Extra income on my homestead????

Ok, I need you guys advice. I ran across a website today, which offered a new way of making some extra income on my homestead. The basic concept is, I can offer a spot on my land for an RV'er to park their rig for a night, week or month and charge them whatever I think is a fair price. Or, (and I thought this was pretty cool), charge them a reduced rate in exchange for labor. So, what do you think??? Good or bad idea? Would you do this?

I see this sort of opportunity listed locally now and then. Usually with a vague location and contact info as it's not legal to live in an RV outside of an RV park in this area.

I see a lot more people looking for such sites, than I do sites available.

I'd do it in a heartbeat if you are confident no Dept of Sadness is likely to darken your doorstep as a result. As with any tenant/landlord situation, be careful about who you rent to, and trust your gut, unless you have an overly trusting gut, in which case find someone with a more suspicious gut and trust it, instead.

It can be done with profit, however the key think to always keep in mind is that the laws on the books are always in favor of the renters and not the landlords. Those are not my words, they are words of my attorney. I live in Maine and you would be shocked at how difficult it is to even get people out of a home that invade foreclosed residences and just take them over. Add children to the mix and they are never leaving. (slight exageration, but only slightly).

I try to be positive on life and opportunities thereof, but in this instance being pessimistic really is prudent.

My suggestion is to find a good attorney at a minimum before entering an agreement, have him set up the contract, and then retain him/her for whatever they charge to evict. In that way if a renter goes awry and you want them out, you can expedite the process...your attorney is already on retainer. Even still, it may take a few months to go through the court process.

If this sounds expensive and may negate the income stream you would make off renting an RV spot, you would be right. There is a chance you would get a great renter and never have an issue, but most of the time one person's idea of land stewardship is vastly different than another. For some people three rusted out unregistered cars next to an RV is just average everyday life, while for you leaking gas tanks, radiators and oil pans is an absolute disaster...and environmental problems always fall upon the landowner.

My honest advice is to approach life from a different angle. Rather than trying to increase income, reduce expenditures. Really evaluate what you are spending and see if it can be reduced. I am not accusing you of being materialistic; in fact I don't think ANYONE on here is that, but there is something to be said for looking at expenses in a different way. Income streams always require money. It takes money to make money, but when you reduce costs in life, you get 100% of that money back in your pocket, and that is a sweet, sweet deal.

If you at wits end and despondent and just plain out of ideas, feel free to private message me and I'll brain storm with you. Fiscal woes can really distract people from being content, and while I hope that is not at play here, if it is, the least I can do is listen to your concerns. I do care...

In the right location, it can be profitable.

You will need a good driveway, water, power, and septic hookups. It will take a long time to recoup those costs. RV's can use a LOT of power, so you need to account for that.

First off, thank you all so much for the warm welcome. My sister and her husband recently came back from a 3 week road trip exploring the country. They used this service and said it was absolutely amazing. The landowners were incredibly welcoming. From what I understand, most RV's are self-contained, so hook-ups aren't needed. It gave them an opportunity to meet amazing people, while seeing areas of the country otherwise not available.

Extra income too if you can sell them some of your surplus produce

If it is only for a few nights or week, go for it.

David Livingston wrote:Extra income too if you can sell them some of your surplus produce

That's exactly what I was thinking David! I'd love to expand new horizons on natural products and organics! If anyone else is interested (or curious) you can check out RVwithME.com and actually see what I'm talking about.

By the way, did I tell you how much I LOVE this forum!!! The conversations and information are endless and have been so informative. Thanks guys!!!