Accepted job in West Plains. Any advice on rural real estate? (Springfield: city hall, movers)

[Howitzer]

I just accepted a job in West Plains. My family and I will be moving soon to the area. We don't want to live in town, but want to get an existing home with at least five acres. No concern about schools since my oldest is in college and my youngest is going next year. Both are or will be at Pensacola Christian College (PCC) in Florida. Any advice on rural real estate or other things a move-in should know? My wife was born and lived in Missouri (Jefferson County) until I married her. She is thrilled at going back to MO.

TIA

Dave

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by Howitzer

I just accepted a job in West Plains. My family and I will be moving soon to the area. We don't want to live in town, but want to get an existing home with at least five acres. No concern about schools since my oldest is in college and my youngest is going next year. Both are or will be at Pensacola Christian College (PCC) in Florida. Any advice on rural real estate or other things a move-in should know? My wife was born and lived in Missouri (Jefferson County) until I married her. She is thrilled at going back to MO.

TIA

Dave

If I had it to do over again, I would certainly purchase land with year around live water in the form of a spring or creek.

I would contact a well drilling company and have them check out the well, making sure that it is plenty deep enough and that the pump is in good working order, they are expensive.

It is smart to try to find property with some highway access. In the winter having to maneuver down dirt roads, that may or may not be plowed, can be difficult. Having a good road will ensure that you can get in and out in a hurry if you need to.

Speaking of Tornadoes. (LOL), if it didn't have a storm shelter, I'd make sure it had a good basement. Personally, the first thing I would do is put in a storm shelter if it didn't have one.

If you plan on having livestock, I'd check with the county to make sure there are not limits or restrictions. Lots of times you think, if you are out in the country that there are no limitations on anything, but often there are. For instance, there are some places where you cannot raise pigs or have big turkey barns. Just make sure you know and understand all the rules and regulations that apply to you BEFORE you pick a place.

If you get a really good realtor, they should be very helpful to you. But don't take anyone's word for ANYTHING. Demand to see it in writing. Lots of times people will spout off and not have a clue what they are talking about (you will find this to be the case at most courthouses, city halls, etc.) Be nice about it, but make sure you see any regulations FOR YOURSELF. The planning and zoning office for the county can help you with this also.

good luck. Missouri country living is great!

20yrsinBranson

[GunnerTHB]

Originally Posted by Howitzer

I just accepted a job in West Plains. My family and I will be moving soon to the area. We don't want to live in town, but want to get an existing home with at least five acres. No concern about schools since my oldest is in college and my youngest is going next year. Both are or will be at Pensacola Christian College (PCC) in Florida. Any advice on rural real estate or other things a move-in should know? My wife was born and lived in Missouri (Jefferson County) until I married her. She is thrilled at going back to MO.

TIA

Dave

If you have any trouble finding information, you may want to post this in the general Missouri forum. West Plains isn't exactly part of the Springfield area. Good luck!

[Howitzer]

20yrsinBranson,

Thank you for the many items of actionable info.

GunnerTHB,

I'll try the main MO thread as you suggest. Given the sub-categories offered, I thought the Springfield - Branson area was closest. Live and learn.

Thank you both for your help.

Dave

[Howitzer]

20yrsinBranson,

We just got back from a trip to MO. We went to visit my mother-in-law near Festus. We brought some things that the movers are not allowed to take on a PCS move under a GBL. On the way back we stopped overnight in West Plains and met up with a local realtor.

We liked two places we visited. One of them was on the Baker Realty site and nowhere else. The listing ran out in August, but the realtor went to school with the owner. She called him and set up a viewing for us.

The other place we liked even more. It has a pond, but the owner didn't know if it was spring fed. It is about 1/2 to 3/4 mile from a nice paved highway that leads into town. It would be a 15 minute drive to work for me and even less for my wife to Wal-Mart. I think her car is magnetically drawn there. So far, I haven't found livestock restrictions in Howell County. West Plains has them inside the city. I'm still waiting for my PCS orders to initiate moving.

If you have any other thoughts, I'd appreciate hearing them.

Thanks,

Dave

I'll also post this over on the general Missouri forum as GunnerTHB suggested.