{"id":1120,"date":"2022-03-13T11:32:17","date_gmt":"2022-03-13T11:32:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/buying-a-homestead-on-a-budget\/"},"modified":"2022-03-13T11:32:17","modified_gmt":"2022-03-13T11:32:17","slug":"buying-a-homestead-on-a-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/buying-a-homestead-on-a-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying a Homestead on a Budget"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As an aspiring homesteader do these words resonate with you: frugal, resourceful, unconventional? If so, we get you! Those things defined our homestead search and we ended up with not only the perfect homestead, but our dream lifestyle! Here\u2019s our story and tips for buying a homestead on a budget.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Questions you NEED to ask when Buying a Homestead | How we purchased the PERFECT Homestead\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pXeXRr-LPik?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A values-based approach to searching for a homestead<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Searching for a homestead isn\u2019t quite as clear cut as searching for a home in the suburbs or city. You don\u2019t just punch in how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want and pull up 20 different options, all on 1\/4 acre lots, within a 3-mile radius.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Homesteads have way more factors beyond the home \u2013 acreage, layouts, barns, water access, natural water features, fencing, and a whole host of other land and infrastructure considerations. No two homestead properties will be anywhere near alike.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, we chose a different approach.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We decided to NOT make a house the driving factor in our search. Even though we had our 3<sup>rd<\/sup> child on the way, we figured our young family could adapt, and even thrive, in almost any arrangement. So, when it came to a living space, we knew we could be resourceful. Finding the right land and location, however, was a high priority. After all, we weren\u2019t searching for a home, we were searching for a homestead!&nbsp;This is our story of buying a homestead on a budget and what we learned along the&nbsp; way.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/dilapidated-fence-and-gate.jpeg\" alt=\"dilapidated fence and gate\" class=\"wp-image-722\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/dilapidated-fence-and-gate.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/dilapidated-fence-and-gate-600x450.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/dilapidated-fence-and-gate-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/dilapidated-fence-and-gate-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/dilapidated-fence-and-gate-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/dilapidated-fence-and-gate-500x375.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/dilapidated-fence-and-gate-1170x878.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/dilapidated-fence-and-gate-585x439.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/dilapidated-fence-and-gate-250x188.jpeg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/dilapidated-fence-and-gate-550x413.jpeg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/dilapidated-fence-and-gate-800x600.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/dilapidated-fence-and-gate-240x180.jpeg 240w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/dilapidated-fence-and-gate-400x300.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/dilapidated-fence-and-gate-667x500.jpeg 667w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our homestead search became a lifestyle search<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Above all, we focused on the lifestyle we wanted to be living day-in and day-out. And we knew, above the nice home and the pristine pastures, we wanted simplicity and freedom. For us, this looked like:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Meeting our needs on one small income<\/li>\n<li>Flexibility to homeschool our children<\/li>\n<li>Time together as a family<\/li>\n<li>Working toward a self-sufficient lifestyle<\/li>\n<li>Pursuing a home business<\/li>\n<li>Living debt free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our search shifted from, \u201cWhat do we want?\u201d to, \u201cWhat homestead property will allow us to live out those things?\u201d It was a big mentality shift for sure. We had to be OK with maybe less bedrooms than what we thought was ideal. Or maybe less land.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We did still have search criteria. Like we knew we wanted to be in a certain location. We needed a property that could house<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/owning-a-family-milk-cow-basics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">our milk cow<\/a><\/strong>, Thimble, that we owned. And we did need at least a livable home for our family.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But we were able to focus on finding a property that was simple, low cost, and could move us toward the freedom of time and finances we ultimately desired.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We wanted a homestead that we owned, not that owned us!<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/walking-our-new-homestead-property.jpg\" alt=\"walking our new homestead property\" class=\"wp-image-723\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/walking-our-new-homestead-property.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/walking-our-new-homestead-property-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/walking-our-new-homestead-property-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/walking-our-new-homestead-property-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/walking-our-new-homestead-property-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/walking-our-new-homestead-property-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/walking-our-new-homestead-property-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/walking-our-new-homestead-property-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/walking-our-new-homestead-property-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/walking-our-new-homestead-property-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/walking-our-new-homestead-property-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/walking-our-new-homestead-property-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/walking-our-new-homestead-property-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/walking-our-new-homestead-property-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What did we learn from buying a homestead on a budget?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We learned it\u2019s hard to always put values and lifestyle goals above the opportunities that come your way. For instance, the first property we put an offer on was almost twice the cost of our current homestead, with 20 acres, more house, and more buildings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Was it a great value with tons of potential? Yes. But we could have noticed the red flags with all the spreadsheets and number crunching we did to try and make this homestead work out financially. We could have made it work. It was technically within our means. However, it would have meant either, A) we invest all we had in the property with nothing left to invest in getting our homestead off the ground, or B) we take out a significant mortgage and need to rethink our work situation to pay for it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The more we pondered those options, the yuckier the situation felt. Yes, we\u2019d have a sweet 20 acre property. But we\u2019d forgo much of the list of values we mentioned above. Ultimately, it became a multiple offer situation that, looking back, we are so grateful didn\u2019t fall in our favor.