Not for sale but conteplating all options...

[nrody]

In my line of work I approve/deny subdivisions in California. Do your due diligence before you commit. It may be wise to do a title search as well as checking out the utilities. Check with the County about zoning for the property and everything and anything else you can think of before you commit. I know this is rural and in a different state than I am in but doing your homework is never a mistake.
P. S. try not to give up the tear. They are like family, sometimes they drive you nuts but you still love them.
Wishing you the best.

[2bits]

Thank you for all the advice on the land, I work with Foreclosed properties for Bank of America so I am very familiar with markets and values, but I am not someone who over analyzes things, and I have done pretty good in my choices. I do like hearing different things that I might not have thought of like mineral rights. I could care less about mineral rights and the only reason I would care about them is to be sure no one could ever touch MY land. To me "my" should not be in question and that WILL be part of the deal.

You guys are funny talking about getting a bank loan, I think you need credit for that LOL that would not be me, that is why the owner finance deal is good for me, I had been struggling too long with the old house which took a toll on my credit.

That's a good call on the septic, although I doubt there is even a "code" considering that is not in a city, but I don't know about that stuff so I will look into it, but either way like it was said, it is not a deal "killer".

You know, I actually don't mind the easement road on this place, I guess because of the type of trees it has and that there are some up in front of it too and it isn't very wide and right next to the road. The other place, they went pretty deep into the property. I kind of like it actually because it can serve as "Overflow Parking" for teardrop gatherings!

Mark, hehe now you know why I did not specifically say where it was or post a map haha!!! I know you're just kidding tho.

Slocowboy, thank you so much for the incredible compliments, I appreciate that alot. I love my teardrop and selling it is definitely a Plan B for sure, but I would sell it to get into this place no problem. Probably the only reason I would sell it would be in trade for something similar, and this is trading a teardrop for camping everyday

It sounds like I am in the ballpark for a price as well so I appreciate all the comments! Lets hope I can have my cake and eat it too eh! I have a nice house for sale in Garland if anyone is looking

[aggie79]

Thomas -

That property looks idyllic! It would be tough to part with the LT, but if that puts the plan into action, then go for it. As far as the asking price for your teardrop, I think the amount you established is more than fair.

Being a city bureaucrat (and before that I worked for commercial contractors), I can offer a little insight into "regulations" in Texas. I don't want to bore the entire forum, so PM me if you have any questions.

Here's a few facts that apply to Texas:

1. Zoning - Except for the county areas around the former super-collider, only cities have zoning - counties don't have that authority. This means that you don't have to worry about your use of the land, but conversely, it means that adjacent properties can do what they like also - good or bad.

2. Septic and alternative sanitary sewer systems - First stop should be the County health agent. In small counties, this may be someone in the public works department. The should have general records of the system location, capacity/size, and percolation tests.

3. Water - If it is well water, there should be records at the State. Unfortunately, things have been juggled around there. They used to be with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. I believe they are now with Texas Department of Licensing and Registration. If they have the records (and they should), it will contain information about the depth of the well, casing, and pump type and size.

Good luck with your property search,
Tom

[stumphugger]

Yes, check on the adjacent owners. I just retired from working in the timber industry. One thing some folks don't realize is that their neighbor may be a timber company, or want to sell those nice trees, and you may be awakened some morning by the crash of trees hitting the ground. Just something else to think about. I have never been anywhere close to Texas so don't know. Right now for here, timber prices have gone up for the first time in several years, and trees are hitting the ground.

Also, look at those trees and see how sound they are. Are they going to blow over and smash your cabin?--from a forester insight. My house also has trees around it. Before it was built, I dumped some of the firs as there was rootrot in the ground. I left the cedars up, they are not as susceptable to rootrot. This is something you can figure out after you buy the land.

I found my place after almost three years of searching. It had been on the market for a half day. It was what I wanted so I offered a bit more than the asking price. It has turned out to be a great place to live. I got rid of the old mobile home, and had a house built. I'm loving it here.

Hope you have similar good fortune.

One other thought. If the other property was OK except for the newly built road, just look at where other roads have been built. Have the edges healed up? Do they look as bad? New roads always seem to be scars on the land, but the vegetation will soften up the view in a year or so.

[tonyj]

Even if it is not in a city where there are zoning requirements, there could have been deed restrictions placed on the property by a prior owner/seller. Dig deep. And the county usually has authority on septic system regulations.

Do pay careful attention to the mineral issues. Even though you might think your property is not in an area that will ever have mineral development, you could still be affected by seismic surveys, pipeline routes or placement of drilling equipment. If minerals ownership does not convey with the property, see who owns them and check to see if they could be purchased. The mineral owners have a preferential right in Texas, and your right to enjoyment and use of your property could be affected. I am in the middle of that issue right now.

Do your homework--dig deep, and be prepared to walk away if you can't get all your ducks in a row. There will always be another piece of property available.

[planovet]

Mark, hehe now you know why I did not specifically say where it was or post a map haha!!! I know you're just kidding tho.

Yep, just kidding. I would never poach from a fellow teardropper. But if you change your mind....

Your house is nice but needs some curb appeal to sell. Most of that landscaping needs to go to open up the house. The house seems hidden by the plants. Also, plant some flowers!

[S. Heisley]

Your house is nice but needs some curb appeal to sell. Most of that landscaping needs to go to open up the house. The house seems hidden by the plants. Also, plant some flowers!

