Since I'm a Realtor in an area surrounded by acres of timber, farm land, and purple mountains majesty, I answer enquiries on a daily basis on land that is for sale in my area. Many of these people are from out of state, usually from big cities who have heard that moving to Idaho is the best thing to do. I'm not going to argue about that, I wouldn't be living in the Valley if I didn't think it was true. The other day while I was on floor, I received a lead from an out of stater who said that her friend bought acreage in Idaho and she was jealous, and wants to do the same. GREAT!! I gathered some listings-100-400 acre parcels all with lots of timber, streams and solitude for miles around-all beautiful pieces of land. I can't help but wonder, though, will these people be happy once they make the move? Will trading traffic and noise for solitude and wildlife be exactly as they fantasized? Here are some things to think about before you decide to pack up and head for the hills--
County governments do not provide the same level of services as those in the city! Some areas do not have fire protection, or are patrolled by police on a regular basis. Not only the government services are limited. A majority of areas lack cell phone service, Internet, and television reception.
Many do not realize the extra work involved with living in the country... An acquaintance of mine lives less than an hour away from Lewiston in what sounds like a lovely, secluded area. He smiles in the winter when he tells of having to park his 4-wheel drive a few miles away from his home by the main road and gets to drive the rest of the way to his abode on his snowmobile. Oh, and don't forget the time his snow machine broke down and he was stuck in the snowy bliss!! It's not bad once you get to the main road because the county makes sure the school buses run, unless of course it's Christmas vacation or something like that, then it's each man for their selves. Also, in late summer, there is the task of making sure the home is safe from forest fires!!
A buyer should always let their agent know how they intend to use the property. Many people buy property on a whim, pay cash and not worry about what happens next. It is strongly advised that buyers inspect the property and make make inquiries to determine if there are any problems which could stop them from doing what they want. Don't assume you can buy 200 acres, build your dream home, and then parcel the rest. Some counties restrict subdividing. It is up to the buyer and their agent to determine what is allowed and what is not with the particular piece that is desired. Let's say you found a wonderful plot of land with a stream flowing through it. Wow, the perfect place to put my home and have horses like you have always dreamed!! Horses? You didn't mention anything about horses..in some areas you cannot have a pasture within 50 feet of streams and creeks..uh, oh....
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