50% of respondents in a recent Gallup survey saying they would gladly relocate to a small town or rural area. While there are countless benefits to moving to the country, such as a significantly increased quality of life, it’s important to do your homework before bidding the city farewell. Here are a few things worth considering prior to buying a home in the country.
Make sure you’re in love with the location
When it comes to buying a house in the country, it is essential that you love the location, as there’s not much you can do about it once you have moved. Although there is a general belief that living in the country entails buying property in the middle of nowhere and living off-grid, real rural living is far more varied. Horse Creek, Wyoming, and Yankton, South Dakota are just two of many very popular locations for country living. If you have your heart set on moving to Texas, however, consider having a look at the available Hill Country land for sale. The region, which encompasses several counties, is known for its exquisite natural beauty, superb schools, and plentiful employment opportunities.
Weigh up your financing options
Unless you are able to purchase your new home in the country cash, you will have to carefully consider the various financing options that are available to you. In fact, a range of additional financing options are available to individuals looking to purchase a house in a rural area. Among the organizations that offer finance to buyers searching for rural property is the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Although there are, obviously, some prerequisites that have to be met before financing is awarded, it is always good to be aware of the various choices that are available to you. Before signing on any dotted line, research all your finance options thoroughly as you don’t want to be crippled by unnecessarily hefty repayments.
Consider the impact of extreme weather
Although not all parts of the country is plagued by bouts of extreme weather, it is definitely in your best interest to check whether the areas on your short-list are known to experience anything from exorbitant heat waves to severe snowfall. Although it may be easy enough to deal with such weather conditions while in the city, it comes considerably harder when your new house in the country is not equipped with an air conditioner and there is no neighbourhood snow plough to clear the streets. If the house you have set your sights on is in an area that experiences extreme weather it is essential to weigh up the pros and cons before making a final decision.
Don’t pay for land you don’t need
When considering a move to the country, it is natural to envision a beautiful house on a huge plot of land where livestock roam free and fruit, grains and vegetables grow in abundance. Unless you have a specific reason why you require a large plot of lands, however, such as for sustenance or commercial farming, the chances are the land will just go to waste. Before starting your search for the perfect country home, determine exactly how much land you will need, and adjust your search parameters accordingly.
Make peace with the thought of an older home
Compared to in the city, there are very few turnkey homes available in the countryside.Some country homes can date back a century with anything less than a decade old being considered ‘new stock’. While it may seem like a better plan to buy a plot of land and build your own home, builders are often few and far between in the country. This can cause delays of up to two years. Many real estate experts believe it is much more cost-effective to purchase an existing home and do the required renovations on it than it is to build a home from scratch.
Have a close look at the available utilities
When comparing the differences between buying a house in the city and one in the country, one thing tends to jump out at you: the type of available utilities. Unlike homes in urban areas, many rural houses are not hooked up to a commercial sewer system. Instead, they are connected to a more simple septic system. Other systems that sport considerable differences are those relating to power, heating and water. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure you know exactly what utilities are available at the property you are purchasing, as major system upgrades may not always be possible.
Buying a house in the county can be a wonderful endeavor. The entire house hunting process will be even more enjoyable if you know what to look out for from the get-go.
