Labor Day weekend and we are at my in-laws house. I needed a break so we hopped in the car and went looking at raw land about 15-20 miles east of their house.

I have an idea for a PUD (planned unit development) for "seniors" that have family that wants to visit and a desire to have "all the amenities" without it costing an arm and a leg.

What amenities are we talking about? How about the regular things like a club house, swimming pool and tennis courts? But I'm thinking that a stable and riding trails might make a nice little "extra."

And then the piece de resistance would be a couple of acres per home for growing wine grapes. This will make  the property seem like it is "in the country" and provide a little income for the property owner. Well, it will be in the country because that is where the available land is. But....

Being in the country means no infrastructure. No water. No sewers, Remote.

The plan is for the HOA to "own" the water company and the sewer plant, and to "manage" the viticulture operation.

Even with "cheap" land available ($10,000 to $20,000) per acre the cost of a "finished" lot (2-1/2 acres) would be about $150,000.00. Add the cost of a 1400 square foot manufactured home with site work we are talking about a house that will have to sell for $350,000 to $400,000.00. But think about the amenities! And the income from the grapes!

So what are the grapes worth? Varietals can yield 10 tons per acre once the vines are mature, and they sell for $1500 per ton or more.

That figures out to $30,000 gross for the two acre vineyard attached to each home site. That is enough even after expenses to pay for all the home owner's taxes, insurance, water, HOA fees, and all the other miscellaneous costs of living here.

 

 

 

22 Comments on 106º Today and We Went Looking at Land! Why?

SEP
02
2007
260,584 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Hey Bill, glad this was featured.  Seniors could use more affordable housing.  I like your plan man!
10:34pm • #1
2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Great idea.  You know, even in South Dakota, we have a lot of small independent grape growers that produce nice wine.

Duane Hosek in the Black Hills of South Dakota

10:39pm • #2
365,383 Points 63 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Very Creative Bill. Hopefully your plan has a life come true.
11:58pm • #3
SEP
03
2007
Very interesting idea Bill, I have been fantasizing about having room to grow some veggies after retirement so I love this idea.
12:00am • #4
336,875 Points Outside Blog
Sounds like a lovely plan. Hope you can get it going. You will have to share will us all what happens.
2:07am • #5
623,859 Points 104 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
Nothing like creative thinking going on here. My grandfather who is now 98 years old grows his own grapes in Sonoma California. I don't drink but everyone tells me he makes some good wine. Oh, I still need to get you some info on our prospective commercial/ residential land opportunity we have. Katerina
2:08am • #6
111,836 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I love it.  I am ready to retire now...show me the way! LOL...oh wait  106 degrees?  Dream Big!! Thoughts become Things!!
2:52am • #7
224,740 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Wow, I feel for you having to show property in that heat--I've been watching the news reports of the heat in your state.
8:29am • #8
109,021 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jason, thank you. We will do this.

Bill Roberts

9:53am • #9
109,021 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Duane, I would be interested in hearing about their experience. Thanks.

Bill Roberts

9:57am • #10
109,021 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

William, To make it come true all I have to do is DO IT!

Bill Roberts

9:58am • #11
109,021 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Darrel, Come on over and get one of our houses. You will be all set.

Bill Roberts

10:00am • #12
109,021 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Bob and Carolin, I notice you didn't comment on the heat. Is there something I should know?

Thanks for commenting. This will be reported as it develops.

Bill Roberts

10:03am • #13
109,021 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Katerina, Wine isn't drinking, it is FOOD. I'm looking forward to seeing what you have.

BTW you should write about your Grandfather. It would be a good story even if he is in Northern California.

Bill Roberts

10:06am • #14
109,021 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Candace, Yeah it gets hot here, but only a couple weeks per year. It makes us appreciate the great weather we have the rest of the year. I'll let you know when your house is ready.

Bill Roberts

10:09am • #15
109,021 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Diane, This is "earthquake weather" and yesterday we had an earthquake centered about 20 miles from where we were but I didn't even feel it. Being a "native" I guess I'm just too used to them.

Bill Roberts

10:12am • #16
266,924 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I went showing acreage yesterday....triple digits and in rattlesnake country (The Mother-Lode). THANKFULLY, I "think" we've narrowed it down. Before I melted down...  Is this what Labor Day stands for, laboring? 
6:05pm • #17
109,021 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Well Kat, The rattlers don't like the heat any more than you do. Good luck on your search.

Bill Roberts

8:41pm • #18
SEP
04
2007
266,924 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Bill: You're funny.  And I don't like the rattlers anymore than they like the heat--or me. 
7:43am • #19
109,021 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Kat, Thanks, but looks aren't everything.

Bill Roberts

9:16am • #20
498,106 Points 52 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hey Bill!  I happened upon this post as your other one caught my eye!  Just drove back from San Diego yesterday and we got NO relief from the heat!

In regards to your post:  WHAT A COOL CONCEPT!  I would definitely be in if I were closer to my retirement years!  WOW! 

7:23pm • #21
109,021 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Renee, thank you very much. You must have felt right at home here.

And that's OK. By the time you want to retire I'll have something else because I'm not going to retire. My wife is about your age.

Bill Roberts

7:38pm • #22

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Bill Roberts - "Baby Boomer" Retirement Planning

Oceanside, CA

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Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate

Address: P.O. Box 712501, San Diego, CA, 92171-2501

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