Whether you’re finally fulfilling your dream to live in the country, or life circumstances have brought you to rural living, plan for the fact that life in the country often requires an adjustment for most people. Your country home provides you a peaceful environment and a beautiful outdoor landscape, but country living also puts you far away from familiar city conveniences.

You and your family have probably prepared for some lifestyle adjustments, but you will still encounter some bumps along the way. Here are some tips to help guide you in the transition to your new home more easily.

Before the Move:

Map the route and spend some time looking at the roads using Google Maps before you leave so you don’t find yourself trying to take a large moving truck down unexpectedly unpaved roads. You’ll also want to print out the directions – cell phone service can be spotty in rural areas and you may lose access to your phone’s GPS.

If you rely heavily on technology for work and fun, make sure your new area has a fast and reliable broadband Internet connection Yes, you can come up with a workaround using your smartphone as a hot spot for a period of time, but that is not a budget-friendly long-term solution.

During the Move:

Plan on bringing plenty of snacks and even easy meals with you on moving day – not all small towns have fast food or a corner deli. That’s another thing to be aware of – shopping conveniences you might be used to in the city aren’t available in small towns. Store hours are shorter, selections often a little more limited.

After the Move:

Now that you’re here and enjoying the small-town life, get involved! Small towns are often close-knit communities, so get to know some of the locals. Ride a bike, volunteer with the local community center or church, and attend community parades, county fairs and school events.

Enjoy the pace. Life in the country might move a little more slowly than you’re used to. If you’re accustomed to a jam-packed schedule, a move to the country gives you the perfect opportunity to spend more time doing something you love.

The post 5 Secrets for a Smooth Move Out to the Country appeared first on - Country Homes by Michigan Lifestyle Properties.

Owning a country home offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether it’s a cozy cabin nestled in the woods or a sprawling farmhouse on acres of land, country living brings a unique set of joys and challenges. One of the most critical aspects of owning a rural property is maintenance. Proper upkeep ensures your slice of countryside paradise remains in pristine condition. Here’s your ultimate guide to maintaining your country home.

Understand Your Property’s Unique Needs
Country homes often come with larger plots of land, diverse wildlife, and varied weather conditions. Understanding these unique features is the first step in effective maintenance. Identify potential issues such as erosion, pest infestations, or structural damage caused by harsh weather.

Regular Inspections Are Key
Schedule regular inspections of your property. This includes checking the roof for damage, inspecting the foundation for cracks, and examining the exterior for signs of wear and tear. Regular inspections allow you to catch problems early, saving you time and money in the long run.

Protect Against Wildlife
Country homes are often surrounded by wildlife, which can sometimes become unwelcome guests. Implement measures to protect your property from critters such as rodents, raccoons, and insects. Seal any gaps or cracks in your home’s exterior, install screens on windows, and consider using non-toxic repellents.

Maintain Your Septic System
Many rural properties rely on septic systems for waste disposal. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent backups and costly repairs. Schedule regular inspections and pump-outs as recommended by professionals. Be mindful of what goes down your drains to avoid clogs and damage to your septic system.

Care for Your Well Water
If your country home has a well, water quality and quantity are essential considerations. Test your well water regularly for contaminants and have it treated if necessary. Protect your well from contamination by keeping hazardous materials away from the area and ensuring proper drainage.

Keep Your Driveways and Pathways Clear
Maintain driveways and pathways to ensure safe and easy access to your property. Regularly remove debris, snow, and ice to prevent accidents and damage to vehicles. Repair any potholes or cracks promptly to avoid costly repairs down the line.

Manage Vegetation
Country living often means lush vegetation, but it can also lead to overgrowth. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to prevent them from encroaching on your home or becoming a fire hazard. Clear dead branches and debris to reduce the risk of wildfires. Regularly mow grassy areas to maintain a neat appearance and reduce the risk of pests.

Protect Against Weather Elements
Country homes are exposed to the full force of Mother Nature’s elements. Ensure your home is well-insulated to maintain comfortable temperatures and reduce energy costs. Check and repair roofing, siding, and windows to prevent leaks and drafts. Consider installing storm shutters or reinforcing structures to withstand severe weather conditions.

