Free Land and Finding Your Homestead

I read through the article, "Find Your Dream Homestead" by Dave Wortman, April/May 2008, Mother Earth News, yesterday. It was a great read as I dream of living in the country on some acreage. What was dissappointing was that the internet links listed for "free land" were, indeed, only for lots in the said towns. I was hoping for acreage. (Just one or two acres- not an entire farm.) But he did say that some Mid-West federal legislators are working on a "New Homestead Act" that would give tax credits to land buyers/businesses in rural America. So there is hope.

Here are the tips for finding your homestead:

1. Make a list of your wants and needs in a piece of land and know the difference

2. Focus on one area at a time

3. Research free land

4. Let everyone know that you're looking

5. Read the real estate sections of local papers/web sites

6. Drive the back roads, knock on doors, ask questions

7. Look for forclosures, government land sales, tax liened properties, abandoned farms

8. Team up with friends and invest together. (I don't recommend this one.)

9. Think long term

10. If you like a property, ask if the owners want to sell, make an educated offer.

Another important tip was to check out the soil of said property for what you want to do with it. The soil may not support a commercial operation but would suit a home gardner just fine. Do the research.

The article has links to free property (lots) and several other good links for research. It's worth a read at the local library or a purchase.