Taro Machan wrote:
Devin Lavign wrote:Are you looking for Western Cascades BC or Eastern Cascades BC in the Okonogan region? Or both? Each area has it's pluses and minuses. And different things you need to look for and be aware of.
We're willing to explore both -- as mentioned we have a couple of weeks to drive through the area.
Cariboo/interior BC area is interesting to me. She likes the Kootenays but it seems somewhat too remote to me, pretty darn far from any airports if we want to take occasional trips back to Vancouver. North/central coastal BC and the islands would be much more compelling if we weren't overdue for the huge earthquake that will destroy us all.
Well prices for land are going to be higher more coastal you get, but then water is less an issue and cost of goods drops some too. Since your looking at fairly small acreage from the sound of it, the price issue might be less an issue as it tends to factor more when you want larger tracts and want to get more land for your money.
Eastern side of the Cascades your going to have more of a 4 season environment, and while more remote there is also more of a homesteading acceptance and culture there.
I don't know about the Canadian side of needing agents etc. But always be open to looking for the for sale by owner signs. You can often get much better deals that way.
A big suggestion for looking for land, is look also at the community in the area. Look at their festivals, events, etc. If possible go to some and figure out if you mix well with the locals. Nothing worse than having a great piece of property but having to drive 3 hrs to get to people you like to be around. Good you don't have illusions of being self sustaining if your knowledge and skills aren't up to the task. The reality is that is more a goal to strive for than a reality to reach for pretty much anyone. We need community and really aren't made to be completely independent and self suficient. Which is why knowing the community your moving into is important.
As for only 1-2 acres, I would suggest trying to stick to more like 3-5 acres minimum and if you can afford it 5-10 acres. Though 1-2 with a protected forest boarding it might be reasonable. As mentioned wood for fires etc is a factor, but also just space to not be crowded. Especially if you end up with kids. Also more land you can get more opportunities you can find on it. However, don't get yourself in too deep with too much land that you can't manage, pay a
mortgage (if your going that route), or pay taxes on.
Be cautious of existing buildings on property. They might not be up to code, in poor condition, or placed in the wrong spot. Each additional structure and improvement on property raises the price. Figure out what you can do yourself or hire others to do for you, and consider what you would need right away. Do you need a well right off, or a home? Or can you live in a trailer or
cabin for awhile and bring in water while developing a spring?
Water is always a critical issue for any land purchase. Do not buy land without a good water plan understood. Be it a spring, stream, well, water catchment, or whatever you need some water access and a plan to tap it. Don't be the folks who struggle because you have to go into town to get water all the time because you didn't plan for water.
Don't be discouraged if you don't find something right away either, a couple weeks is not a lot of time to search the amount of area your talking about. I had been looking for 10-15 yrs casually just to have an idea of availability and prices and get to know multiple different areas as potential communities I would like to live in, etc. The last couple years, I started getting more serious looking, then when I was finally financial ready to do it it took several months even with a lot of prior research under my belt. The good thing though was I was able to recognize the perfect opportunity early in my serious searching rather than keep looking. Realizing I wasn't likely to find a better place for my price range due top having watched properties for years.
I agree the whole impending Cascadian seduction zone issue is a scary one. Actually nice to hear you have put some thought into that issue.
Big advice I would suggest for what ever area your looking is research wild fire issues. They are more and more common these days, so look for areas that seem to have less repeated wildfires run through them. Also if on the wet side, look at mudslide history. The PNW has some nasty mud slides like the Oso WA slide.
Ok enough discussing the yucky stuff.
I really hope you find your dream property. It is an exciting time. There is the right place out there just waiting for you.