Road Rules: What Every Homebuyer Needs to Know About Private, Public, and Shared Roads

Recently, we've been helping two wonderfu clients who are on the hunt for something special--a home with enough acerage to start raising sheep and ducks and give their adventurous dog the space to roam free. Together we've been putting some serious mileage on the cat, exploring the beautiful countryside and moutain roads.  On one of our trips, we found ourselves down a picturesque gravel road that would through teh hills for 3 miles. It got me thinking--how many other people are looking for their dream home down a country road. But here's the thing..... When most people start shopping for a home, they tend to focus on the house itself: square footage, number of bedrooms, and maybe even that dream kitchen. But have you thought about the road leading to your potential new home? Roads aren’t usually top of mind, but the type of road can significantly affect your daily life as a homeowner and even your wallet. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between public roads, private roads (both with and without HOAs), homes on roads with no maintenance agreement and other road situations you may encounter when buying a home. Public Roads: The Common Path Public roads are maintained by your local government—whether it’s the city, county, or state. These roads are typically funded through taxes, so homeowners don’t bear the responsibility of paying for their upkeep directly. The government handles repairs, snow removal, and maintenance. On these type of roads you will usually notice signage and sometime lines are painted. You may also notice curbs and sidewalks. While this is convenient, there are some trade-offs. Public roads are subject to traffic regulations, parking restrictions, and sometimes noise from the larger volume of vehicles. But overall, living on a public road is the most straightforward option for most homebuyers. Pros of Public Roads: No direct cost for maintenance. Government handles repairs, snow plowing, and upkeep. Typically well-maintained. Cons: Subject to traffic and parking restrictions. May be noisier due to higher traffic. Private Roads with an HOA: Controlled but Convenient Private roads maintained by a homeowners association (HOA) are common in gated communities or planned developments. The HOA is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of these roads, and you contribute to that cost through your HOA fees. Sometimes the roads look like public roads if it is a larger community and sometimes they look like the above picture if the community of homes is smaller and are on larger properties. The upside? These roads are often well-maintained and come with the perks of a cohesive community. The downside is that the HOA sets the rules, so if they decide it’s time to repave the road or make other improvements, your fees could increase. Pros of HOA-Maintained Private Roads: Usually well-kept and aesthetically pleasing, but it does depend on the size of the comunity and the board. Costs are shared among the community through HOA fees. Cons: HOA rules can dictate when and how repairs are done. Increased fees if road maintenance costs rise. Private Roads with a Maintenance Agreement: Shared Responsibility Not all private roads come with the benefit of an HOA. In more rural or less structured communities, private roads might be maintained through an agreement between the homeowners who share access. In this case, you and your neighbors are collectively responsible for the upkeep. This can be done informally, or there could be a written maintenance agreement that spells out how much each homeowner contributes and when and might even be attached to title. The important thing to know is that these agreements aren’t always ironclad. Without clear terms, you could end up in disputes with neighbors over who pays for repairs, or worse, you might be left holding the bill if no one takes responsibility. Pros of Private Roads with Maintenance Agreements: More control over road maintenance. No HOA fees or rules to follow. Cons: Potential for disputes over maintenance costs. Lack of formal agreement could lead to unexpected expenses. Shared Driveways and Easements: Neighbor Cooperation Required Sometimes, instead of an entire road, you may share a driveway or have an easement for access to your property. In this case, you’ll likely have a legal agreement with your neighbors about maintenance responsibilities. Generally any easements will be on title. These situations can be straightforward, but they can also lead to headaches if there’s no clear understanding of who’s responsible for upkeep. Before buying a home with shared access, make sure the agreement is in writing and that both parties are on the same page. Pros of Shared Driveways: Typically lower maintenance costs since they are shared. Legal agreements can make responsibilities clear. Cons: Requires cooperation between neighbors. Disputes can arise over costs or repairs. Unmaintained or Off-the-Grid Roads: Buyer Beware In more rural areas, you might encounter unmaintained roads or roads that aren't part of any formal agreement. These are often gravel or dirt roads that the homeowners are solely responsible for maintaining. In areas of the country wehere weather can be harsh on the roads, maintaining them can be costly. While this offers a lot of freedom, it also means taking on significant responsibility. You might have to arrange for snow removal, grading, or even more extensive repairs. Additionally, lenders may be hesitant to approve loans for properties with inadequate road access, which could complicate the buying process. Pros of Unmaintained Roads: Greater control and freedom over your property. Lower initial costs if you don’t need immediate improvements. Cons: High long-term maintenance costs. Potential difficulty securing financing. Why This Matters for Homebuyers As you can see, the type of road leading to your new home can impact your life in many ways. The key is to understand what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line. Here are a few important questions to ask during the home-buying process: Is the road public or private? If private, is it maintained by an HOA or through a maintenance agreement? Are there any legal agreements in place for shared driveways or easements? What are the costs associated with maintaining the road, and are they included in any HOA fees or maintenance agreements? Road access may not be the first thing you think about when buying a home, but it can have a major impact on your lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re driving on a public street or navigating a rural dirt road, make sure you understand how the road you live on will be maintained and how it fits into your financial picture. At Rethinking Real Estate, we make sure no stone—or road—is left unturned in your home-buying journey. If the property you're considering is on a private road or shared driveway, we’ll dig into the details to see if a formal road maintenance agreement is in place. We’ll carefully review title documents and deeds to identify any existing agreements, and if there isn’t one, we’ll guide you in getting a written agreement to protect your investment. Our goal is to ensure that you won’t be hit with unexpected maintenance costs or disputes after you move in, giving you peace of mind about your new home. At Rethinking Real Estate, we’re here to help you make informed decisions. If you have any questions about road access, maintenance agreements, or anything else related to home buying, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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How Real Estate Can Help You Build Wealth (Yes, You Can Do This!)

