So whats on tap this weekend? Well, moving a buncha stuff to the storage unit to stage it for what I am expecting will be an interesting spring and summer next year, assuming this land purchase thing goes as hoped. I mean, yes its under contract and all….but there is still plenty of room for the wheels to fly off on this thing. I won’t consider it done until all the paperwork is signed, sealed, posted, and undeniably finished. Then I’ll consider it done. And mine. In the meantime, its still ‘the property that I amn looking at buying’.
Next spring will include setting up a semi-permanent campsite, securing access points to the property, installing security measures, redeveloping the overgrown and sapling-sprinkled ‘driveway’ onto the property, and doing a whole lot of walking the property to see exactly what is where. I’m rather looking forward to it, although its going to be one of the biggest money-sinks of my life. But, just because something is a money-sink doesn’t necessarily mean its a bad thing. If its something youve always wanted, then whats a few bucks? It’s sinking money into something you don’t want that is a bad experience.
So, its up to the storage unit, set up the wire shelving and start moving a few things. And after that its back into the spreadsheets and the internet to make lists of things to purchase, tools to investigate, plans to read, etc. I’ve already ordered several ‘how to’ and DIY books from Amazon on a couple subjects. I will, though, be holding off on some of the more expensive items until I’m dead certain this deal is done. Posting might be a little sporadic here and there as I’m spending a good chunk of time realigning myinvestments in order to accommodate this sudden outflow of cash, as well as doing all this research. But…it’ll be an interesting (and hopefully enjoyable) adventure that will give me plenty to blog about.
So…thats the plan for this weekend.
Moving is a voyage of discovery, you’ll rediscover all sorts of long lost items.
Truth! I recently moved and discovered many items I didn’t even know I had, or forgot about. Many pleasent surprises were found after 40 years of accumulation (hoarding).
“I mean, yes its under contract and all….but there is still plenty of room for the wheels to fly off on this thing.”
Very prudent of you. Just about all real estate transactions are fraught with peril.
No risk no gain.
Following. All wars are basically only won by logistics, and the proper command and control of those assets. Irregardless whether this selected property deal goes through well, without unnecessary or negative turbulence, you are getting yourself set up in the proper stages or order of march for that beach landing maneuvering operation. As you are researching equipment necessary for that location, I would recommend you consider a front loader tractor option instead of a snowmobile or quad type atv for winter ops. A mid sized, not a dinky small one, at around 30+ horsepower will enable you to deal with the snow issues and opening acces, as well as having a pto and implements attachments to get other ground works done as well. I bought a used town surplus john deere with a comfy cab just for my little lot snow removal or gravel grading and it is a wiser investment then an atv with a blade that only can push light amounts of snow. Plan for the worst winters and extrapolate out your land development needs. The costs may be a close parity. Fwiw. Keep at it, and stay frosty.
Property isn’t truly YOURS until you write the first tax check
My property taxes in town, on a tiny little lot, are almost $5400. The taxes on the 20 acres is $50.
Missoula city has shitty property tax rates.
Wow! That is crazy! Good Luck to you!
My taxes on a 20 acre lot on flathead lake are about three times that…that’s ridiculous!
Yeah, but it’s Flathead…
Lake County, but yeah – win-win!
Hey Cmdr, I decided not to just clear bushes and trees from my BOL the first year, with the idea of seeing what was really there. I opened up access, but that was it.
I discovered several abandoned flower beds, and some ornamental plants that first year as well as a peach tree. I treated the ornamentals as free landscaping material, and I cleaned up the flower beds.
The second year I discovered that two of the trees were persimmons. While a bit tart, they appear to make good jelly or jam. I also found more ornamental plantings while clearing some vines and underbrush. And found a second, small, peach tree.
The third year I found the dewberry bushes along the drainage ditch and the wild garlic.
All I’m saying is that taking some time, and getting to know the property is a GOOD idea. Clearing existing road is fine, (although maybe you want to consider if it’s in the best place or is a good curved path that obscures where it goes, or if abandoning it to the new growth is a good thing…) but don’t be in a hurry to clear areas that might have been improved in the past.
The more time I spend on my property, at different times of year, and day, the more my eyes are opened to what is there.
n
A small piece of advice: Get the property surveyed by a licensed surveyor, and get the surveyors report. Knowing where the property lines are and what is your property can prevent troublesome interactions with neighbors and third parties.
Clad to hear it man! Finally!
Congratulations, CZ!
I hope this is “the one” for you! It sounds like you have a good plan going forward. The comment suggesting a definitive survey and marking boundaries is a great way to avoid future conflicts and headaches.
You’re wise in not counting a contract as a done deal. “There’s many a slip between the cup and the lip.” Best wishes and enjoy this new adventure!
Bob G
think of it as a hobby, or addiction, that pays off in the end.
I bought 40 acres in central Minnesota in 1987. I did sell it in 2018 when I moved to another, warmer state. It served my purpose perfectly and had a very nice deer population. One problem that I was never able to overcome was the occasional theft and trespassing. I learned early on that anything out of the cabin, even chained securely, was going to be stolen. I also had one break-in. No great loss on that one except the damage caused by the break-in. Good luck with your new place!