Score-Card of What to look for in a Homestead

I've adapted this from the classic book written in the 1940's "Have More" Plan by Ed and Carolyn Robinson.

I LOCATION Sellers' or Real Estate Broker's Name and Phone Number   Distance to your job __________________________________ Commuting Expense __________________________________ Time to Commute ___________ Commute Expense ________ Condition of Roads in winter ___________________________ Distance to Schools or Bus Stop _________________________ Distance to Church _______ to Shopping _________________ Telephone Available ___ Electricity ____  Mail ____________ II WATER SUPPLY City Water ___  Private Well ___  Community well ___ If other than large community well or city water, have the water tested by a state certified lab doing a water  bacteriological analysis.  On Whidbey Island the cost is $20 Pond or stream? _____________  Any wetlands? ______ III ELECTRICITY Is electricity to the property?  Living off the grid (on solar power or other) is difficult and expensive.  If buying raw land, what is the  distance to the power source?  Contact the local provider to  determine the cost to bring power to your building site. IV SEWAGE DISPOSAL Municipal ____ Septic Tank ____  Raw Land Perc ___ Don't purchase raw land without having the soils tested for a  septic perc (the ability for the soils to qualify for a state or  county approved septic system).  If purchasing a property with a septic system, have the tanks pumped and inspected prior to  closing on the property.  This cost is usually paid by the seller. V LAND Total Land Available ____________ Should be at least 3/4 acre of good, level land.  Total of 2 to 5  acres to include orchard, pasture, hay field, and land to grow some stock feed. VI OUT BUILDINGS Garage ____ Tool House ____ Workroom ____ Barn ____  Poultry House and/or Barn ____ Barn for dairy, rabits and poultry ideally should contain a minimum of 500 square ft. floor area. VII ORCHARD Apple ____  Peach ____  Cherry ____ Plum ____  Grape ____ Rhaspberries ____  Strawberries ____  Blackberries ____ Blueberries ____  Asparagus ____  Rhubarb ____ An established orchard in good condition is worth money.  For a family of 4 this should contain: 5 apple, 3 pear, 1 peach,  2 cherry, 2 plum trees, 10 grape vines.  Small fruits: 50 raspberries, 100 strawberries, 6 blueberry shrubs. VIII OTHER Shade trees ________________________________________________ Fencing _____________________________________________________ Good fencing is worth considerable) Length of growing season _______ What is the micro-climate of the property?  Is it in a hole that will frost early?  Ask the neighbors. Kind of Neighbors _____________________________________ Meet the neighbors, talk to them and ask about the neighborhood Is extra land adjoing the property available? What is the property tax on this property? ________________ Any restrictions against raising livestock, etc. Are there any CC&Rs? (Coventants, Conditions, and Restrictions that run with the land) Assessed Value of the Property _________________________ Down Payment needed ________________________________ Estimated cost to repair ________________________________ IX HOUSE List out your ideal want list for a house