Prepare for Seasonal Maintenance
Each season brings its own set of maintenance tasks. In the spring, focus on cleaning gutters, inspecting for winter damage, and preparing gardens. Summer is the time for outdoor repairs, painting, and landscaping. In the fall, focus on preparing for winter by insulating pipes, servicing heating systems, and cleaning chimneys. Winter maintenance involves snow removal, preventing ice dams, and keeping pathways clear.

Invest in Professional Help When Needed
Some maintenance tasks are best left to professionals. Whether it’s electrical work, plumbing repairs, or structural inspections, don’t hesitate to call in experts when needed. Investing in professional maintenance ensures the job is done safely and correctly.

Owning a country home is a rewarding experience, but it requires diligent maintenance to keep it in pristine condition. By understanding the unique challenges of rural living and implementing these maintenance tips, you can enjoy your rural retreat for years to come.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Country Home Maintenance: Tips for Keeping Your Rural Retreat in Pristine Condition appeared first on - Country Homes by Michigan Lifestyle Properties.

In Michigan, regular firearm season for deer starts November 15. The arrival of hunting season brings with it a unique set of considerations for property owners. Whether you live in a rural area surrounded by forests or a suburban neighborhood with nearby hunting grounds, it’s essential to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of yourself, your family, pets and livestock, and any visitors during this time. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips for keeping safe on your property during hunting season.

Know the Hunting Seasons

Understanding the hunting seasons in Michigan is crucial. Different game animals have distinct seasons, and hunters are often active during specific times of the year. Familiarize yourself with local regulations and communicate with your neighbors to stay informed about when hunting activities are most likely to occur.

Communicate with Hunters

Do your best to maintain open lines of communication with local hunters. If there are known hunting areas near your property, try to introduce yourself to the hunters and discuss your concerns. Establishing a positive relationship can lead to a mutual understanding of safety priorities.

Clearly Mark Boundaries

Clearly mark the boundaries of your property to avoid accidental trespassing by hunters. Use brightly colored signage or markers that are easily visible from a distance. This simple step can help prevent unintentional incursions onto your land.

Wear Bright Colors

If you or any members of your household spend time outdoors during hunting season, wear bright, easily distinguishable colors. Avoid earth tones and opt for high-visibility clothing to make yourself more visible to hunters in the area. Blaze orange is considered best.

Educate Children and Pets

If you have children or pets, it’s crucial to educate them about the potential dangers of hunting season. Teach them to recognize hunting gear, the importance of staying within the safe zones you’ve established, and make sure they have appropriately bright gear to wear outside.

Plan Outdoor Activities Mindfully

During hunting season, plan outdoor activities with caution. Be aware of local hunting schedules, and schedule outdoor activities accordingly. If possible, avoid high-traffic hunting times to reduce the risk of encountering hunters on your property.

Secure Livestock

If you have livestock on your property, take extra precautions to ensure their safety. Consider confining them to secure areas or adding bright, visible markings to make them easily identifiable to hunters.

While hunting season brings a time-honored tradition for many, it’s essential for property owners to prioritize safety. By staying informed, communicating with local hunters, and implementing practical safety measures, you can enjoy the changing seasons while minimizing risks on your property. Taking these proactive steps will contribute to a safer and more harmonious coexistence between property owners and hunters during this time of year.

The post Keeping people & pets safe on your property during hunting season appeared first on - Country Homes by Michigan Lifestyle Properties.

Originally posted on Michigan-LandForSale.com – reprinted with permission.

Deer management is a critical aspect of land stewardship, whether you own a vast rural property or a small suburban backyard. Balancing the deer population on your land is essential for maintaining ecological equilibrium and ensuring the health of the deer themselves. Effective deer management practices not only promote biodiversity but also protect your landscaping and crops from overgrazing. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top deer management practices that landowners can utilize to maintain a harmonious relationship with these graceful creatures.

