The Self-Sustaining Suburban Homestead Buying Checklist

Self Sufficient Real Estate More and more people these days are looking to grow their own food and be more self-sufficient. Whether they're hoping for a return to a simpler lifestyle or want to lower their carbon footprint, many home buyers are now also searching for a piece of land that they can turn into the homestead of their dreams.

You don't have to buy a farm out in the country to grow your own food and live the good life, though. Lots of people have discovered that there's plenty of room on the typical suburban lot to start a garden or plant some fruit trees. 

If you're considering buying a suburban homestead, you'll need to take some extra things into consideration to make sure the home you buy is the right one for all your passion projects. Here's what to look for as you shop around for your next dream home:

1. Check for Zoning Restrictions

Not every community allows you to do whatever you want with your property. Some HOA restrictions apply even to houses with fairly large plots of land, and the neighborhood association or township may have restrictions about everything from the placement of a chicken coop to tearing up a section of your lawn to add a vegetable patch.

Ask your real estate agent to help research local bylaws and zoning before you decide to make an offer. A little due diligence now can save you some serious heartache down the road.

2. Scope Out the Lay of the Land

Take a good look around the lot to get a sense of how much sunlight it will receive. It can be helpful to sketch a quick diagram to note the placement of the house and any tall trees or shrubs that will cast shade. If you don't have a compass, use the satellite feature on Google Maps to understand how the land is oriented.

Will those objects keep your land in shade for much of the day? Can you remove trees, or do they belong to your neighbors? You'll need a large section of land that gets full sun to grow most food items, so consider carefully.

3. Water, Water Everywhere?

You'll also want to check the drainage on the property. Low-lying areas that are often swampy aren't great for planting, but may be good for grazing goats or sheep. Steep slopes will also be difficult to plant without terracing. While too much water can be a bad thing, consider your irrigation needs: You'll need a way to water your garden or orchard, so check for existing pipes — or the possibility of adding an irrigation system to reach distant areas of your yard.

4. Get a Feel for the Neighborhood

Do other people in the area seem committed to some self-sufficiency practices? If you notice a nearby rabbit hutch or impressive pumpkin patch, you might be in good company. If instead you catch a vibe that makes you think the neighbors might not love your hobbies, you may want to keep your options open. Sure, you might be within your rights to start a hobby farm in suburbia, but don't underestimate the value of getting along with your new neighbors.

The bottom line? Talk to your real estate agent about your dreams of a suburban homestead so he or she can help steer you in the right direction.

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Dylan Snyder is a seasoned real estate professional serving the Jupiter real estate market, Palm Beach real estate market, Palm Beach Gardens real estate market, North Palm Beach real estate market, and the surrouding Palm Beach County area. Along with being a top producer in Jupiter real estate, Dylan's professionalism and expertise in luxury and waterfront real estate sets him and his team of real estate experts apart from the competition. For more information on Jupiter and Palm Beach real estate for sale, contact Dylan at (561) 951-9301.

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