How we began? 

When my friends learn I have purchased land, twice, to build a homestead their first question is always, how did you find the land?  Well, in each case it was done very differently.

My first purchase, I only knew to hit the pavement.  I literally drove out to the area where I wanted to live and looked for signs that stated land or lots for sale.  After weeks of looking, I saw a sign for a new subdivision with six to thirteen acre lots.  It was being sold by the owner, who developed the land and would supply the financing.  This means there would be no middle man (real estate agent) commission (saving approximately 10%), and the owner required no interest. And, did I say the land was developed and ready for building.  I jumped on it and with no early penalty the lot was paid off in four short years.  I immediately built my dream home at the time and lived there with by young family for the next 15 years.

My second purchase was more conventional, I searched the internet.  After finding the lot I wanted, I contacted a buyer’s agent.  While it was easier than hitting the pavement, it was costlier.  I must say, however, my agent worked hard to overcome obstacles along the way towards the purchase, like obtaining land rights, access easement approvals, and price negotiations which I will blog about later. 

Whether you have the time to hit the pavement or choose to search the internet and use a real estate agent, there are challenges and things to consider.  Look for a future blog about the Three Major Points to Consider when purchasing land for your Homestead.