When you think about creating wealth, real estate might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Maybe it feels overwhelming, or you’ve heard it’s only for people with a ton of money. But here’s the truth: real estate has been one of the most consistent and accessible ways for ordinary people to build lasting wealth. And with the right approach, you can do it too! Let’s talk about how—and why—real estate investment has worked for others and how it can work for you. Real People, Real Wealth: Historical Examples You don’t need to look far to see how real estate has changed people’s financial lives. Just take John Jacob Astor as an example. Back in the early 1800s, he started buying up land in Manhattan. Was he a millionaire when he started? No. But he had a vision. By steadily investing in the right properties, he built a fortune and became America’s first multimillionaire. The thing is, he didn’t just stumble into wealth—it was a choice he made to invest in real estate. Fast forward to the 1960s, and you've got Donald Bren. He started buying property in California, one step at a time. His steady investments turned into ownership of over 115 million square feet of real estate. He didn’t make all that money overnight, but his journey proves that real estate, done right, can lead to enormous financial success. You might be thinking, "Sure, those guys lived in different times, with different opportunities." But what they did wasn’t magic—it was about understanding the value of real estate as an investment and sticking with it. And while you may not be aiming to become a billionaire, the wealth-building principles they used still apply today. The Key Benefits of Real Estate Investment (And Why It’s Not Out of Reach) Let’s break down why real estate could be your ticket to building wealth—whether you want extra income, financial security, or a legacy for your family. 1. It’s More Accessible Than You Think A lot of people believe you need loads of cash upfront to get into real estate. But that’s not always true. There are different ways to enter the market, depending on what works for you. You could start by buying a small rental property, renovating and selling homes, or even investing in real estate investment trusts (REITs) with a smaller initial amount. Plus, with guidance from people who know the market (like us!), you'll have the support you need to make smart decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and start investing at your own pace. 2. It’s a Long-Term Wealth Builder Real estate is one of those rare investments that tends to appreciate over time. Property values generally increase, which means your investment could be worth more in the future than what you paid for it. Meanwhile, you can earn income from rent, and all of this builds equity. The best part? That wealth can be passed down to future generations. Imagine creating a financial safety net for your kids or grandkids just by owning the right property! 3. Tax Benefits That Save You Money You’re already paying taxes, but what if you could use real estate to lower your taxable income? Owning rental properties, for example, allows you to deduct a wide range of expenses, like mortgage interest, property management fees, and maintenance costs. These deductions can lower your tax bill, giving you more cash to invest or save. 4. It Outperforms Other Investments While stocks can be volatile and bonds often offer lower returns, real estate has a history of outperforming other types of investments when you take into account rental income, appreciation, and tax benefits. By holding onto property over time, you can see your wealth grow steadily, even through market ups and downs. Why This Matters Now—And For You Maybe you’ve thought about real estate investment before but held back because it felt too complicated or risky. But here’s the thing: real estate can be one of the safest and most rewarding ways to build wealth, especially when you have knowledgeable support. It’s about starting where you are, with what you have. Real estate investing is a journey, and like any worthwhile journey, it begins with that first step. You don’t have to be the next John Jacob Astor to build wealth through real estate, but you can learn from his strategy. Start small, think long-term, and stay focused on your goals. We’re here to help you figure out the best way to get started—whether that’s buying your first rental property, exploring opportunities to flip homes, or even talking through how to enter the market strategically. If you’re ready to start exploring how real estate can create financial security and a lasting legacy, reach out. We’re here to guide you every step of the way. Warm regards,Don & Susie Karstedt Mobile: 253-987-6789Email: findus@rethinkingre.comWebsite: RethinkingRE.comOffice Phone: 253-987-6789