Habitat Enhancement

One of the most effective ways to manage deer populations on your land is by enhancing their natural habitat. A diverse and thriving ecosystem can support more wildlife, which helps regulate the deer population naturally. Here are some habitat enhancement techniques:

• Plant native vegetation: Native plants provide food and shelter for deer while discouraging invasive species that can lead to overgrazing.
• Create cover areas: Establishing brush piles, hedgerows, or tall grasses can provide deer with safe hiding places.
• Develop water sources: Constructing small ponds or providing watering holes ensures deer have access to clean drinking water, reducing their need to venture onto neighboring properties.

Food Plots

Strategically planting food plots can be an effective way to attract and control deer populations. These managed areas can help concentrate deer for hunting and reduce their impact on other parts of your land. Common food plot options include clover, alfalfa, soybeans, and various types of grains.

Hunting and Trapping

If you’re a responsible hunter or have access to hunters, regulated hunting can play a crucial role in deer management. Proper hunting practices can help maintain a healthy deer population by selectively harvesting older or less healthy individuals. Additionally, consider working with local wildlife agencies to establish hunting seasons and bag limits that align with population control goals.

Trapping can also be an effective method for managing deer populations, especially in areas where hunting isn’t feasible or practical. Consult with wildlife professionals for guidance on safe and ethical trapping techniques.

Fencing

Installing appropriate fencing can be a practical solution to protect your gardens, landscaping, and crops from deer damage. Deer fencing should be tall enough (usually 8-10 feet) and properly maintained to deter them effectively. Electric fencing is another option that can be more cost-effective and easier to install.

Population Monitoring

Regularly monitoring deer populations on your land is essential for making informed management decisions. You can use trail cameras, deer pellet counts, or work with local wildlife biologists to conduct population surveys. Keeping track of population trends will help you adjust your management strategies as needed.

Repellents and Deterrents

There are various deer repellents and deterrents available, including scent-based repellents, noise-makers, and motion-activated lights. These tools can be effective in keeping deer away from specific areas, such as gardens or ornamental plants.

Effective deer management is a balance between conserving these beautiful animals and protecting your property from damage. By implementing these top deer management practices, you can contribute to a healthy deer population while minimizing conflicts and ensuring the sustainability of your land. Remember that deer management often requires a combination of strategies and ongoing monitoring to achieve the desired results. Always consult with local wildlife experts and follow local regulations to ensure your efforts are effective and ethical.

The post Top Deer Management Practices to Utilize on Your Land appeared first on - Country Homes by Michigan Lifestyle Properties.

Originally posted on Michigan-LandForSale.com – reprinted with permission.

For many of the land owners we work with, their property is so much more than just real estate. It may be the land where you or your children grew up. It could be where you learned to identify wildlife, hunt, become one with nature, and even grow the food you put on your table or sell as your livelihood.

If you’re considering selling, but are concerned about protecting the land from future development, a conservation easement agreement may be right for you. These agreements allow you to sell the property or pass it along to family with stipulations on how the land can be used.

The State of Michigan defines a conservation easement as:

A conservation easement is a voluntary, legally recorded agreement between a landowner and the State of Michigan that restricts land to agricultural and open space uses. The easement prohibits or limits any subdivision, development, or any activity that would diminish the property’s agricultural or open space value.

In other words, a conservation easement is a voluntary agreement that permanently limits the use of the land to protect its conservation values.

A conservation easement is typically created with a non-profit land trust or conservancy, and offers a lot of flexibility to you as the creator. You are able to set up the easement on all or part of your land, and set the limits on what can and cannot be done with the land. Whether you want to protect marshland or forests as a wildlife habitat, scenic or open space for use by the public, prime farmland from residential development, or an area of historical significance for future generations, you have the ability to limit the use of the land. You can also leave certain uses available, such as farming, harvesting timber or recreation.

If the current owner or a subsequent generation chooses to sell land, it’s important for prospective buyers to understand that all easement restrictions remain in place and will continue to be monitored and enforced by the conservancy. The original agreement is perpetual and binding to all future owners.

There are some pro’s and con’s to know about when creating a conservation easement on your land.

