off grid house

5 Off Grid Living Mistakes And How to Avoid Them

Off grid living is an increasingly popular lifestyle choice for those who want to live a more self sufficient and sustainable life. However, there are many potential pitfalls and mistakes that can arise when living off the grid which can make the experience less enjoyable and more challenging. Here are five common mistakes that people make when living off grid and how to avoid them.

Not planning ahead

One of the most common mistakes that people make when living off grid is not planning ahead. This can include failing to research the local climate and environment, not obtaining the necessary permits and approvals and not having a backup plan in case of emergencies or unexpected events. By planning ahead you can ensure that you are prepared for the challenges and opportunities that come with living off grid.

For example if you are planning to build an off grid home, you should research the local climate and weather patterns to determine the most suitable location and design for your home. You should also obtain the necessary permits and approvals from your local government and consult with a professional engineer or architect to ensure that your home is safe and sustainable. Additionally you should have a backup plan in case of emergencies or unexpected events such as a power outage or natural disaster. By planning ahead you can avoid the common mistakes and ensure that your off grid lifestyle is successful and enjoyable.

Not being self sufficient

Another common mistake that people make when living off grid is not being self sufficient. This can include relying on external sources of food, water, energy or other essential resources which can be costly and unsustainable in the long term. By being self sufficient you can reduce your dependence on external resources and improve your ability to live a more sustainable and independent life.

For example if you are living off grid you should consider growing your own food using a rainwater catchment system to collect and store water and generating your own energy using renewable sources such as solar or wind power. By being self sufficient you can reduce your reliance on external sources of food, water and energy and improve your ability to live a more sustainable and independent life.

Additionally, being self sufficient can help you to save money and reduce your environmental impact. By growing your own food you can reduce your grocery bills and avoid the environmental costs of transporting food from distant locations. By using a rainwater catchment system you can reduce your water bills and avoid the environmental costs of treating and distributing municipal water. By generating your own energy you can reduce your energy bills and avoid the environmental costs of burning fossil fuels. By being self sufficient you can save money and reduce your environmental impact, while also improving your quality of life.

Not being prepared for the weather

The third common mistake that people make when living off grid is not being prepared for the weather. This can include failing to insulate your home properly, not having adequate heating or cooling systems and not having backup power or water sources in case of extreme weather events. By being prepared for the weather you can ensure that you are comfortable and safe, regardless of the conditions outside.

If you are living off grid, you should insulate your home properly to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You should also have a reliable heating and cooling system such as a wood stove or air conditioner to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Additionally you should have backup power and water sources in case of power outages or water shortages such as a generator or water storage tanks. By being prepared for the weather you can avoid the common mistakes and ensure that you are comfortable and safe, regardless of the conditions outside.

Not considering the cost of living off grid

A fourth common mistake that people make when living off grid is not considering the cost of living off grid. This can include underestimating the cost of building or maintaining an off grid home, not budgeting for the cost of essential resources and not having sufficient savings or income to support your off grid lifestyle. By considering the cost of living off grid you can ensure that you have the financial resources to support your lifestyle and maintain your independence.

When living off grid you should carefully budget for the cost of building or maintaining your home including the cost of materials, labor, utilities and maintenance. You should also budget for the cost of essential resources, such as food, water, energy and transportation. In addition to that, you should have sufficient savings or income to support your off grid lifestyle, including the cost of unexpected expenses and emergencies. By considering the cost of living off grid you can avoid the comon mistakes and ensure that you have the financial resources to support your lifestyle and maintain your independence. Considering the cost of living off grid can help you to make informed and responsible decisions about your lifestyle. For example, if you are considering building an off grid home you should carefully evaluate the cost of the project including the initial investment, the ongoing expenses and the potential return on investment. By considering the cost of living off grid, you can avoid the common mistakes and make informed and responsible decisions about your lifestyle.

Not being a good neighbor

The fifth most common mistake that people make when living off grid is not being a good neighbor. This can include failing to respect the rights and needs of your neighbors not following local laws and regulations and not being a positive and contributing member of your local community. By being a good neighbor you can ensure that your off grid lifestyle is sustainable and mutually beneficial for everyone involved.