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Our Backyard Bounty (Well, Sort of...)

Ah, the joys of gardening. Or, as we sometimes call it, "Don and Susie’s Backyard Buffet... for the deer, squirrels, and birds." For years, we’ve lovingly tended to our vegetable garden, dreaming of fresh salads, juicy berries, and delicious homemade sauces. But the reality? We’re more like hosts to a woodland dinner party we didn’t exactly invite, but it really is so much fun to see them come and enjoy the bounty. The deer? Well, they’ve practically set up a reservation system for our berry bushes. And don’t get us started on the squirrels—they’ve been eyeing the strawberries like they’re starring in a rodent reality show called Garden Wars. Meanwhile, the birds swoop in, grab their snacks, and tweet (literally) their satisfaction. We currently have 14 round neck pigeons who stop by every other day to check the menu out. We don’t mind, though. Watching them devour our hard work is both frustrating and, dare we say, kind of amusing. It’s nature’s sitcom, starring our yard. This year, however, we had a victory—tomatoes. And not just a few... a ton. It seems the deer don’t appreciate the tangy goodness of a ripe tomato as much as we do (finally, a win for us!). As you can see from the picture, we’ve got tomatoes coming out of our ears. So, what's next? Canning! I’m gearing up to preserve them for winter, dreaming of hearty Italian dishes to come—pasta sauces, soups, and maybe even a homemade pizza or two. Watch out, squirrels, you’re not getting any of this. To celebrate, we thought we’d share one of our favorite recipes with all of you. This one’s perfect for when you're swimming in tomatoes (or just want a fresh, homemade touch). Try it out, and let us know how it turns out! Garden Fresh Tomato Basil Soup Ingredients: 6 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp olive oil 4 cups vegetable broth 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped 1 tbsp sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of your tomatoes) Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness) Instructions: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant. Add the tomatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they break down. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in the fresh basil, sugar (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or carefully blend in batches in a regular blender). Stir in the cream, if desired, for a creamy finish. Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil and some crusty bread on the side. Enjoy your little taste of summer, even as the winter months roll in! We’re always happy to share more recipes or even a jar of our sauce once the canning is done. Until then, happy gardening (or wildlife feeding, as it often turns out to be)!

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