Beyond protecting and preserving the land you love, many of the pro’s of a conservation easement are financial:

• Income Tax Deduction: When you get ready to sell, you will need to hire an appraiser to create a two part appraisal for you – creating one value for the property at its highest & best use, excluding the conservation easement limitations, and another value taking those restrictions into the consideration. The difference between those two values is considered a charitable donation for your personal federal income taxes, currently up to 30% of your adjusted gross income. If you do not use the entire value of the donation in the first year, you are able to carry the excess forward and deduct it (with the 30% limit) for up to fifteen additional years.
• Estate Tax Exclusion: Unfortunately, when the next generation inherits family-owned land, too often they have to split up and sell a portion of the property in order to pay estate taxes. A conservation easement donor is eligible for an exclusion from estate tax of up to $500,000.
• Property Tax: Once a conservation easement is put into place the property tax is capped (excluding buildings). That means that when the property is sold or transferred to the next generation the property tax will not uncap or “pop-up” based on the new SEV.

There are cons to be aware of as well. It’s important to know that not everyone will be able to take advantage of a conservation easement on their land.

You must meet one of these four categories from a financial standpoint.

The following is found in the IRS Code, Section 1.170A-14(d).

• You are preserving a relatively natural habitat of wildlife, fish, or plants
• You wish to preserve forests or agricultural lands that have open spaces
• You want to allow public access to a portion of your land
• You are protecting the property in response to a clearly delineated government policy that is identified in local open-space plans

Generally, conservation easements must provide some type of public benefits

“Public benefits” include water quality, farm and ranchland preservation, scenic views, wildlife habitat, protecting endangered species, outdoor recreation, education, and historic preservation.

One last note – do your homework and choose your land trust carefully. For every amazing land trust out there that will be caring conservators of your property, there are also equally awful land trusts that may be inflexible or confrontational. Make sure you find a land trust that is looking to create a mutually beneficial relationship.

Michigan Lifestyle Properties is a premier organization that specializes in this type of land transaction. If you’re interested in learning more about conservation easements from an expert in land conservation with over 15 years’ experience, contact our agent Emily Wilke, who has assisted in the conservation of over 7,000 acres across southwest Michigan. She is one of many agents with Michigan Lifestyle Properties that offers an expertise in conservation, biology & environmental studies, conveyances, land contracts and natural resources.

The post Understanding Conservation Easements Part II – For Sellers appeared first on - Country Homes by Michigan Lifestyle Properties.

Originally posted on Michigan-LandForSale.com – reprinted with permission.

So you’ve been looking for that perfect piece of property – for hunting, enjoying being in nature, or some other recreational use. In your searching, you may have come across properties that have “conservation easements”. If you’re not sure what that means, and how it would affect you if you purchase a property with a conservation easement, wonder no more!

Here is a basic guide to conservation easements in Michigan for land buyers.

The State of Michigan defines a conservation easement as:

A conservation easement is a voluntary, legally recorded agreement between a landowner and the State of Michigan that restricts land to agricultural and open space uses. The easement prohibits or limits any subdivision, development, or any activity that would diminish the property’s agricultural or open space value.

In other words, a conservation easement is a document that was voluntarily set up by an owner at some point in the past that permanently limits the use of the land to protect its conservation value.

If the current owner or a subsequent generation chooses to sell land, it’s important for prospective buyers to understand that all easement restrictions remain in place and will continue to be monitored and enforced by the conservancy. The original agreement is perpetual and binding to all future owners.

Of course, there are pros and cons to buying a property with a Conservation Easement.

The biggest pro for land buyers is that you can usually purchase a property that has a conservation easement for lower-than-market-value. Naturally, on the flip side this may be a con if you choose to sell in the future, as your resale value may also be lower. Other pros include financial incentives, such as being exempt from the “pop-up” tax that can be levied at the sale of a property when the value of the property has increased but property taxes have not previously been raised to reflect the increased value. And if you intend to pass the land along to your children, land with a conservation easement is eligible for an exclusion from estate tax of up to $500,000.

The biggest con is that your use of the property is limited – sometimes very strictly limited. However, as long as your desired use is allowed, this may be a non-issue for you.

