What to know when planning a move to the country

Life in the country can be an attractive alternative to city dwelling. However, there are a few things potential buyers need to think about before committing, such as how the home will be powered, where it will source water from, and the quality of its Internet connectivity and cable reception.

Also, while a remote locale can be private and ideal for unwinding, it might be miles from conveniences like restaurants, grocery stores, shops and hospitals.

With this in mind, we asked Realtors who often specialize in estates what they think wouldbe buyers should mull over before moving to rural areas.

“A move to the country can slow the pace of life and create more selfreliance,” said B.G. Bates of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty. “Certain properties lend themselves better than others.”

Familiarity with a property’s systems is key.

“Be sure to check out homeowners’ insurance availability, as many insurance companies will not write in high fire sensitivity zones,” said Jeffrey LaMont of Coldwell Banker. “Ideally, check that out first or put a contingency in your purchase contract regarding this issue”

If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, Astrid Lacitis of Vanguard Properties suggests looking at the home’s architecture.

“Which way does the roof

slope? The house across the street from us, with a roof that slopes toward the deck, has had to rebuild that deck multiple times because when the snow slides off the roof it often destroys the deck,” she said.

Getting to know the locals can help you understand how things work in the area you’re buying, said Ron Heckmann of Heckmann Communications.

“Start with someone who’s gone through it, and they will have great tips,” he said. “For example, water and utilities might already be figured out for every house but might operate or be serviced differently, like onsite wells/pumps that still need to be checked.”

Getting used to a slower pace of life can take time, said Stephanie Lamarre of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty. Patience is key, she said.

“Driving in the country can be much slower if there’s a traffic incident, road work, or a very slow driver ahead of you,” Lamarre said. “Leave early. Don’t pass on a yellow line, and pull over if your blood pressure rises.”

Leaning on your neighbors can be especially crucial in small communities, Heckmann said.

“Figuring out ‘how things work’ is important, since smaller towns and suburbs are more people driven, and may not have a plethora of vendor/ contractor options,” he said.

When it comes to meeting neighbors, he suggested community gatherings and appealing to people’s sweet tooth.

“How to best connect with others, whether neighbors or finding likeminded locals. PTAs? Churches? Business lunch groups?” he said. “My gig was bringing cookies to neighbors.”

Shutterstock Life in the country can seem like an ideal getaway. Just remember to consider a few things first.

Shutterstock A patio to relax and enjoy the scenery can be one of the benefits of living in a rural area.