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This course will teach you a model to finding the homestead property perfect for you, anytime, anywhere. You will be able to quickly spot threats, red flags, uncover opportunities and discover strengths. This course covers over 50 properties across North America in all types of climates. You will learn how to analyze properties of all different sizes and stages of development.
Read more
This course will teach you a model to finding the homestead property perfect for you, anytime, anywhere. You will be able to quickly spot threats, red flags, uncover opportunities and discover strengths. This course covers over 50 properties across North America in all types of climates. You will learn how to analyze properties of all different sizes and stages of development.
Read more
This course will teach you a model to finding the homestead property perfect for you, anytime, anywhere. You will be able to quickly spot threats, red flags, uncover opportunities and discover strengths. This course covers over 50 properties across North America in all types of climates. You will learn how to analyze properties of all different sizes and stages of development.
This course will completely change how you find properties, you will be faster, you will be more confident and you will waste less time. This course is for anyone interested in buying land in North America. I hope you find it helpful as you one day embark on your homesteading journey. I cover the Scales of Permanence, based on Yeoman's Scale of Permanence... which can help you analyze any property in detail, so that you can make the right decision for you.
I’m share some examples of properties that have really bad indicators when it comes to water. (Indicators that typically go unnoticed by most people and wind up causing huge issues later on.)
This course also covers what good topography is and how you can identify it as an asset, especially when it comes to protecting you from the elements.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/351xph/how
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores the concept of finding a homestead property and offers a model for doing so
Covers topics such as identifying threats, uncovering opportunities, and analyzing properties based on different criteria
Provides a comprehensive overview of the topic and covers over 50 properties across North America in all types of climates
Includes a section on different sizes and stages of development of properties
Offers a systematic approach to finding a property that meets individual needs
Led by an experienced instructor who specializes in homesteading
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Reviews summary
Essential homestead property evaluation
According to learners, this course offers an incredibly solid framework for evaluating homestead properties, particularly excelling in its deep dive into the Scales of Permanence. Students found it demystifies the process of land acquisition and provides detailed examples on how to identify crucial elements like water indicators and good topography. Many felt much more confident in their land search after completing it, with several noting it provides an excellent foundation for beginners. However, some learners highlighted that the course focuses solely on property analysis and does not cover legal or financial aspects, and a few found the pacing slow or desired more diverse, updated examples for local market applicability.
Highly beneficial for those new to land acquisition.
"Extremely helpful for beginners! I knew nothing about homesteading land before, and this course provided an excellent foundation."
"It's a lot of information, but presented clearly and was perfect for my initial learning."
"Might be better for someone just starting out, but not for experienced land buyers."
Teaches how to spot crucial features like water indicators and topography.
"I particularly appreciated the detailed examples of bad water indicators – things I never would have thought of on my own."
"The detailed breakdown of terrain and identifying potential issues like poor drainage was fantastic."
"The segment on topography and understanding natural flows was a game-changer."
Provides a systematic and invaluable framework for land analysis.
"The deep dive into the Scales of Permanence was eye-opening and provides an incredibly solid framework for evaluating land."
"The Scales of Permanence section alone is worth the price. It gives you a systematic way to approach land evaluation..."
"I learned so much about reading the land and understanding its potential and pitfalls."
Some found the pace slow or applicability limited to specific local markets.
"My only minor critique is that some parts felt a bit slow, but the content more than makes up for it."
"Found this course to be too theoretical... didn't feel directly applicable to my local market."
"I wish there were more updated examples from different regions..."
Concentrates solely on property analysis, excluding legal or financial aspects.
"I was hoping for more specific advice on financing and legal aspects of land purchase."
"It does focus solely on property analysis, so don't expect a full guide to homesteading."
"This course is highly specialized and focuses on the property itself, not on building a homestead or finances."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in How To Find Your Dream Homestead with these
activities:
Review course text
Show steps
Review the course text to familiarize yourself with the course topics and prepare for the course content.
Browse courses on
Homesteading
Show steps
-
Obtain the course text.
-
Read the introduction and first chapter of the course text.
-
Take notes on the vocabulary as you read.
Practice using a topographic map to find a suitable homestead
Show steps
This activity will help you practice using a topographic map, which is an essential skill for finding a homestead with the right terrain and drainage.
Browse courses on
Topography
Show steps
-
Find topographic maps for your desired area.
-
Learn the symbols and conventions used on topographic maps.
-
Practice using a topographic map to identify different features, such as elevation, water bodies, and slopes.
-
Use your skills to find a suitable homestead location based on your criteria.
Watch tutorials on how to assess the water resources on a homestead
Show steps
This activity will help you learn how to assess the quantity and quality of water on a homestead, which is crucial for determining whether the property is suitable for your needs.
Browse courses on
Water Resources
Show steps
-
Search for online tutorials on assessing water resources.
-
Watch several tutorials to get a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
-
Take notes and make a list of important points.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Start a homesteading project
Show steps
Develop a homesteading project to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the course.
Browse courses on
Homesteading
Show steps
-
Identify a homesteading property that you are interested in.