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/20-acre-farm.jpg\" alt=\"20 acre farm\" class=\"wp-image-724\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/20-acre-farm.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/20-acre-farm-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/20-acre-farm-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/20-acre-farm-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/20-acre-farm-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/20-acre-farm-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/20-acre-farm-1170x878.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/20-acre-farm-585x439.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/20-acre-farm-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/20-acre-farm-550x413.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/20-acre-farm-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/20-acre-farm-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/20-acre-farm-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/20-acre-farm-667x500.jpg 667w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How we ended up on our 5-acre homestead<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The night before we had a trip planned to make the trek from our home in west-central Wisconsin to northern Illinois to look at a couple properties, a small foreclosed home on 5 acres popped up. It was outdated, ugly, and the pictures and description seemed to communicate, \u201cSTAY AWAY FROM THIS ONE!\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But it was in a great location and, most importantly, the cost was low &#8211; lower than anything else we had looked at. It could have easily been one we wrote off and didn\u2019t see, but we reached out to our realtor and had him add it to the lineup for viewing the next day.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The other properties we viewed that seemed promising on paper \u2013 weren\u2019t. Not that they weren\u2019t decent options, but they seemed underwhelming and just weren\u2019t the right fit.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With low expectations, we arrived at the <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/why-a-5-acre-homestead-is-the-perfect-size-for-a-beginner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>5-acre<\/strong><\/a>, foreclosed property that popped up the night before. Within minutes of stepping foot on the property and gazing out over the back field, we exchanged several glances that said, \u201cThis. Is. It.\u201d The land was exactly what we were looking for and we hadn\u2019t even stepped foot in the house yet.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/outdated-farmhouse-kitchen.jpg\" alt=\"outdated farmhouse kitchen\" class=\"wp-image-728\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/outdated-farmhouse-kitchen.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/outdated-farmhouse-kitchen-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/outdated-farmhouse-kitchen-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/outdated-farmhouse-kitchen-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/outdated-farmhouse-kitchen-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/outdated-farmhouse-kitchen-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/outdated-farmhouse-kitchen-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/outdated-farmhouse-kitchen-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/outdated-farmhouse-kitchen-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/outdated-farmhouse-kitchen-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/outdated-farmhouse-kitchen-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/outdated-farmhouse-kitchen-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/outdated-farmhouse-kitchen-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/outdated-farmhouse-kitchen-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we did, we were pleasantly surprised. Though there were no floors, wallpaper from before we were born covered every square inch, and a lot of updating would be needed, we knew this would be more than substantial enough of a space for our growing family. It was a simple home with good bones that was primed and ready for us to make it our own.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We put in an offer that night, worked through the scare of multiple offers once again, but this time it fell in our favor. We found it! And \u201cIT\u201d was more than just a homestead.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/kids-running-free.jpg\" alt=\"kids running free\" class=\"wp-image-721\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/kids-running-free.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/kids-running-free-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/kids-running-free-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/kids-running-free-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/kids-running-free-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/kids-running-free-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/kids-running-free-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/kids-running-free-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/kids-running-free-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/kids-running-free-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/kids-running-free-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/kids-running-free-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/kids-running-free-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/kids-running-free-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What buying below our means meant for our family<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While we had many months of hard work and temporary living arrangements ahead of us while we transformed the house and made it our own, we knew buying at this price point put our lifestyle goals within reach.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For starters, we were able to furnish our home exactly how we wanted. Buying at the low end of our price range meant we had money left to invest in our homestead. We are frugal people and almost everything we bought to <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/kitchen-remodel-on-a-budget\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>remodel our home<\/strong><\/a> was second-hand. But, when we wanted a more natural or specific, quality item, we were able to afford it. Like our <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/frequently-asked-questions-when-buying-a-used-aga-stove\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>AGA oven<\/strong><\/a> (which was still used) or the white oak wood floors from the Amish sawmill we installed throughout the whole house.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table.jpg\" alt=\"farmhouse kitchen and table\" class=\"wp-image-727\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This also translated outside to our land. We had finances freed up to do things like invest in a livestock trailer when the right opportunity came up. Or, purchase a system of used moveable electric fencing so we could rotationally graze our<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/owning-a-family-milk-cow-basics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cows<\/a><\/strong> on pasture. It\u2019s easy to overlook the farm expenses that come up the first few years of homesteading, but you will want a fair amount of accessible funds on hand to purchase supplies, equipment, and infrastructure when needed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most importantly, we felt and experienced the freedom we were after.