A Guide to Finding the Ideal Property for Your Portable Micro Cabin
Many individuals contact us when they are in the early stages of dreaming up their perfect property. After hearing numerous stories, concerns, and obstacles, we've put together this guide to assist you in your property search.
Step One: Envision Your Oasis
This may sound a bit abstract, but trust us; it's essential. With countless possibilities out there, the first step is to narrow your focus.
Set aside 30 minutes in a quiet space with a notepad and pen.
Start with why. This is the basics of life design. Why are you creating this property? How will it affect your life?
Create a list of all of the features that this property will include, what types of structures will exist on it, and where it will be. If you are making decisions with a partner, do this exercise separately and then compare notes. You might be surprised by assumptions you've made about each other's dream future.
Step Two: To Own or Lease Land?
The first question to ask is whether you plan to invest in land before purchasing a portable cabin or if leasing might be a better choice. In this guide, we'll primarily discuss purchasing land, but keep in mind that leasing land is a flexible and cost-effective alternative. For land leasing options, check out our article: Exploring the Pros and Cons of Leasing Land for Your Portable Prefabricated Cabin.
Step Three: Raw Land or Existing Residence?
When searching for a spot for your cabin, many dream of acquiring raw, untouched land full of potential. Our customers are environmentally conscious and often aim to build something with minimal impact on the land. However, purchasing raw land presents its own challenges, including logistics and financing.
Logistics: All infrastructure needs to be set up from scratch. Consider access to the property, driveway construction, access to utility hookups, and changes in access during different seasons. This could be the perfect time to explore into an off-grid setup. Checkout our article: Embrace Off-Grid Living for Your Dream Cabin.
Financing: Raw land can be more challenging to secure financing for, as it offers less collateral. A property with a well is favorable, as some lenders require proof of water potential. Meanwhile, a property with an existing home may require a smaller down payment, but you might end up paying extra for a building you're not excited about.
Step Four: Determining the Right Vibe
Consider factors like location, wooded or open surroundings, and elevation. Each decision comes with emotional, logistical, and financial pros and cons.
Location: Depending on your goals, you'll want to keep in mind three location radiuses:
Proximity to the nearest town for necessities.
Distance from the nearest city for hospitals, airports, and tourism.
Accessibility to nearby State/National Parks or tourist attractions.
Wooded or Open: Many dream of a cabin in the forest. The pros include the living trees all around you, natural screening from neighbors and privacy. However, a wooded lot blocks light, which can affect mood, minimize renewable energy sources, and increase costs for preparing and maintaining the lot.
Elevation: Land with hills or cliffs may be cheaper up front, but can be much more expensive to develop. Consider whether the views are worth the additional expenses.
Zoning and Local Regulations: Research local regulations for micro cabins. Some areas have minimum size requirements for primary residences, so be aware of how regulations may affect your plans.
Revenue Generation: Consider whether you plan to set up your cabin as a short-term rental or generate agricultural revenue such as farming. Review local Short-Term Rental (STR) ordinances and assess the need for open areas for agriculture. Check out our guide: Analyzing the Economics of a Remote Hospitality Business.
Step Five: Follow Your Dream
As you embark on this journey to find the perfect property for your portable micro cabin, remember that it's a path toward realizing your dream. The process may seem daunting with numerous choices and considerations, but by following these steps, you can bring your vision to life.
Envision your oasis clearly, decide between owning or leasing land, consider raw land or an existing residence, and think about the right vibe – location, surroundings, and elevation. Keep zoning and local regulations in mind, especially for micro cabins, and consider the potential for revenue generation.
Most importantly, revisit your vision regularly. As you navigate the diverse landscape of property options, your priorities may evolve. With a clear vision in mind, you'll be better equipped to find that perfect piece of land that aligns with your dream.
Embrace the journey, and may your search lead you to the serene and inspiring location you've always imagined. If you're ready to take the next step or have questions along the way, don't hesitate to connect with us. We're here to help you turn your dream into a reality.
