Homesteading is a rising trend in the United States. While it comes with a lot of work, many people love the freedom and self-sufficiency that comes along with owning a homestead. Additionally, buying a bigger property is appealing to retired individuals who want to have room for their children and grandchildren to come visit anytime. Plus, a little more elbow room allows for the pursuit of other dreams, like a hobby business or mini farm.
If you’re interested in fulfilling your dream of owning a homestead, your first step is to find a great place to put down roots. Let’s start with a few helpful tips:
Find a Home You Can Afford
No matter where you live, large plots of land suitable for homesteading can come at a premium. However, there are things you can do to increase your likelihood of finding a homestead you can afford. The first thing is to pay down any debt you have as quickly as possible. It will be much easier to afford a house payment if you aren’t saddled with multiple sources of debt.
In addition to paying down outstanding debts, you may also be able to find assistance in your state. Some places offer debt management options that can help you pay down substantial debts more efficiently. Talk to a debt relief specialist in your area if you think this is a viable option for you.
A variety of circumstances may determine which debt solution is best for you specifically. Factors include employment status, amount of debt owed, and ability to repay debt. But don’t give up on your dream of owning a larger home just because you have a lot of outstanding debt right now.
Look for Special Features
When shopping around for your dream homestead, take time to look for extra features you really want. These may include:
● Extra land gardening
● Irrigation for plants to thrive
● Workshops and sheds for hobbies, tool storage, etc.
● Entertainment spaces
● Home business office
You may not be able to find a home that includes all of the extra features you desire. That’s why it’s a good idea to make a list of your preferences, from most important to least important, and share them with your real estate professional. Once you identify extra features you won’t compromise on as well as features you’re willing to forego, you’ll have an easier time finding a home that you’ll love.
Make Your Move Stress-Free
As a senior, it’s easy to overdo it during any move. This is especially true if you’re moving across the country. To make things as stress-free as possible, you may want to arrange for assistance during your move. Friends and family members will likely come together to help you pack up your things and load them into one or more moving trucks. However, they may not be able to help you unpack once you arrive at your new home.
Fortunately, there are senior moving services that can provide you with a seamless move. Talk to a senior move manager if you think you’ll need extra help throughout the moving process. You can also make things easier on yourself by making sure you don’t overpack any boxes or lift anything too heavy. The last thing you want to deal with is a back injury when you’re in the middle of moving to your dream homestead property.
What to Do If You Plan to Start a Business
If you intend to start selling the things you grow on your property, then you’ll need to get yourself up as a business. That way, you can utilize certain tax advantages and separate your business finances from your personal finances. So, research regulations and look up LLC NYC cost information to help you get on the right path. If you need help with the process, then seek the help of online formation services like ZenBusiness, which can help expedite your registration.
By following these tips, you can bring your dream of homesteading within reach. It’s also helpful to do some research into homesteading and the work it requires. It may not be a lifestyle for everyone, but it’s a lifestyle that many seniors find highly fulfilling and enjoyable. And whether you decide it’s time to upsize or downsize, remember professional real estate agents at the Hollingsworth Real Estate Group can help you find the perfect place for your future!
Written by: Bob Shannon
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