How Starting an Intentional Community Can Help Pay Your Mortgage

If you want to buy a property and move to the woods but you're worried about the mortgage payments, starting an intentional community might be the solution. Not only does this approach foster a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, but it can also provide financial benefits that make rural living more feasible. Here’s how our community did it and some tips to help you get started.

Converting Our Barn into a Home

When the founders of our community first acquired the property, they saw potential in an old barn. With determination and creativity, they transformed it into a five-bedroom house. This conversion did more than just create additional living space; it provided a way to cover the mortgage. By renting out the extra rooms, the community generated enough income to pay off the mortgage, allowing more friends to join us and strengthening our communal bonds.

Finding a Property with Monetizable Outbuildings

One of the keys to our success was finding a property with outbuildings that could be converted into living spaces. Here are some tips to help you find a similar property:

1. Search for Potential: Look for properties with barns, garages, sheds, or other outbuildings. These structures can often be converted into livable spaces with some renovation.

2. Assess Condition: Make sure the outbuildings are in good structural condition. Repairs can be costly, so it’s important to evaluate what work will be required upfront.

3. Think Creatively: Consider how these spaces can be used. Can a barn be turned into a multi-bedroom house? Can a garage become a studio apartment? Creative thinking can unlock a lot of potential.

Checking Zoning Regulations

Before making any conversions or building new structures, it's crucial to check local zoning regulations. Here's how to navigate this process:

1. Research Local Laws: Start by researching the zoning laws in the area where you want to buy property. Each municipality has its own rules about what can be built and where.

2. Consult with Authorities: Contact local zoning offices or planning departments. They can provide detailed information on what is allowed on your property.

3. Get Permits: It’s ideal to get all necessary permits before starting any construction or renovation. This will save you from potential legal issues down the line. But thats not always possible so sometimes it makes sense to not bother getting permits.

4. Plan for Flexibility: If zoning laws are restrictive, consider properties in areas with more flexible regulations or look for ways to work within the existing rules.

Encouraging Friends to Move into Your Community

Creating an intentional community requires not just the right property, but also the right people. Here are some tips to encourage friends to join your community:

1. Share Your Vision: Clearly articulate your vision for the community. Share the benefits of communal living, such as shared responsibilities, reduced costs, and a supportive environment.

2. Highlight Financial Benefits: Explain how living together can be financially advantageous. Discuss how rental income from additional living spaces can help cover mortgage payments and reduce overall living costs.

3. Showcase Success Stories: Use examples from your own experience or other intentional communities to illustrate how successful and enriching this lifestyle can be.

4. Create a Welcoming Environment: Make sure your community is welcoming and inclusive. Host events, open houses, or community meetings to attract like-minded individuals.

5. Provide Clear Plans: Have a clear plan for how the community will operate, including governance, finances, and daily living arrangements. This transparency will help potential members feel more secure about joining.

Final Thoughts

Starting an intentional community can be a fantastic way to move to the woods without the burden of unmanageable mortgage payments. By finding a property with monetizable outbuildings, checking zoning regulations, and encouraging friends to join your vision, you can create a thriving, supportive, and financially sustainable community. With the right approach and a bit of creativity, intentional community living can turn your dream of rural life into a reality. Good luck on your journey!