If you are living off grid you should respect the rights and needs of your neighbors, including their right to privacy, safety and enjoyment of their property. You should also follow local laws and regulations, including zoning laws, building codes and environmental regulations. Although it might not always be easy you should be a positive and contributing member of your local community, including volunteering, participating in community events and supporting local businesses and organizations. By being a good neighbor you can avoid the common mistakes and ensure that your off grid lifestyle is sustainable and mutually beneficial for everyone involved.

Overall, living off grid can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience but it also comes with its own challenges and potential mistakes. By planning ahead being self sufficient, being prepared for the weather, considering the cost of living off grid and being a good neighbor, you can avoid the common mistakes and make the most of your off grid lifestyle.

How Does Owning Land Make Money? Top 6 Ways

Owning land can be an excellent investment because there are many different methods to make money from it. There are numerous methods to profit from your land whether you own a small or huge piece of land. Here are six ways that owning land might result in money.

Renting Out Your Land

One of the most popular ways to profit from your land is to rent out your tract of land. This includes leasin your property for grazing, farming or other agricultural uses. If you have a sizable piece of unutilized land, for instance you might be able to rent it to a farmer who wants to use it for farming or raising cattle. If this were to occur, the farmer would take care of upkeep and crop harvesting while paying you a monthly or annual fee for the use of the land.

Renting out your land for farming can be a reliable source of income and contribute to the preservation of the land for future generations. It can also help the community’s economy by promoting local agriculture.

You can make money by renting out your land for recreational activities. You might be able to rent out your land to hunters or fishermen who are interested in visiting the property if your property is situated in a region with good hunting or fishing opportunities. In this situation you may impose a daily, weekly or monthly usage fee and grant access to specific parts of the land.

Renting out your land for recreational activities can be a good way to make money while also letting others appreciate the natural beauty of your land. The local ecosystem and the land itself can both be protected in this way.

Selling The Land

If you own a sizable parcel of land that is not being used you might be able to sell it to a developer. This can entail offering the land to a developer who wants to use it for the construction of houses, flats or businesses. In this scenario the land would be purchased from you in one lump amount by the developer who would also be in charge of securing all essential approvals and permits for the propertys development.

Depending on the price of the land and the circumstances of the transaction, selling it to a developer could result in a sizable profit. Additionally there may be a chance to sell the land to someone who wants to invest in enhancing the property which would be great for the neighborhood.

You may also be able to sell the land to a government agency or conservation group that is interested in keeping it open for natural or recreational uses. In this scenario the company or agency would buy the land from you in one flat amount and would be in charge of the upkeep and public access.

Land Subdivision

If you have a sizable piece of unutilized land you might be able to divide it up into smaller lots or tracrts and sell each one separately. This might be a profitable approach to generate income from your land because you might be able to sell each portion for more money than you originally paid for the whole thing. Furthermore you might be able to keep ownership of a few of the parcels which could open up new business prospects in the future.

Depending on the market demand for individual sections and the value of the property, subdividing your land can result in a significant profit. Additionally it may present a chance for the site to be sold to a number of different owners helping to spread the risk and lessen the impact on the neighborhood.

The potential effects on the property and the neighborhood should be carefully considered before deciding to partition your land. In order to guarantee that the subdivision complies with local laws you will need to secure the required permits and approvals from your local government. You may also need to seek the advice of a land use planner or lawyer. You must also decide how to access the subdivided parcels and may need to build roads or other infrastructure to support the individual lots.

Renewable Energy

If your land is situated in a region with abundant solar or wind resources you might be able to make some money by putting up solar or wind generating systems on the property. By producing renewable energy you can either take part in a renewable energy program or sell the extra energy to your neighborhood utility company. This can lower your own energy expenditures while simultaneously offering a reliable source of revenue.