-
Research the property and make sure that it is suitable for your needs.
-
Develop a plan for your homesteading project.
-
Start working on your homesteading project.
Create a budget for your homesteading plans
Show steps
This activity will help you create a realistic budget for your homesteading plans, which will allow you to plan for the financial costs involved.
Browse courses on
Homesteading
Show steps
-
Estimate the costs of land, housing, infrastructure, livestock, and other expenses.
-
Identify potential sources of income.
-
Create a spreadsheet or use software to track your budget.
Write a blog post about your homesteading experiences
Show steps
This activity will help you reflect on your homesteading experiences, learn from your successes and failures, and share your knowledge with others.
Browse courses on
Homesteading
Show steps
-
Choose a topic for your blog post.
-
Write a rough draft of your blog post.
-
Edit and proofread your blog post.
Answer questions about homesteading on online forums
Show steps
This activity will allow you to share your homesteading knowledge with others, reinforce your understanding of the topic, and potentially connect with other homesteaders in your area.
Browse courses on
Homesteading
Show steps
-
Join online homesteading forums.
-
Read through the forum posts and identify questions that you can answer.
-
Write thoughtful and helpful responses to the questions.
Connect with experienced homesteaders in your area
Show steps
This activity will connect you with experienced homesteaders who can provide invaluable guidance and support as you navigate your homesteading journey.
Browse courses on
Homesteading
Show steps
-
Attend homesteading events and workshops in your area.
-
Join local homesteading groups on social media.
-
Ask friends or family members if they know any experienced homesteaders.
Review course text
Show steps
Review the course text to familiarize yourself with the course topics and prepare for the course content.
Browse courses on
Homesteading
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain the course text.
- Read the introduction and first chapter of the course text.
- Take notes on the vocabulary as you read.
Practice using a topographic map to find a suitable homestead
Show steps
This activity will help you practice using a topographic map, which is an essential skill for finding a homestead with the right terrain and drainage.
Browse courses on
Topography
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find topographic maps for your desired area.
- Learn the symbols and conventions used on topographic maps.
- Practice using a topographic map to identify different features, such as elevation, water bodies, and slopes.
- Use your skills to find a suitable homestead location based on your criteria.
Watch tutorials on how to assess the water resources on a homestead
Show steps
This activity will help you learn how to assess the quantity and quality of water on a homestead, which is crucial for determining whether the property is suitable for your needs.
Browse courses on
Water Resources
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for online tutorials on assessing water resources.
- Watch several tutorials to get a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
- Take notes and make a list of important points.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Start a homesteading project
Show steps
Develop a homesteading project to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the course.
Browse courses on
Homesteading
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a homesteading property that you are interested in.
- Research the property and make sure that it is suitable for your needs.
- Develop a plan for your homesteading project.
- Start working on your homesteading project.
Create a budget for your homesteading plans
Show steps
This activity will help you create a realistic budget for your homesteading plans, which will allow you to plan for the financial costs involved.
Browse courses on
Homesteading
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Estimate the costs of land, housing, infrastructure, livestock, and other expenses.
- Identify potential sources of income.
- Create a spreadsheet or use software to track your budget.
Write a blog post about your homesteading experiences
Show steps
This activity will help you reflect on your homesteading experiences, learn from your successes and failures, and share your knowledge with others.
Browse courses on
Homesteading
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic for your blog post.
- Write a rough draft of your blog post.
- Edit and proofread your blog post.
Answer questions about homesteading on online forums
Show steps
This activity will allow you to share your homesteading knowledge with others, reinforce your understanding of the topic, and potentially connect with other homesteaders in your area.
Browse courses on
Homesteading
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join online homesteading forums.
- Read through the forum posts and identify questions that you can answer.
- Write thoughtful and helpful responses to the questions.
Connect with experienced homesteaders in your area
Show steps
This activity will connect you with experienced homesteaders who can provide invaluable guidance and support as you navigate your homesteading journey.
Browse courses on
Homesteading
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Attend homesteading events and workshops in your area.
- Join local homesteading groups on social media.
- Ask friends or family members if they know any experienced homesteaders.
Career center
Learners who complete How To Find Your Dream Homestead will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Agents help people buy and sell property. This course may be useful to those who want to learn more about how to evaluate property, which is essential for real estate agents. Additionally, this course covers the Scales of Permanence, which can help Real Estate Agents understand how different land use decisions can impact the value of property over time.
Land Use Planner
Land Use Planner
Land Use Planners plan and develop land use for specific areas, such as watersheds or conservation areas. This course may be useful to those who want to learn more about how to evaluate land for development, which is a key component of land use planning. Additionally, this course covers the Scales of Permanence, which can help Land Use Planners understand how different land use decisions can impact the area over time.
Regional Planner
Regional Planner
Regional Planners plan and develop land use for regions, such as counties and states. This course may be useful to those who want to learn more about how to evaluate land for development, which is a key component of regional planning. Additionally, this course covers the Scales of Permanence, which can help Regional Planners understand how different land use decisions can impact the region over time.
