Balance $ HEET

What we’ve spent so far and what we expect to spend.

s Property: three parcels totaling about

92 acres: $140,000 s Well drilling: $9,000 s Fencing: $9,000 s Home: $80,000 s Tractor: $40,000 s All-terrain vehicle: $16,500 s Three portable buildings: $17,000 s Solar well installation: about $5,000 s Corral panels: $900 s Water cisterns: $3,000 s Household appliances: $3,500 s Miscellaneous supplies and

hardware: $5,000 s Electric installation: estimated

$10,000 s Septic installation: estimated $2,000 s Metal storage building with carport:

estimated $10,000

Total to date: $350,900

Could we have purchased an existing ranch for less? A quick survey of available properties in our area revealed a number of ranches in the range of $200,000 and up. However, most had far less land—the average seemed to be about 20 acres. And none had the combination of views, hills, trees, water and nearby access to utilities. All in all, we are happy with our decision.