Every conservation easement is a little different, as they are created by the owner based on their own personal interests. But when considering land that has a conservation easement, here are a few key things to look at:

• Check the Title: Conservation easements are recorded in the title policy, so this will give you an understanding of the history of the property’s ownership and use.
• Read the Conservation Easement: review the document to make sure you understand what uses are allowed and what are prohibited on the property. You’ll also want to understand the ecological and/or agricultural value of the land, and make sure to check for any pre-existing violations of the easement so you can clear them up before finalizing the purchase. Think ahead, too – there may be things you’re not going to do with the property now, but may want to do in the future.
• Identify the Easement Holder: every conservation easement will be monitored by the holder of the easement, so make sure you know who you will be dealing with, and their mission and procedures. Don’t hesitate to give the conservancy a call to introduce yourself as a potential buyer and ask them first hand about the restrictions on the property, their monitoring procedures, or any other questions you may have.
• Read the Baseline Documentation Report: this report covers the condition that the property was in when the easement was originally put in place. This allows you to check for consistency in monitoring before your purchase, and tells you what the conservancy will be checking in the future. The seller and the land conservancy should have a copy of this document to share with you.
• Find a Knowledgeable Lender: your Realtor® should be able to help you find a lender that is more familiar with conservation easements, and this will make the mortgage and closing processes go more smoothly for you.

Michigan Lifestyle Properties is a premier organization that specializes in this type of land transaction. If you’re interested in learning more about conservation easements from an expert in land conservation with over 15 years’ experience, contact our agent Emily Wilke, who has assisted in the conservation of over 7,000 acres across southwest Michigan. She is one of many agents with Michigan Lifestyle Properties that offers an expertise in conservation, biology & environmental studies, conveyances, land contracts and natural resources.

The post Understanding Conservation Easements Part I – For Buyers appeared first on - Country Homes by Michigan Lifestyle Properties.

There’s no question that landscaping elements like trees, grass, and flowers add a lot of visual appeal to a home, but just how much does their absence affect what a home is worth?

Home prices in the U.S. have surged over the last few years. However, according to a new Trees.com survey of 1,250 licensed U.S. real estate agents (and our agents agree!), there’s one way to decrease a home’s value—neglect your home’s landscaping and hardscaping.

Landscaping provides potential buyers with a first impression of your home, and gives potential buyers an idea of whether the home was maintained and cared for well, or not. This first impression can affect what they perceive the homes value to be. If the landscaping is overgrown or the property looks run-down, the homes’ value could drop in their mind before they’ve even seen the interior.

In today’s real estate market, even a 10% price decrease means a seller could be leaving tens of thousands of dollars on the table if they don’t bring their lawns up to snuff before putting their home on the market.

Take a look at the full landscaping survey from Trees.com if you are interested in learning how your landscaping could affect your sales price, then give one of our agents a call for more input on how to get your country home ready to sell.

The post Can bad landscaping decrease your sale price? appeared first on - Country Homes by Michigan Lifestyle Properties.

There is a lot to know about drones, but in this article we’ll get you some getting-started information, and tips on how you might find a drone helpful around the homestead. There are quite a few practical applications that can make the daily life of a land owner easier.

In its most basic description, a drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle you can control either with a remote or with a connected app on your phone. They can vary from the size of a hummingbird to that of passenger planes and beyond, but the most drones you see are approximately the size of a large dinner plate. As the technology continues to improve, there is also a growing number of add-on options, such as LiDAR and thermal infrared sensors.

Currently, drone usage is protected under the FAA’s regulations pertaining to recreational and hobby uses as long as the drone is under 55 lbs. However, anyone that plans to get into drones should be aware of the FAA’s small UAS rule (14 CFR part 107), which establishes the requirements for registration as a certified remote pilot in the United States. The certification exam covers some of the same information about aeronautical charts and weather reports that you would find on a small aircraft pilot exam, as well as the rules that deal specifically with small UAS. Legally, it is only necessary to have the part 107 license if you plan to fly commercially, but knowing this information will make you a better, and safer, drone pilot.

How can land owners use a drone?

Fly Your Property Line

If you have a large property, you know how long it can take to walk from one end to the other. On a hobby farm, fences are designed to keep your possessions and animals in, and keep people or other animals out. If you don’t have fences, it can still be helpful to check your property line for storm damage, evidence of trespassing or any other unexpected changes.

