Country living appeals to many people; the quaintness and solitude it provides can be amazing. Before you jump in and purchase a country home, though, you should understand certain factors as purchasing out in the country is much different from purchasing in the city/suburbs. Knowing ahead of time what to look for can help you make a successful purchase.
Are the Roads Private?
Oftentimes, roads that lead to country homes are private. This means that the entity responsible for fixing them is you or at least a collaborative effort between you and your neighbors. Before you purchase the home, you should find out a few things including:
- How much work was recently done on the road?
- What type of annual maintenance does it need?
- What is the average cost for maintenance and repairs thus far?
If the road is public, inquire about how often the county paves the road. You should also find out if they maintain it on a regular basis aside from paving. You need to know these things in the event that the road becomes very rundown and you have to drive on it – you want to know what to expect.
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How does Trash Disposal Work?
Unlike city and suburban homes, you do not have trash service in the country. This means it is your responsibility to dispose of the trash. A few questions to ask the seller or real estate agent include:
- How far away is the dump to dispose of the trash?
- Is there a waste service for hire?
- Is there a cost to dispose of your trash at the dump?
Something else you should consider is whether you want to deal with bringing the smelly trash in your car all of the time.
Where is the Nearest Town?
It can be quaint and romantic to live in a country home, but you need to know how far away from civilization you are, especially in the face of an emergency. How far away is the nearest hospital? What about the fire station and police station? Think about the errands you run on a normal basis. How far will you have to travel to get to things like the grocery store, restaurants, cleaners, and the bank? You should factor all of these travel times into your decision to help you decide if you will be happy out in the country.
Check the Well and Septic
One of the most important things you can check in the house is the well and septic. This is your water supply and the septic is the waste disposal. Both need professional inspections to ensure that they are in good condition.
The inspector will check the water supply for its quality and to ensure the water is free from bacteria and other chemicals. He will also check for adequate water supply for a family of your size. You can also talk to the seller about the supply, comparing his family size to yours to see if it would be adequate.
The septic system should also be adequate not only for your family size, but also for the guests you have on a normal basis. Again, comparing the size of the family that owns the house now and your family can help you determine if you the system will be adequate for you.
How will you Care for the Property at a Country Home?
Caring for the land at a country home is much different from caring for the land that a suburban home lies on. Think of the equipment you will need and even the help you will have to hire. If the land is vast and you do not have a riding mower, a service will be necessary to help you maintain the lawn. Think of other areas of the home too, such as if there is a barn or livestock that you have to care for – how much will it cost and can you afford it?
Purchasing a country home requires a variety of different questions and answers than purchasing a suburban home. Before you set out to purchase the home you fell in love with, make sure you have professional opinions regarding the condition of the home and all that comes with it so that you know you are making a sound decision for you and your family.