Howdy, y’all. If the good Lord’s been stirring your heart toward a life of simplicity, stewardship, and soil-under-your-fingernails satisfaction—this guide is for you.

I’m the Homesteading Realtor here in Texas. I don’t just help folks buy land—I help 'em lay down roots. I live this lifestyle every day, and whether you’re new to the dream or already knee-deep in compost, my goal is to walk with you—boots on the ground—through every part of your homesteading journey.

From ag exemptions to choosing the right land, let’s take this one step at a time.

What Is Homesteading (Really)?

Homesteading ain’t just having chickens or canning tomatoes (though both are mighty fine things). At its heart, it’s about living with purpose, honoring the land, and depending more on God's provision and less on the grid.

Homesteading is:

• Stewardship of the land God gave us.
• Building self-reliance—planting, preserving, and producing.
• Creating a multi-generational legacy of hard work and grace.

Some folks go full off-grid with solar and rainwater systems. Others start smaller—maybe a garden and a few hens. No matter where you fall, it all counts.

Start With a Vision: Your Homestead Goals

Before you buy land or plant your first seed, pause. Pray. And ask yourself:

• Do I want full self-sufficiency or just a productive hobby farm?
• Is this about income, family legacy, or lifestyle change?
• How much time and money can I realistically invest?

Here are a few common goals I see:

🌱 Self-Sufficiency: Raise what you eat, reduce reliance on the system
💰 Income Generation: Sell produce, raw milk, honey, or handmade goods
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Legacy: Create a haven for kids and grandkids
🙏 Kingdom Impact: Bless others through land-based ministry or community outreach

Whatever your vision is, write it down. Let that be your North Star.

Picking the Right Piece of Texas Land

Now here’s where I come in—helping you choose the right land. Not just pretty views (though we’ve got plenty), but a property that works with your vision, not against it.

Key Things to Consider:

💧 Water Access – Wells, ponds, or rain catchment potential
🌾 Soil Quality – A soil test can save you years of struggle
🚜 Accessibility – Roads, fences, and proximity to resources
📜 Zoning & Restrictions – Especially important in counties with stricter codes

Texas is a big ol’ place. From the piney woods of East Texas to the Hill Country to the high plains out West, I’ll help you zero in on the right region for your goals.

Make It Make Sense: Financial Strategies for Texas Homesteaders

Let’s be real: land ain’t cheap, and homesteading isn’t either. But Texas has some tools in the toolbox to help you steward your resources wisely.

💼 Ag Exemption (Agricultural Valuation)

This is a game-changer. If you’re using your land for agriculture—raising livestock, growing crops, even bees in some counties—you can get a massive reduction in property taxes.

Pro tips:

• Every county has slightly different rules. Let’s talk to your county appraisal office early.
• It often takes 5 years of "history" to qualify—unless you buy land already ag-exempt. (Guess who knows where to find those listings? 🙋‍♂️)

🏡 Texas Homestead Exemption

If your land is your primary residence, you may qualify for a homestead exemption. This won’t reduce your ag taxes, but it will protect you from some tax increases and offer lawsuit protection.

🐓 Side Hustles from the Homestead

• Sell fresh eggs or raw goat’s milk (check local laws)
• Offer permaculture design services
• Host farm stays or agritourism events
• Sell preserves, soaps, or herbal remedies at farmers markets

Building Your Homestead (One Step at a Time)

You ain’t gotta do it all at once. Start with the basics:

• Garden First – Even a raised bed teaches you the seasons, soil, and pests
• Add Chickens or Goats – These are great starter animals
• Learn Skills – Canning, fencing, rotational grazing, composting
• Invest in Infrastructure – Good fences, water systems, and tools pay off in peace later

Mistakes will come. That’s just part of stewarding land. But every challenge is a classroom.

Watch Out for These Common Roadblocks

• Drought – Invest in water storage and mulching systems
• Predators – Your chickens will get tested by coyotes or hawks
• Burnout – Don’t try to do it all at once. Sabbath is sacred, even on a homestead.
• Regulations – Always check local codes, especially if you’re near city limits

Legal, Practical, and Spiritual Prep Work

📝 File for those exemptions
📞 Talk to your county agent
📚 Read up on water rights, grazing leases, and cottage laws
🙏 And above all—pray over the land and your stewardship

Final Word From The Homesteading Realtor

Homesteading is about more than chickens and gardens. It’s about living slower, loving deeper, and leaning into God's rhythms. Texas gives you the space to build something lasting—something that will last generations.

Whether you’re ready to buy your first 5 acres or you’re just dreaming with a journal in hand, I’d be honored to walk with you.

👉 Need a realtor who gets the homestead lifestyle? I’m your guy—boots, Bible, and all.
👉 Not in Texas? No worries—I’ve got a trusted network of agents nationwide. Tell me your state, and I’ll get you connected with someone who shares our values.

Let’s build something beautiful. Click here to schedule your FREE real estate consultation!! We'll discuss your goals and determine your next steps!

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