Thomas, don't you dare tear out all those plants! Some people will buy a house just because it has mature landscaping, as they prefer it that way. A professional realtor will tell you what you need to do, which will probably be just to trim the bushes to shape them a tad. Personally, I think your yard is pretty and very comfortable looking. Also, unless the tree is causing a foundation or roof problem, the shade from that tree could be a selling point. Think of how much that saves you on your air conditioning bill!

Your future land purchase looks like you will be camping on your own private campground.

Regards from your "other mom",

[2bits]

Mark is right, the bushes in front are waaaay out of control! They don't need to be completely removed but it is incredibly overgrown, but I haven't even touched the house yet, so it is not on the market yet, I am still moving stuff out of it actuazly.

[TPMcGinty]

Sounds like a nice spot. Some counties in my state only allow a mobile home on a property for a limited period of time (one year). This ensures that you build a house on it and don't live forever in a mobile home. While I don't see anything with putting a mobile home on a property indefinitely, some people don't like them.

[Larry C]

So... I already have a plan to build a new camper with a shower so the thought has already crossed my mind although selling the LT seems impossible, with the right motivation I am thinking about it as a possible plan (and that does not mean money, read on).

Most of you know my 5 year plan to move my trailer (mobile home) out to some wooded land within a pretty specific area East of Dallas. Well, I took a trip out to see the unimproved land that I had my sights on and they bulldozed an easement through it! I mean I knew the easement was there, but it just looked so terrible. So I drove around just looking like I do and as I got to this one area that I always wish I could find some land in but knew it was all scooped up and apparently I never looked close because one of those little No Trespassing signs actually said For Sale By Owner! Well, I did not hold much faith that it would be in my size or price range, but it looked so awesome that I had to call the guy.

I called the guy right then, and he said it was 3.3 acres and he wanted $35k for it. That was the perfect size but was alot more than I was thinking about, but a big plus it is already improved. Septic, elec and water are already installed, which definitely adds to the value, and my time savings too and they did it like I want it, deep in the woods, not up front, and they only cleared out enough to get a mobile home in there (which is now gone). The trees are not young scrub like the other place either, these are huge old tall trees and it is up on a hill with some nice inclines and a creek on the property and still on the frontage road like I want it. The guy said it was ok to walk around and it was just incredible, it felt like I was at a state park or something. There is not one single drawback to this place that I can think of. The kicker is that he said he would owner finance too.

Now you see my motivation... this is the ultimate camping experience! The pressure is on to sell my old house which I owe WAY less than it is worth so I have some wiggle room unlike most people who are selling these days, but I need to have a contingency plan in place. I don't want to sell my Monte Carlo which as is before I finish it would only bring a couple grand at the most anyway.

Why am I posting all this? What is you guys opinion (Realistically) for what my teardrop could sell for? I am thinking $6k myself, and that is AFTER all the BS. That is what it will take me to get into it down payment-wise. Like I said, it's not for sale yet, but I am pondering all my options to better my life and I was planing on building a standy anyway, and my Mom is giving me her old PlaMor TTT to start with.

Soo thoughts? Here is some photos to sweeten the pot...

Driveway:


Clearing as you come up the drive:


Looking back at the street view:


Creek View:


Big trees:

Looks like Chupacabra country

[2bits]

Wow you guys are outta control with worst case scenarios! ! ! LOL

With the dang Santa Anna winds we have been having the past few weeks and especially the past few days around here any trees that might fall definitely would have. I won't reply to each suggestion, with the details, but I will take them in to account and I appreciate all the input!

[Lookfar]

Damn, Thomas. "Say it ain't so" was my initial thought. As slowcowb0y said, you and the LT are an icon here. You shouldn't shock old people like that.
However, I can't argue the logic and the property looks great. I'll just agree with what everyone else has said and caution you to check everything out first. Oh yeah, and start work on your TTT right away so we have something to look at. Are you still planning on an A-frame?

[2bits]

Luckily my Mom is giving a me tiny standy which will work as a base for a new project, so that will help, but remember this is plan B! I love my Luxury Tent, I just love my retirement more! We'll see how it goes. I do have a good number of black aluminum sheets left for what ever I build though!

I don't know about the A-frame, I am gonna have to re-evaluate after I move out to the land, whether here or where ever. I am really liking this trailer and I can add on to it but I might get itching for a new project and if I can't get the trailer to the back of the lot, that would be good inspiration for building an A-Frame back there. I am just feeling very comfortable in my new digs lately so I might be concentrating on building a new camper, a new shop, clearing and making hiking trails, finishing the Monte Carlo or something new I haven't even thought of yet, but I definitely have my choice of existing projects!

[vetjeb]

Everything that has been previously stated. Slow is right about the great build thread. You and Tom have inspired many like myself to higher build standards. I sold my 61 corvette about a year ago so that I could do other projects and have not regretted it but it was my choice. ONLY YOU can decide if it is the right thing or timing on your part. I downsized about 5 yrs ago to a lake cabin also about 10 miles to civilization. While the solitude is great there are MANY tradeoffs. 10 miles for groceries, 10 miles to get a flat repaired. Oh, and that 3 inch bolt that you need..... yep 10 miles for a hardware run. ( this is the one I really hate )

Good luck on whatever your decision is, I'll be watching for your next build. BYW, I think if you price your trailer at 6 someone else will own it!

[stevem50]

you can always build another camper.. but nobody is building more dirt to park them on. if you can get a deal on land in an area you want there is no reason to hesitate.

remember, for everything somebody said "let me think about it till' tomarrow" about, somebody else saw it the day before you did...

good luck, it sounds like you got something there