Renewable energy is a great way to make money while both lowering your carbon foot print and assisting in the shift to a clean energy economy by producing solar or wind energy on your property. It may also present a chance to upgrade your propertys worth and invest in cutting-edge technologies.

The potential effects on the property and the neighborhood should be carefully considered before deciding to create solar or wind energy on your property. In addition to consulting with an engineer or expert in renewable energy to assess the project’s viability you will need to secure the required permits and approvals from your local government. The project’s prospective costs and benefits must also be taken into account including the initial investment, the estimated return on investment and any potential environmental and social effects.

Timber Harvesting

If there are many trees on your property you might be able to make money by selling the timber. Among the options here are cutting down the trees for lumber or selling the wood for fuel or other uses. If you manage the forest sustainably harvesting timber may result in a one-time payment or continuing revenue.

In addition to increasing the diversity and health of the forest ecosystem harvesting timber on your property can be a method to make money. By properly controlling the timber harvest you can guarantee that the forest is managed responsibly and can offer chances for long term income generation.

The potential effects on the land and the neighborhood should be thoroughly considered before you decide to harvest timber there. In addition to consulting with a forester or natural resource manager to decide on the proper degree of harvest and the project’s possible risks and rewards you will need to secure the required permissions and approvals from you local government. The project’s prospective costs and benefits must also be taken into account, including the initial investment, the estimated return on investment, and any potential environmental and social effects.

Final Thoughts

Owning land can offer a variety of alternatives for income generation. There are various methods to profit from your property whether you are interested in renting, selling or leasing it. Your lands potential can be completely realized and turned into a reliable source of revenue through thoughtful planning and management.

5 Reasons Why You Should Buy Owner Financed Land

Purchasing land is a major investment and there are many factors to consider when deciding how to finance your purchase. One option to consider is owner financing where the seller of the land acts as the lender. This can be a beneficial option for both the buyer and the seller and there are several reasons why you should consider owner financing for your land purchase.

Flexible terms

When you finance your land purchase through a bank or other traditional lender, you are often required to adhere to strict terms and conditions. With owner financing, the terms of the loan are typically more flexible and can be tailored to your specific needs and situation. This means you can negotiate a down payment, interest rate and repayment schedule that works best for you. For example if you need a longer repayment period to make the monthly payments more affordable the seller may be willing to accommodate this request. Additionally, the seller may be willing to offer other types of financing arrangements such as a lease-to-own option or a land contract that can provide even more flexibility.

Faster closing

Traditional financing can take weeks or even months to be approved and this can delay the closing of your land purchase. With owner financing the process is often much faster as the seller is the one making the lending decision. This means you can close on your land purchase and start using it much soonr. This can be especially important if you are planning to build on the land or need to access it for other reasons. With owner financing you can often close on the land within just a few days or weeks, rather than having to wait for a traditional loan to be approved.

No credit check

One of the biggest hurdles for many people when it comes to securing traditional financing is their credit score. With owner financing the seller is not as concerned with your credit history as they are more focused on the value of the land and your ability to make the monthly payments. This can be a great option for people with poor credit or no credit history. It can also be beneficial for people who have recently experienced financial setbacks such as a job loss or medical emergency, that may have caused their credit score to drop. Additionally, people who are self employed or have other unique financial circumstances may find it difficult to qualify for a traditional loan but may be able to obtain owner financing.

Build equity faster

With traditional financing a significant portion of your monthly payments go towards interest charges. This means it can take a long time to build equity in your land. With owner financing you have the potential to build equity much faster as a larger portion of your monthly payments go towards paying down the principal balance of the loan. This can be especially beneficial if you are planning to sell the land in the future as a larger amount of equity can increase the sale price of the land. Additionally, as you build equity in the land you may be able to use it as collateral to obtain additional financing for other purposes such as building a home or starting a business on the property.

Better interest rates

Interest rates for traditional loans can vary widely and they are often influenced by market conditions and the borrower’s credit score. With owner financing you have the opportunity to negotiate a better interest rate with the seller. This can save you a significant amount of money over the life of the loan. In some cases the seller may be willing to offer a lower interest rate as a way to attract buyers and sell the land more quickly. Additionally the interest rate for owner financing may be fixed which can provide more stability and predictability in your monthly payments.

