5 Things I Look for When Touring a Property for a Homesteading Family

Homesteading isn’t just buying a house—it’s buying a whole lifestyle. And when I walk onto a property with a family who dreams of raising chickens, planting gardens, or even canning peaches on a wood-burning stove, I’ve got my homesteader radar on full blast.

As a licensed Realtor® since 2016 and Certified Transaction Coordinator since 2019 (yep, I’ve personally helped support 500+ closings!), I’ve seen a lot of properties. But when it comes to families like mine—homesteaders, homeschoolers, chicken-whisperers, and cookie-bakers—here are the five things I always look for.

1. Acreage That Works as Hard as You Do

It’s not just about how much land there is—it’s about how usable it is. Steep slopes may be great for goats, but not so great for a chicken coop or vegetable garden. I walk the land thinking about where a greenhouse could sit, where fruit trees would thrive, and where kids could build a fort without rolling down the hillside.

👉 Pro Tip: Always check local zoning (yes, even boring things like RM-72C zoning matter!) so you know if your homestead dreams are doable before you start planting your orchard.

2. Water, Water, Water

If you’ve ever tried to garden in Yucaipa clay without water—you know. Wells, city hookups, irrigation rights—this is the lifeblood of your homestead. I always check what water sources are available and if they’ll sustain chickens, gardens, and maybe that dreamy row of sunflowers you’ve pinned on Pinterest.

3. Outbuildings and Barn-Potential

A garage isn’t just a garage for a homesteader. It could be a canning kitchen, a woodshop, or a feed storage zone. Barns, sheds, and even “janky old structures” can often be repurposed into something amazing. (Trust me, my husband has turned some questionable spaces into gold with just a hammer and stubborn determination.)

4. Sunlight & Soil

Every gardener knows: location, location, sunlight. I look for open areas with at least 6–8 hours of sun. And yes, I always check the soil—it tells you a lot about what you’ll be able to grow (and how much compost you’re going to be buying at Tractor Supply).

5. Community & Convenience

Homesteading is about self-sufficiency, but let’s be real—you’ll still need schools, a feed store, or maybe just a Starbucks when you’ve been knee-deep in mud all week. I balance the dream of “living off the land” with the reality of “being close enough to town so you’re not hauling kids an hour to piano lessons.”

Why Work with Me?

I don’t just talk the talk—I live it. I raise chickens, bake bread from scratch, and homeschool my son. I know the quirks of properties that work (and don’t work) for families who want to homestead. My background—nearly a decade of real estate experience, plus extensive knowledge of land, acreage, and zoning—means I help families not only buy a house, but buy a homestead that will grow with them.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about a property. It’s about building a life where your kids learn responsibility from feeding chickens, your family gathers around homemade bread, and your land becomes part of your legacy.

Ready to find your homestead? I’d love to walk the land with you and dream a little.

With love, listings, and a few too many unmatched socks,
Samantha 💛
Chickens, Cookies & Closings