Planning your Property

A great first use of a drone is to get an aerial view of your property to use for mapping current buildings, water sources, types of vegetation and even topography. You can use these aerial maps for something as simple as getting a better feel for where everything sits on your land, or as complex as agricultural or silvicultural planning. Before and after images are also helpful to track changes you make over the years.

Check on Livestock

Whether you have a full menagerie, or a few chickens or goats, locating wandering animals (or kids!) on a large property can be challenging. A drone can help you get eyes on your animals a lot faster than searching the property on foot.

Get the High View

A big benefit of drones is not just the speed they can travel, but the height. Country properties often have multiple out-buildings in addition to your home. A drone can help you check the condition of your roof on your home, barn or any other buildings. In cases of natural disasters such as flooding or wildfires, you can keep an eye on what is happening around you without risking personal injury.

Keep an Eye on Crops

Whether you’re a hobby gardener or have a full-scale farm, use your drone to check crops row by row, select which trees to thin out in your forest, assess damage done by hail or rain or even get pictures of potential issues like blight or insect damage. For the advanced drone user, you can upgrade to an agricultural drone. With features like field software that can monitor everything from growth to weeds to lack of water and even crop sprayers attachments, a drone offers loads of possibilities to a Country home owner.

The post The Benefits of Using a Drone on your Country Property appeared first on - Country Homes by Michigan Lifestyle Properties.

The American front porch was originally developed more than 125 years ago. Although it is mostly for looks today, the origins of the front porch served as a status symbol, a way to cool down in the summer or to interact with community members.
If you look through the history of the American porch, you’ll find a lot about American history and how it has adapted to modern technology and societal changes. Here are some of the ways the porch was used through time…

The porch as a status symbol.

Originally the word “porch” just meant an entryway with a covering. A design element, which originated in ancient Greece to give the appearance of authority, was brought to the United States by the British and it was used as a status symbol. As time went on, that all changed.

The porch was the original air conditioner.

The porch expanded over time and covered a larger area, some of them now called “wrap-around” porches. This provided enough space for families and friends to gather outside. Adults could sit on the porch while children played in the yard. It also served a more important purpose, to provide shade while also allowing a breeze to come through. At night, people could open the windows to allow air in and keep bugs, rain and other pests out. With the creation of the air conditioner, these porches have slowly diminished.

It let neighbors get to know each other.

Before modern technology, people would congregate on and around the front porch to trade fresh produce and other goods or have a friendly chat and share the latest town gossip. The front porch created a sense of community. And it connected people with nature. But post World War II, all of these uses for the porch faded away.
While big urban areas have almost completely done away with porches, and homes entirely, for more condominiums, apartments and townhomes, in rural areas, porches still seem to be popular. If you’re looking for an escape to the country, Michigan Lifestyle Properties specializes in country homes, homes with acreage, farm land and other small town real estate.

Sources

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/jul/2/the-evolution-of-the-american-front-porch/

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~CLASS/am483_97/projects/cook/cultur.htm#:~:text=The%20porch%20further%20fostered%20a%20sense%20of%20community%20and%20neighborliness.&text=Between%20the%20rise%20of%20the,family%2C%20community%2C%20and%20nature.

The post The History of the Country Home Front Porch appeared first on - Country Homes by Michigan Lifestyle Properties.

Costs of Raising Chickens – A Beginners Guide

So, you’re thinking of raising chickens! Chickens are a great investment and great animal to have around your country home grounds. Raising chickens can be as costly as one would like it to be. From traditional to custom coops, the prices vary!

First, think about where you’ll acquire chickens. Head over to your nearest farm and equipment store to purchase chicks, or try the fertilization method! Attempt to incubate an egg to hatch a chick yourself, it’s free! Otherwise, the cost of chicks are relatively inexpensive in comparison to other livestock.

We referenced PetKeen.com to gather the following costs:

On top of these costs, chickens require annual costs that can range from $300-400 dollars. If you’re looking for livestock that will be easy on your wallet, think about raising chickens! Not only do they provide companionship, but they provide eggs! If you would like to raise chickens to harvest meat, your costs will look different.

If you’d like to learn more click here!

Source: PetKeen.com

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