In conclusion owner financing is a great option to consider when purchasing land. It offers flexible terms a faster closing process, no credit check the ability to build equity faster and potentially better interest rates. With owner financing you can often obtain the financing you need to purchase land even if you dont qualify for a traditional loan or want more control over the terms of the loan. Additionally owner financing can provide benefits to the seller such as a faster sale and the ability to retain some ownership in the land. If you are in the market for a land purchase be sure to consider owner financing as a viable option. It may be the perfect solution to help you achieve your real estate goals.

How Big is 1 Acre of Land?

Maybe you just purchased some land or you are looking to purchase some property and you’re probably asking yourself, how big of a parcel do I need? Is one acre of land really enough?  Maybe I need 5 or even 10 acres in size. It can be hard to grasp the size of one acre of land. Today I am going to try to help you visualize just how big an acre of land is. One square acre measures roughly 208′ feet by 208′ (feet).

43,560 Square feet

1 standard Acre of Land is equal to 43,560 Square feet!

3/4 of an American football field

Football is the most popular American sport in the USA. An NFL regulation-size field is 160 feet wide by 360 feet in length. Or 57,600 square feet (1.32 acres).

1 Square mile = 640 Acres

640 acres can fit inside one square mile. That’s 27,878,400 square feet and is 5,280 feet by 5,280 feet. This is also known as 1 section in the United States land surveying system.

4,840 Square yards

One acre is equivalent to 4,840 square yards. 

20.68 Tennis Courts

A tennis court is 78 feet wide by 36 feet long (2,808 square feet). That means you can put 20 full size tennis courts on 1 single acre of land.

0.40 Hectares

1 hectare of land is equal to 2.47 acres, 107,639 square feet or 11,959.9 square yards.

285 Parking Spaces

You can fit roughly 285 parking spaces on a 1 acre parcel of land. If you had property close to a stadium, major city centers or event centers it could be very profitable. However, you will lose some parking spaces to drive isles. Be sure to check the local county and city zoning laws.

19 Houses

The average US single-family home is 2,261 square feet. This means you could fit around 19 – 2,261 square foot homes on one acre. Depending on your location the average home size will vary. Either way one acre is a nice chunk of land.

968 Ping Pong Tables

Yup, you read that correctly… You can fit 968 ping pong tables or 2,549,853 ping pong balls in one acre!  

5.3 Average Size Lots

The average lot size for a single-family home in the US is 8,177 SF lot (0.188 acres). That means you could fit about 5 averaged size lots onto just one acre of property.

Bonus Info For Nerds

Where Did the Term Acre come from?

The term acre was derived from Middle English “aker” (Old English “aecer”) and akin to Latin ager (field). The term acre is also sometimes referred to as clearing, field, lot, plat, plot, estate and tract.

How was the Size of an Acre Determined?

One acre (43,560 square feet) was originally the amount of land that could be plowed by a yoke of oxen pulling a wooden plow in one day.

Summary

 As you can see you can do a lot with just 1 acre of land. It may be just the perfect size for you, others may want even more space for a garden, barn, pool, hunting, and so on. Take time to think about what you want to do with your land and that will help you decide how much land you need. Once you decide be sure to take a look at the properties we have listed, we specialize in owner-financed land with low down payments

Owner Financed Land: Things You Should Know

Traditional financial institutions are designed to lend on houses and are far less familiar with raw land. Because of this some lenders won’t do land loans or may require a very high down payment. This can be devastating for someone trying to purchase their dream piece of property. Owner financing helps fill this gap by offering land buyers a simple lending alternative.

Owner Financed Land

Owner Financing: What is it?

