Ask Cora
Hey Cora, I want to buy a remote property way out in the middle of nowhere – quiet and off grid! What are some of the pit falls to buying remote properties. Signed – Peace and Quiet Dear Peace, living off the grid can be a dream come true for some and a nightmare for others. It’s like deciding to adopt a pet tiger – thrilling yes, but you better know how long those claws are! So, let’s break it down with some bullet points and give you a whole new list of things to enjoy and worry about when considering remote property. Here we go!
Access: Many remote properties don’t have good access. I mean some do not even have a road. Perhaps you have to get there by boat, or plane or walk down a section line easement. Imagine having to trudge down your neighbor’s property line every time you want to get home, hoping they don’t unleash their fuzzy pet, Larry the Llama on you. Not fun, right? Make sure there’s legal access to your property. Check for easements and access agreements. You don’t want to be the person who has to bake cookies for the neighbors every week just to keep the peace. Even though you might have access with an easement, it doesn’t mean that the neighbor is going to like it. Remember, they moved out there for the same reasons you want to move out there. They may not want to even see other people, especially on what they consider “their property”.
Services: Living “out there” means you’re far from the conveniences of city life. Need an ambulance? Better have a serious first aid kit because EMTs might take a while – or never! And forget about ordering pizza – uber eats doesn’t do offgrid. Internet? Ha! You might have to resort to smoke signals or carrier pigeons. This could stop
Experience Matters!
your dream dead in its tracks if you need internet to do your job.
Insurance: Remote properties usually don’t have fire stations nearby with handsome firefighters in really large yellow pants and suspenders waiting by their brightly colored trucks to jump in and save you and your home. This means your investment might not be eligible for insurance coverage. If you can get coverage, it might cost you an arm and a leg (and maybe a kidney). Insurance companies assume that if there’s a fire, it’s a total loss. So, stock up on fire extinguishers and maybe learn some rain dances, because if you want or need insurance, it’s “gonna cost ya”.
Flood Zones: Make sure you’re not in a flood zone. We’ve all seen the news – floods can be devastating. And in a remote area, flood insurance might be as rare as a unicorn. Check with the local authorities or the Corps of Engineers. If you’re near water, be extra cautious. You don’t want to wake up to find your cabin floating away with Larry the Llama on the roof.
Title Insurance: Title insurance is like a background check for your property. It ensures that what you’re buying has the right to be sold. Even if you’re buying from a friend, get title insurance. You don’t want to find out later that the seller wasn’t the owner. It’s a tale as old as time – someone buys land in good faith, only to discover it was all a big misunderstanding and all the parties
involved are now gone and someone’s Great Aunt Beula may remember where some stone tablet is that proves Great Grandpa Jed owned the property with Abe Lincoln. Whew – (exaggeration implied)
Understand the Area: Some remote areas have tight-knit communities that might not be too welcoming to outsiders. It’s like moving into a neighborhood where everyone knows everyone – and you’re the new kid on the block. Talk to the locals before you buy. Make sure it’s a place you want to be and that you have the ability to get along with others. These types of neighbors can be your biggest asset, they are there for you in difficult times.
Utilities: Even off-grid, you’ll need things like fuel for a generator or solar panels and batteries. Can fuel be delivered in winter? What are the prices? And don’t forget about water – you’ll need a well or some water source. Septic systems are a must, and you might need a permit. Check state guidelines. An outhouse is the easiest way to go, but it’s not for everyone. These can be big ticket items when they are off the road system, just keep it all in mind when looking for that perfect spot.
Your Investment: You’ll be investing a lot of time, money, and heart into this project. Building a shelter, well, and septic system, plus the cost of the land and everything else, adds up. Protecting your investment gets tricky when you can’t get insurance on the structure.
Living off-grid and buying remote property is a dream for many, tackle these issues with ease and keep that dream alive as you move through this process. Contact experts in the area to help you out. And most importantly, have fun – it might be the adventure of a lifetime!
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Name:
Parents - Please help your child legibly write their name. Use crayons, pencils or markers. Please NO GLITTER. Submissions must be received by September 23rd, 2025. Mail entries to: GreatLander, 3110 Spenard