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We began to shape the simple lifestyle we were after. Our cost of living is low. We are <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/beginners-guide-to-self-sufficient-homesteading\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>producing food in abundance and striving toward self-sufficiency<\/strong><\/a>. We remained debt-free. And we can share the joys of homesteading together as a family, connected with our land, animals, and food.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cornish-cross-chickens-on-our-homestead.jpg\" alt=\"cornish cross chickens on our homestead\" class=\"wp-image-663\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cornish-cross-chickens-on-our-homestead.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cornish-cross-chickens-on-our-homestead-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cornish-cross-chickens-on-our-homestead-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cornish-cross-chickens-on-our-homestead-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cornish-cross-chickens-on-our-homestead-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cornish-cross-chickens-on-our-homestead-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cornish-cross-chickens-on-our-homestead-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cornish-cross-chickens-on-our-homestead-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cornish-cross-chickens-on-our-homestead-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cornish-cross-chickens-on-our-homestead-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cornish-cross-chickens-on-our-homestead-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cornish-cross-chickens-on-our-homestead-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cornish-cross-chickens-on-our-homestead-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cornish-cross-chickens-on-our-homestead-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What you need to consider when buying a homestead on a budget<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Searching for a homestead is something you don\u2019t want to rush, especially when buying a homestead on a budget. It will involve lots of family discussions around the things you value and the lifestyle you desire. Above cost, above bedrooms, above land size, that is what matters. Be on the same page and let your values drive your search.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And those values may involve having a home big enough to host a certain group size. Or having enough acres to have a small milking herd of cows or a you-pick orchard. Those are great things! Or, as in our case, less can sometimes be more.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Develop your dream homestead scenario to the point that you feel confident in it, then go full-fledged into your search. Visit different areas. Learn your preferences. Refine your criteria. And then when the right opportunity does come your way, you can have your own, \u201cTHIS IS IT!\u201d moment.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/carrying-the-milk-pale.jpg\" alt=\"carrying the milk pale\" class=\"wp-image-726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/carrying-the-milk-pale.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/carrying-the-milk-pale-600x350.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/carrying-the-milk-pale-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/carrying-the-milk-pale-1024x597.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/carrying-the-milk-pale-768x448.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/carrying-the-milk-pale-1170x683.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/carrying-the-milk-pale-585x341.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/carrying-the-milk-pale-250x146.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/carrying-the-milk-pale-550x321.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/carrying-the-milk-pale-800x467.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/carrying-the-milk-pale-309x180.jpg 309w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/carrying-the-milk-pale-514x300.jpg 514w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/carrying-the-milk-pale-857x500.jpg 857w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where are you at in your homestead journey? Does our story resonate? Are you still developing the values and lifestyle you are after? Wherever you&#8217;re at, there&#8217;s a beautiful narrative unfolding in your life and we&#8217;d love to hear from you!<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-theme-palette-1-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-theme-palette-1-background-color has-background\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong>Get more homesteading inspiration:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-size:26px\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/why-a-5-acre-homestead-is-the-perfect-size-for-a-beginner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Why a 5 Acre Homestead is the Perfect Size for a Beginner<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/farm-vs-homestead-vs-farmstead-what-they-are-and-how-to-choose\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Farm vs. Homestead vs. Farmstead | What They Are and How to Choose<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/top-10-resources-and-tips-for-finding-farmland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Top 10 Resources and Tips for Finding Farmland<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/homestead-layout\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">10 Best Homestead Layout Tips + 5 Acre Example<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"fd-form-636019b28d1a1ae7948da256\"><\/div>\n<p><script>\n  window.fd('form', {\n    formId: '636019b28d1a1ae7948da256',\n    containerEl: '#fd-form-636019b28d1a1ae7948da256'\n  });\n<\/script><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pin it for later!<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82619\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As an aspiring homesteader do these words resonate with you: frugal, resourceful, unconventional? If so, we get you! Those things defined our homestead search and we ended up with not only the perfect homestead, but our dream lifestyle! Here\u2019s our story and tips for buying a homestead on a budget. A values-based approach to searching&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1121,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[567,473],"tags":[534,698,513,705,706],"class_list":["post-1120","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-a-homestead","category-homestead-how-tos","tag-budget","tag-frugal","tag-homestead","tag-purchase","tag-values"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1120","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1120"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1120\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1121"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1120"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1120"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1120"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}