For many people, there's something great about choosing to live a slower pace. Less traffic and fresh air can be found outside of the city in the countryside. The appeal can be very obvious when breathing the tainted air in a big city. Most people who choose to quit living in the suburbs and relocate to the country life make mistakes when choosing and buying acreage because they don't know the difference between buying acreage and buying a home in the suburbs. Make sure that the piece of land that is in the countryside will support your envisioned years of enjoyment by making the right choices. Here are vital guidelines and tips that can help buyers avoid pitfalls in making the right choices:w

Consider the services

When buying a piece of land in the country with an intention of building a home, a buyer needs to consider the types of services available at the acreage. Some of the most crucial services to be considered include snow removal, electricity, road maintenance, accessibility, and garbage collection among others.

In some instances, a buyer may be charged by the utility to bring services like electricity to his or her property from the nearest lines, which might be miles away. It's crucial to assess the quality of water in their wells and the depth of the existing wells. The septic systems being installed in the bare ground should be tested through a percolation test to establish the soil's absorption rate for a drain field or leach field. The septic systems ought to be tested and checked by an authorized local health agent.

Covenants & Ordinances

Most lands in the rural areas have certain protective covenants that regulate the use of the acreage. Under the covenant, there are certain regulations on the types of animals and structures allowed and specifications on where they can be located. Be sure to know who maintains fences and shared driveways.

The area's zoning ordinances may determine how land can be used. For example, certain areas have regulations that don't allow land owners to create ponds by just damming up a creek. In some cases, the zoning ordinances can also determine the types of animals to be reared and the location of creating a driveway. This information can be checked out by contacting the Department of Natural Resources and local zoning commission. If the acreage is near a creek, a buyer should also ask the local council about the potential of flooding.

Insurance & Maintenance

The value of the acreage can hike due to the maintenance, improvement and insurance costs. Fire protection is also an important factor to be considered before a buyer chooses a particular piece of land. Depending on the fire department with jurisdiction in the area, the insurance rates may be higher. Therefore, it's advisable to understand the insurers who offer rural property insurance that covers the home and other features such as outbuildings and ponds.

Taking time to ask around and interact with the locals can also help in determining whether the acreage is suitable for bringing up a family. This is a big investment and buyers ought to be extremely cautious to avoid dumping their hard earned money on a worthless venture.