Buying a Small Farm, Hobby Farm, or Homestead? Here's Four Things To Help You Get Started

Whether you're dreaming of raising a flock of chickens or want to cut back and live a simpler life, a hobby farm or homestead property may be just the thing for you. Below are four considerations to help you get started. 

1) Consider Acreage & Lot Size

When you do a property search for a homestead or a hobby farm, consider what size lot you are most comfortable with. Most hobby farms are under 5 acres, a manageable size for homeowners to deal with and not be overwhelmed. A lot size of even an acre or two can allow you plenty of room to garden and raise small farm animals.

2) Consider Animal Laws

If you are dreaming of owning sheep, horses, goats, or even chickens, check with the municipality before you buy. some areas allow you to have whatever livestock you want, while others have specific rules about the pets you can -- and can't -- keep. Roosters make noise, goats wander and pigs smell bad, so some neighborhoods don't allow these critters at all. Make sure the animals on your list are allowed by your county before you buy to avoid shocks later.

3) Consider Water Sources

In some cases, you'll find a property that comes complete with a well and septic system. If you are looking at land for sale, you'll likely have to dig these items on your own, so be sure you include them in your plans. If the property has a stream, you may or may not have the right to use the water; water rights are different from land ownership, so make sure you know exactly what you are buying.

4) Consider Home and Outbuildings

If the property already has a home and barn or other structure, check to see where the water, electricity, and phone come from. Is there a propane tank? How is the home heated? If you're used to having a heater come on at the touch of a button, a wood-burning stove can be a shock. Technology may be different in the country as well. Some rural areas do not have cable or phone service, so you'll need to pay for satellite service and cell phones to stay connected or watch television.

10 Charming Cities To Consider Buying a Farm Property In

Ready to start your search? You can browse all of Homes & Land's farm properties for sale here. Or, you cand browse from a curated selection below:

1. 1) Gypsum, CO farm properties
2. 2) Idaho Falls, ID farm properties
3. 3) Monticello, KY farm properties
4. 4) Grand Rapids, MI farm properties
5. 5) Silver City, NM farm properties
6. 6) Cincinnati, OH farm properties
7. 7) Oklahoma City, OK farm properties
8. 8) Pittsburgh, PA farm properties
9. 9) Clarksville, TN farm properties
10. 10) Heber City, UT farm properties