Owner financing is when the owner of the vacant land or property acts as the bank. Since they are the owner of the property there is usually much more flexibility when it comes to loan terms, down payment, purchase price, and monthly payments. Often the length of the loan may be 10, 15, or 20 years instead of 30 years with a traditional bank loan. Usually, there are far fewer requirements to qualify for owner financing. All you may need is the down payment and contract for deed to qualify. Others may want to do a credit check to see if you have good or poor credit. Regardless of your credit score, most seller financing options do not require a credit report. This can make land ownership much easier to obtain.

Traditional Financing may be an option for some

Often when purchasing a piece of land the buyer will use a traditional mortgage or lender to purchase the property. Getting a land loan can be a great option but usually requires 20% to 50% down and will likely have additional closing costs, bank fees, and will take 30 to 45 days to complete the loan process. However, many traditional lenders will not issue a loan for raw land. This leaves many buyers with little to no options making owner financing a great alternative.

Owner Financed Land Deed

Contract for Deed: How does it work?

A contract for deed also sometimes referred to as owner-financed contracts is when the land owner and buyer sign an agreement that the buyer will make payments on the parcel of land while they hold the legal title also known as the deed. Once the loan is paid in full the buyer will receive the deed.

Seller Financing

Seller financing is another word for owner financing. They are used interchangeably.

Prepayment Penalty

Some lenders may charge you a fee for paying off the loan early. Most traditional loans do not include this but it’s worth confirming. You are more likely to see this with seller financing. Be sure to ask if this is included in the contract.

Credit Score: Do I Need Good Credit?

As I mentioned before your credit score will likely be a factor when using an institutional lender but will likely be less of an issue with seller financing. Often times your credit history will not be pulled at all.

Real Estate Agent: Do I Need One?

 Real estate agents can be helpful and are often used but they do receive a commission which can increase the price of the land for sale. If you are able to deal directly with the property owner you can likely negotiate a better purchase price saving yourself hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Origination Fees

 When using an institutional lender or traditional land loan, the loan officer will often charge origination fees that can vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. This is far less common with owner financing, you are more likely to see a flat rate document fee of a few hundred dollars if at all. 

Loan Payments

There are a wide variety of loan repayment options with owner financing. The length of the loan, APR, and monthly loan payment date are all negotiable. Some loans are interest only with a balloon payment after 5 to 10 years others are simple interest and principal payments, it all depends on the type of loan. Be sure to ask.

* Backroad Acres does not do balloon loans

Can I Build on the Property?

Every situation is different so be sure to ask. Some lenders may require that you have the land paid off others may require that only a certain percentage is paid. If you are planning to build a permanent structure be sure to ask if this is Okay. Also, be sure to check with the county to see if a building permit is required. Every town and county has slightly different requirements, so it is best to check with them before you start. However, many rural areas do not require building permits.

How do I get Power?

This can vary widely depending on where your property is located and how close you are to power. If you plan to connect to the power grid be sure to check with the local power company to see how close you are to residential power. Your other option would be to use solar power instead of tieing into the local grid. 

How do I get Water?

Check with the county or local rural water provider to see if they have water near your property. Luckily if there isn’t, there are some great alternatives. The most common alternative is to have a water well drilled. Another option would be to collect rainwater, with the right filters this can be a viable option.

Owner Financed Land: Final Thoughts

Owner financing is a great way to purchase land quickly often times the process can be completed in less than 24 hours. Even if you have low credit or no credit there are likely flexible seller financing options that will work for you. Backroad Acres has many properties for sale with down payments starting at just a few hundred dollars. We don’t charge origination fees, document fees, or use balloon loans. We have a very simple straightforward process that allows anyone to purchase their dream property. 

Check out our land for sale – Owner financed land for sale in Oklahoma and Owner financed land in Kentucky

Available Properties

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185.86$33,899$322 /moDetailsAvailableOK
195.86$33,899$322 /moDetailsAvailableOK
205.91$34,199$325 /moDetailsAvailableOK
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243.83$24,399$230 /moDetailsAvailableOK
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320.14 SOLD-DetailsSOLDKY
418.44 SOLD-DetailsSOLDKY
516.17 SOLD-DetailsSOLDKY
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