The Campfire Trail: September 6 - DIY Homestead - Starting With Nothing (Part 3)

September 6, 2022

Day 340 of the Adventure

One of Our Cabins

We are building a Homestead property starting with raw land right now. Twelve years ago, we were trying to figure out how get started with our first cabin. In the previous two posts on this subject, I mentioned getting as prepared as possible ahead of time and starting your search long before you are ready to pull the trigger on your place. I think it's important to elaborate on that second item a little more. Even if you are not ready to buy just yet, it's never too early to begin your research. Especially as I'm writing this, prices are beginning to fall from record highs, (no, from "Stupid Record Highs"!) Already I am seeing lower prices for similar properties as I was looking at just six months ago. Things are starting to change, and I think they will change pretty fast. Why, you may ask, am I even looking since we just bought a little under a year ago? Because I'm always on the look-out for a sweet bargain.

My real estate buying has always been characterized by lots of searching. That accomplishes two significant things for you. It is the only real way to sniff out bargains. Plus, it's the only real way to know enough about a market to know whether you've even found a bargain or not. I encourage people who are in the hunt for a property to research at least a hundred properties (if they can) Not necessarily all in person, but at least compare, size, structures, locations, price and so on, to get a feel for the market. Only then can you really be able to judge when you think you've discovered a gem. Go look at the potential gems in person and then you can have confidence in knowing you've found something that is a good deal.

Research should be continually happening when you are looking. For me, it continues even when I'm not looking to actually purchase anything. Some of our best deals over the years have been ones we've stumbled upon when we really weren't interested in buying. Our first cabins happened that way. The important point is start researching today. even if you're plans for buying are a year away.

Carry On

Adventure Quote: “Unfortunately, there seems to be far more opportunity out there than ability.... We should remember that good fortune often happens when opportunity meets with preparation.”

― Thomas A. Edison

Base Camp Coffee of the Day: Highlander Grogg (Butterscotch/Rum flavors)

Consider Subscribing to our monthly "How-To", Do-It-Yourself" newsletter in the upper right corner of this page. AND........

Click any of the following links to start your own adventure with us:

DIY Construction Basics Videos

Building Gable Vents

Framing Roof Soffits

Shelley Painting Trim (Chicks in the Sticks video)

Sunday Morning Outdoor Breakfast Videos

August 28 Breakfast - Campfire Corned Beef Hash

August 21 Breakfast - Off-Grid Waffles...... and Dragon Fruit?

August 7 Breakfast - Chorizo Burritos