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Welcome to the first edition of Wild Havens, a newsletter exploring the journey of finding land and creating the perfect home in the Pacific Northwest. Lately, I’ve found myself working with a few clients considering this lifestyle—some dreaming of a tiny home retreat, others looking to place a manufactured home on acreage, and some eager to go entirely off-grid. Their questions, excitement, and challenges have inspired me to dive deeper into this topic and share what I’ve learned. Personally, this is a dream I’ve had for some time, and I am so grateful to be a part of my clients’ journeys, living vicariously through them! If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn a piece of land into your dream home, you’re in the right place!
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning land and placing a manufactured home, tiny home, or cabin on it, you’re not alone! Living more independently, closer to nature, and with a home that fits your lifestyle (and budget) is appealing to many.
But is this lifestyle REALLY right for you? Before jumping into land listings and home models, let’s take a step back and explore the key considerations that will help determine if this is the right path for you.
1. What Attracts You to This Lifestyle?
People pursue this kind of home and land ownership for different reasons. What’s your primary motivation?
- More Space & Privacy: Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? Whether you want acres of land or a cozy forest retreat, Oregon offers plenty of rural and semi-rural options.
- Affordability & Flexibility: Many homebuyers find that placing a manufactured home or tiny home on land is a more cost-effective way to own a home compared to traditional real estate options.
- Sustainability & Off-Grid Living: Are you interested in solar power, well water, and self-sufficiency? Many areas in the Pacific Northwest are ideal for an off-grid or partially self-sustaining lifestyle.
- Recreational or Vacation Property: If you’re looking for a second home for weekend getaways—perhaps near Mount Hood, the Oregon Coast, or the Columbia River Gorge—this home setup can be a perfect solution.
2. What Type of Home Best Fits Your Vision?
There are multiple options for placing a home on your land. Which one aligns with your needs?
Manufactured Homes
✅ More affordable than traditional stick-built homes ✅ Typically larger than tiny homes (single-wide, double-wide options) ✅ Can be financed through traditional home loans ⚠️ Requires a foundation and utilities ⚠️ Must comply with HUD and local zoning laws
Tiny Homes on Foundations or Wheels
✅ Lower cost and minimalistic lifestyle ✅ More flexible placement options ✅ Can be moved (if on wheels) ⚠️ Financing can be tricky—many lenders don’t offer mortgages for tiny homes ⚠️ Some counties have zoning restrictions on full-time tiny home living
Cabins & Prefab Homes
✅ Can range from rustic to modern designs ✅ Prefabricated options allow for quicker installation ✅ Some counties have fewer zoning restrictions compared to tiny homes ⚠️ Higher upfront cost compared to manufactured or tiny homes ⚠️ May require more site prep work
3. How Off-Grid or On-Grid Do You Want to Be?
Not all land is created equal—some come fully connected to utilities, while others are entirely off-grid. Here are a few key questions to consider:
Water & Sewer:
- Do you want city water access, or are you open to well water or rainwater collection?
- Will you require an existing septic system, or are you willing to install one?
Power & Internet:
- Do you need on-grid electricity, or are you considering solar power and generator backup?
- How important is high-speed internet and cell service? Some areas in Oregon have limited coverage, which could impact remote work or daily communication.
Accessibility & Roads:
- Do you need a paved road and year-round access to your property?
- Are you comfortable with gravel roads or seasonal access issues (common in more remote locations)?
4. Location Matters – Where in Oregon Should You Look?
Depending on your lifestyle goals, here are a few great places in Oregon to consider:
🌲 Bend & Central Oregon: Ideal for those who want outdoor adventure, scenic high desert landscapes, and four-season weather. Regulations on tiny homes can vary by county.
🏔 Columbia River Gorge: Perfect for nature lovers who want access to hiking, waterfalls, and river activities. Some areas have stricter building codes due to environmental protection.
🌊 Oregon Coast: A great option if you want to be near the ocean, but consider potential moisture issues and zoning rules for coastal properties.
🌾 Willamette Valley: If you prefer lush farmland and small-town charm, this area offers great rural land options while still being close to city conveniences.
🌄 Southern Oregon & Rogue Valley: A good mix of affordability, climate, and rural options with more flexible land-use regulations.
5. Next Steps – Is This the Right Move for You?
Before you dive into land searches, take a moment to reflect on these key questions:
✅ What is your main reason for pursuing this lifestyle? ✅ What type of home fits your needs? ✅ Do you want land that is on-grid, partially off-grid, or fully off-grid? ✅ What regions in Oregon best match your lifestyle? ✅ Are you financially prepared for the costs of land, home, and site preparation?
It’s essential in any real estate transaction to perform your due diligence and work with subject matter experts.
👉 Ready to take the next step? I’d love to hear about your vision and help you navigate the process.Leave a comment below, message me at gennyfersantel@bhgpartners.com, or call/text (503) 894-1818 to start exploring land and home options in Oregon!
Coming Up Next in Issue #2: What Are Your Options? Tiny Homes, Manufactured Homes, and More!
Stay tuned for the next edition of Wild Havens, where we’ll dive deeper into the different types of homes you can place on your land—what they cost, how to finance them, and what to expect in the process!
