02 Jan Buying Land for Your Log Home

Buying land for your log home is an important decision. The location of your log home can either make or break your log home experience. Choosing a piece of land to build your log home on is not always as cut and dry as you may think. Certain factors are important to consider before choosing a piece of property. A beautiful log home built in the wrong location could make your log home experience less than what it could be, and more difficult to sell later on.

What it comes down to is personality, hobbies and expectations. Everyone is different and will have different preferences. A piece of land for one family or individual may be perfect for them, but awful for another. In the process of purchasing land for your log home, you don’t want to have regrets. Here are a few tips to consider when looking at land for your log home.

Secluded or Community Log Homes

Two choices exist when it comes to buying land for your log home lifestyle. You can purchase land in a public area, or you can purchase land where your log home can be more secluded. Some people prefer the community setting, whether it be in a gated log home community or an area where there are generally more people. Others, however, prefer a log home to be located in a more remote area, undisturbed in nature.

Benefits come with each location. Secluded properties will have more privacy, but log homes in more populated areas likely will  also be surrounded with more stores and restaurants. Log homes built in a more visible location may be easier to sell when the time comes, versus homes built in more secluded locations. It just depends on the area and the location. Choose a piece of land where you can best enjoy the property setting.

Property in the Valley or Mountains

Living in the mountains is much different than living in the valley. Initially, you must decide if you love, or can cope with, all aspects of mountain or valley life. Weather conditions, particularly, will have a different effect upon each. For example, during the winter the weather conditions in the  mountains may make it difficult for you to access or leave your property as you wish. It just depends on where you live, the slope of your property, and if the roads are plowed by the city.

On the flip side, however, living in the mountains also means potentially cheaper property and fewer covenants. Since the property is more remote and there are less people, it is less in demand and can be a little more affordable than property in the valley. Living in the mountains means you have a great view of the valley, beautiful surroundings, and endless hiking or hunting.

Building a log home in the valley instead of the mountains can be appealing for a few reasons. Valleys have their own unique beauty, as do mountains, but may be easier to access year-round. While weather conditions may still make it difficult to access your property during the winter in some areas, the slopes of the roads may  be safer than unplowed mountain roads.

When choosing between living in the mountains or living in the valley, it may ultimately come down to the view. Do you want to live in the mountains and look down at the valley? Or, do you want to live in the valley and look up at the mountains? Weigh the pros and cons of each, and determine which location you’d prefer more.

Surrounding Attractions and Scenery

Location is a major selling point. When deciding between different plots of land, consider what surrounds your piece of property. Is it ideally located and close to recreational areas or stores? Does the property have scenic views or beautiful surroundings? Are there other cabins surrounding your property, and if so, will the other log homes increase or decrease the value of your log home?

These are important questions to ask yourself, but in the end it will come down to your priorities. Keep in mind what use you want to get out of your property, and also if your property would be resellable in the future.

Price of the Property

Before you make an offer on a piece of property, be sure the property is worth the price. Some property prices are overinflated and simply not worth what the buyer is asking. In order to avoid paying more for a piece of property than what it is worth, consult with a realtor or two, and do a little local research on other lots for sale. Make sure the price is agreeable with your expectations.

Set a price limit for your property and stick by it. If  you happen to make an offer on a piece of property, and the other party is unwilling to negotiate, walk away. It may be a gamble, but you’ll be surprised what effect it may have on the seller. Even if the property does get bought by someone else, there will always be other pieces of property available in great areas in your price range.

How Much Acreage to Buy?

Knowing how much acreage to buy depends on your budget and your hobbies. Generally speaking most people buy parcels of land with 3 acres or less for their log home. Some prefer more, others prefer less. If you are looking to purchase land where you can ride your ATV’s and snowmobiles, consider buying land located next to a recreational area where there are 100-200 acres of land to ride. Remember the more acreage you buy, the more maintenance. If you want low maintenance, then buy less acreage.

Final Word
Ultimately, you will know when you find the right piece of land for your log home. You will love the area, the view, the price, and the location. Buying a piece of land for your log home is an important decision, and with these considerations to keep in mind, you will make a smart purchase. Give Yellowstone Log Homes a call today at (208) 745-8108 for more recommendations on great places to buy a lot and build a log home.