It took us a year to find just the right place. I think the "experts" are right about that one: if we'd just picked any old place, we'd have spent tons of money making it tolerable. So, we wandered all over northern and southern Idaho with kids in tow, looking for the one with our proverbial name on it.
We really loved the St. Maries area of Northern Idaho. The woods are incredible, and the people were so friendly. We visited a ward one Sunday and they had to open the overflow because we were there (small branch, 6 benches, and there's 9 of us!) They wanted us to stay and we adored them. We visited 9 properties on our list, our favorite being a 20 acre plot in Santa nearby that was just gorgeous.
In Southern Idaho, we wandered Montpelier, Preston, Malad and thereabouts, visiting another 8 properties. We were pleased to see a gorgeous 6.39 acre property with a seasonal creek (good, my boys can't swim), a good well already on the property, and within commute of a big enough town. We put it up to a family vote and the kids voted to be closer to relatives. Southern Idaho it was.
We agonized over partly financing the property, but having "been there, done that" with the whole bank-slave thing, buying outright seemed to be the best option. Our goal is to be as debt-free and self-sufficient as possible. We were truly stunned when the sellers accepted our low offer, which meant taking a hammer to our piggy bank so we didn't have to finance at all! The downside is we spent our entire savings on it, and couldn't start building. Well, we figure time passes anyway, so no rush. We hope to have the first phase of the house built in 5 years.
It feels great to have something to truly call our own. We aren't answerable to the banks, we don't have payments hanging over our heads, we aren't forced to make and waste lots of money, and we can do anything we want to. We're free!
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