By: Bob Shannon

Have you thought of moving to a bigger home where you can fulfill your dream of homesteading? There's no time like the present.
 
Here are three key steps to take before you buy your new home.
 
1. Prepare a Budget
Before you browse listings, it's a good idea to establish a budget. Knowing your price range ahead of time keeps you focused on homes that work for you. Housing costs should be about 30% of your income. With that in mind, you can calculate your retirement earnings and set a budget. You may need to prove your income with bank accounts, Social Security entitlements and 401(k) statements.
 
Your budget might include other factors, too. Maybe you have several things you want to purchase for your new place, and all the paraphernalia that goes with them; a garden will mean tools and perhaps a durable shed, sprawling land might mean a golf cart, farming of any sort might mean a wheelbarrow and muck boots. Read reviews for all your gear and price out the goodies that make sense for you.
 
Next, you’ll need to start shopping for a mortgage. According to PennyMac Loans, conventional loans offer low interest rates, and you won’t have to pay for mortgage insurance with a high enough down payment. These loans have flexible terms as well.
 
2. Do Your "Home" Work
As you hunt for your new home, you will no doubt be looking at acreage. How much land do you need? Homesteader Ben Godfrey recommends about 15 acres for a garden, orchard and enough pasture for two horses and a cow. This is an average, and you may need more or less depending on your plans. For advice on getting started, check with the extension services in your area. They should have lots of information to help you with your homesteading journey.
 
The house is also an important consideration as you conduct your homestead search. If you're welcoming children and grandchildren, extra bedrooms and space to play are essential. You may want to consider a house between 2,000-5,000 square feet if you will be hosting overnight guests. A standard single bedroom is about 100 square feet, and average master bedrooms are larger. Playrooms can be any size, so work with what you have available. Consider remodeling an attic, fixing up a corner of the basement or even sectioning off part of the family room.
 
It's a good idea to evaluate the condition of the house before you commit to moving in. Are there repairs that need to be made, even small ones? Do carpets need replacing, or do the walls need a fresh coat of paint? Are there appliances in the house, and are they in working order? Inspect the windows and see if they leak or fog. While you may not be responsible for repairs, it's best to clarify who will be taking care of them and when.
 
3. Prepare To Move
Maybe it's been a while since you've moved into a new home. If that's the case, you've probably acquired plenty of things over the years. Packing and moving your belongings might be a challenge. Consider asking for help to not strain yourself. Options to consider include:
 
●        Family and friends
●        Packing professionals
●        Unpacking services
●        Senior moving services
 
Moving is a job best handled by more than one or two people. Getting assistance with the task helps you save your energy for building your homestead and setting it up the way you’re dreaming about.
 
Fresh starts are exciting, and realizing your dream of becoming more self-sufficient is a cause for celebration. Preparing pays off in the long run by giving you more time and resources to invest in your homesteading adventure. To find the perfect place to call home-sweet-homestead, connect with 903 Realty today! 903.331Have you thought of moving to a bigger home where you can fulfill your dream of homesteading? There's no time like the present.
 
Here are three key steps to take before you buy your new home.
 
1. Prepare a Budget
Before you browse listings, it's a good idea to establish a budget. Knowing your price range ahead of time keeps you focused on homes that work for you. Housing costs should be about 30% of your income. With that in mind, you can calculate your retirement earnings and set a budget. You may need to prove your income with bank accounts, Social Security entitlements and 401(k) statements.
 
Your budget might include other factors, too. Maybe you have several things you want to purchase for your new place, and all the paraphernalia that goes with them; a garden will mean tools and perhaps a durable shed, sprawling land might mean a golf cart, farming of any sort might mean a wheelbarrow and muck boots. Read reviews for all your gear and price out the goodies that make sense for you.
 
Next, you’ll need to start shopping for a mortgage. According to PennyMac Loans, conventional loans offer low interest rates, and you won’t have to pay for mortgage insurance with a high enough down payment. These loans have flexible terms as well.
 
2. Do Your "Home" Work
As you hunt for your new home, you will no doubt be looking at acreage. How much land do you need? Homesteader Ben Godfrey recommends about 15 acres for a garden, orchard and enough pasture for two horses and a cow. This is an average, and you may need more or less depending on your plans. For advice on getting started, check with the extension services in your area. They should have lots of information to help you with your homesteading journey.
 
The house is also an important consideration as you conduct your homestead search. If you're welcoming children and grandchildren, extra bedrooms and space to play are essential. You may want to consider a house between 2,000-5,000 square feet if you will be hosting overnight guests. A standard single bedroom is about 100 square feet, and average master bedrooms are larger. Playrooms can be any size, so work with what you have available. Consider remodeling an attic, fixing up a corner of the basement or even sectioning off part of the family room.
 
It's a good idea to evaluate the condition of the house before you commit to moving in. Are there repairs that need to be made, even small ones? Do carpets need replacing, or do the walls need a fresh coat of paint? Are there appliances in the house, and are they in working order? Inspect the windows and see if they leak or fog. While you may not be responsible for repairs, it's best to clarify who will be taking care of them and when.
 
3. Prepare To Move
Maybe it's been a while since you've moved into a new home. If that's the case, you've probably acquired plenty of things over the years. Packing and moving your belongings might be a challenge. Consider asking for help to not strain yourself. Options to consider include:
 
●        Family and friends
●        Packing professionals
●        Unpacking services
●        Senior moving services
 
Moving is a job best handled by more than one or two people. Getting assistance with the task helps you save your energy for building your homestead and setting it up the way you’re dreaming about.
 
Fresh starts are exciting, and realizing your dream of becoming more self-sufficient is a cause for celebration. Preparing pays off in the long run by giving you more time and resources to invest in your homesteading adventure. To find the perfect place to call home-sweet-homestead, connect with 903 Realty today! 903.331.0990