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
Urban Planners plan and develop land use for cities and towns. This course may be useful to those who want to learn more about how to evaluate land for development, which is a key component of urban planning. Additionally, this course covers the Scales of Permanence, which can help Urban Planners understand how different land use decisions can impact the city or town over time.
Conservationist
Conservationist
Conservationists work to protect and preserve the environment. This course may be useful to those who want to learn more about how to evaluate land for conservation, which is essential for conservationists. Additionally, this course covers the Scales of Permanence, which can help Conservationists understand how different land use decisions can impact the environment over time.
Forester
Forester
Foresters manage forests for timber, wildlife, and recreation. This course may be useful to those who want to learn more about how to evaluate forest land, which is essential for foresters. Additionally, this course covers the Scales of Permanence, which can help Foresters understand how different land use decisions can impact the forest over time.
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Biologists study the behavior, ecology, and conservation of wildlife. This course may be useful to those who want to learn more about how to evaluate land for wildlife habitat, which is essential for wildlife biologists. Additionally, this course covers the Scales of Permanence, which can help Wildlife Biologists understand how different land use decisions can impact wildlife habitat over time.
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architects design and build outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and campuses. This course may be useful to those who want to learn more about how to evaluate land for development, which is a key component of landscape architecture. Additionally, this course covers topography and how to identify its assets and liabilities, which can help Landscape Architects make better decisions about where to build and how to design outdoor spaces.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This course may be useful to those who want to learn more about how to analyze and evaluate land for development, which is a key component of civil engineering. Additionally, this course covers topography and how to identify its assets and liabilities, which can help Civil Engineers make better decisions about where to build and how to design infrastructure.
Geologist
Geologist
Geologists study the Earth's physical structure and history. This course may be useful to those who want to learn more about how to identify and evaluate geological features, which is essential for geologists. Additionally, this course covers topography and how to identify its assets and liabilities, which can help Geologists understand how different land use decisions can impact the environment.
Soil Scientist
Soil Scientist
Soil Scientists study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. This course may be useful to those who want to learn more about how to identify and evaluate soil, which is essential for soil scientists. Additionally, this course covers topography and how to identify its assets and liabilities, which can help Soil Scientists understand how different land use decisions can impact the environment.
Water Resources Engineer
Water Resources Engineer
Water Resources Engineers design and manage water systems, including dams, reservoirs, and irrigation systems. This course may be useful to those who want to learn more about how to identify and evaluate water resources, which is essential for the design and management of water systems. Additionally, this course covers how to analyze properties for water threats and red flags, which can help Water Resources Engineers avoid costly mistakes.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help businesses and organizations become more sustainable. This course may be useful to those who want to learn more about how to evaluate land for sustainability, which is a key component of sustainability consulting. Additionally, this course covers the Scales of Permanence, which can help Sustainability Consultants understand how different land use decisions can impact the environment over time.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses and organizations on how to comply with environmental regulations. This course may be useful to those who want to learn more about how to evaluate environmental impacts, which is a key component of environmental consulting. Additionally, this course covers the Scales of Permanence, which can help Environmental Consultants understand how different land use decisions can impact the environment over time.
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analysts provide research and advice to public figures, businesses, and organizations regarding the impact of policy on the environment. This course may be useful to those who want to gain a better understanding of how to analyze and evaluate environmental impacts, which is a key component of environmental policy analysis. Additionally, this course covers the Scales of Permanence, which can help analysts understand how different land use decisions can impact the environment over time.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/351xph/how
Reading list
We've selected 14 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
How To Find Your Dream Homestead.
This practical guide focuses on home-scale permaculture techniques, providing detailed instructions on topics like rainwater harvesting, composting, and natural pest control.
Save
This comprehensive resource provides detailed guidance on designing and building earth-sheltered homes, offering energy-efficient and sustainable living options.
This practical guide provides a comprehensive overview of off-grid living, covering topics such as energy generation, water management, and waste disposal.
Offers tailored guidance for homesteading in the southern US, covering topics like subtropical gardening, pest management, and heat-tolerant building materials.
Comprehensive reference guide to all aspects of country living, including homesteading. It covers topics such as gardening, livestock raising, home maintenance, and self-sufficiency skills.
Provides instructions on a variety of traditional skills, such as gardening, cooking, preserving food, and crafting. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Provides a comprehensive guide to permaculture, a sustainable approach to gardening that mimics natural ecosystems. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to grow food in a more sustainable way.
Save
Provides a framework for planning environmentally sustainable communities. It valuable resource for anyone who is involved in land use planning or community development.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the natural history of the United States. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the country's environment and ecology.
Provides a detailed account of the five previous mass extinctions and discusses the potential for a sixth extinction. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the environment and the future of life on Earth.
Explores the impact of human activity on the environment and argues that we are entering a new era in which the natural world is no longer separate from the human world.
Examines the collapse of past societies and argues that there are lessons that we can learn from their mistakes. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in history and the future of human society.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of humankind. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about our past and our future.
Save
Explores the relationship between humans and the natural world from an indigenous perspective. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in ecology and the environment.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/351xph/how
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