You love working the land, taking part in the harvest and spending time with your loved ones – you’re a farmer at heart. As someone who enjoys cultivating the earth, you face unique challenges when it comes to finding the perfect place to call home.
Is there enough property? What’s the soil like? Are there shady zones that don’t get enough sun, and will you have a way to irrigate your crops without investing in a huge system? Can I grow what I want here?
Traditional homebuyers don’t have to think about these things, but you do. Because the climate is already well-suited to most types of farming (including raising livestock), you can check that concern off your list and dive in to what it really takes to find the perfect small farm in North Florida. Aside from testing the soil and water, as well as evaluating the property to make sure it’s suitable for your purposes, there are three other things you need to do to make sure you’re on track to find what you need.
1. Find a local expert.
It really pays to talk to someone who knows North Florida – what it’s like, where the farms are located and what you can expect when it comes to reaching modern amenities such as hospitals, veterinarians and supply stores that carry everyday necessities.
You’ve heard that in real estate, it’s all about location; that’s even more true when it comes to small farms in North Florida because knowing what’s outside your farm is just as important as knowing what’s inside it. A local’s perspective can help you narrow your search to the right areas.
2. Meet the neighbors.
If you’re interested a particular property, go out of your way to meet the neighbors. While you’ll have years to develop relationships with them, it’s a good idea to get a feel for the sense of community in the area. You’ll also want to find out how well their farms have done and how long they’ve been part of the area. Your neighbors are an invaluable asset, particularly when you’re living on a small farm, so it’s nice to meet them before you commit to a property.
3. Find out about taxes, water usage and easements.
Talk to your Realtor® about finding out whether the properties you’re interested in are zoned for exclusive farm use, whether you’re legally allowed to irrigate certain areas and who, exactly, can come on to your farm (often, road, power and irrigation easements are part of the deal). Your realtor can walk you through the steps to find all this out if the information isn’t readily available, so rely on his expertise as much as you need to – he’s there to help you find the perfect North Florida farm.
Need a little help finding your own North Florida farm? Call us at (386)243-0124 or send us an email. We’ll be happy to discuss what you’re looking for and start a custom search on your behalf.
