Julie Mansfield Smith sells what she knows. The land sale broker is adept at selling everything from quality homes on small tracts of land to large farms or recreational properties for those looking to get away and enjoy time with nature.

Of course, over 30 years of selling also provides ample time to learn a thing or two along the way. That includes the demand for and benefits of off-grid property in Eastern Oregon.

“It is a more organic way of living,” the franchise owner of Cupper Creek Land Company Mossy Oak Properties said. “There are thousands of different ways people approach it and that is what draws them to off-grid properties. It is a learned behavior and it can be very successful whether it is a second home or a primary residence.”

Smith said off-grid properties can be as basic or intricate as their owner wants them to be. Some simply park a trailer home on the property and expand around it while others may invest hundreds of thousands of dollars to build the dream experience.

Off-grid properties have always had their niche for people looking to accentuate their self-sufficiency and avoid many of the things others take for granted. However, their popularity increased at the turn of the century and with the threats Y2K posed and again during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Startup costs can be significant but there are economic benefits to be realized, like avoiding the soaring costs of electricity, Smith said. Solar panels, windmills, battery packs, hydropower and propane generators are some of the ways off-griders choose to generate electricity.

“More people are doing this because we are experiencing climate change — this week we had a day in the 70s and now it is snowing — and being able to take advantage of green energy,” Smith said.

Experience

Approximately 20% of Smith’s business comes from off-grid property sales each year with a significant amount representing residents in large cities looking for a lifestyle change away from the concrete jungle.

Smith said her experience helps clients find the right piece of land to fit their needs. Eastern Oregon’s topography and climate are beneficial for some power sources. A significant number of sunny days each year, plentiful waterways, south-facing slopes and strong growing conditions all make the area well suited for off-grid living.

“If you want to use solar panels, that is great, but you better have a backup because if the sun isn’t shining you can be in trouble,” she said. “The same goes for wind energy if it is not blowing.”

Smith has sold a variety of off-grid properties with one of the most memorable being a home made of cement with a dirt and grass roof that had plants growing on it.

“It was a beautiful home, but it required a lot of research on their part to fit their needs,” she said. “He was a naturalist who had the desire to put the work in.”

Smith said off-grid properties can be a solid investment because the land is often a blank canvas limited only by imagination.

Do your homework

Smith said it is vital that any prospective buyers do their homework on off-grid properties and what they want to get out of the experience before diving in.

“The problem can be that people think they want to live off-grid, but they may not truly understand what that means,” Smith said.

Smith suggests starting with these three questions:

• What is your budget? Determining the size of property you can afford and are willing to perform upkeep on is a key first step.

• Location and proximity to amenities: Determine how close to a power and water source, schools, hospitals and other areas you are comfortable with.

• What kind of off-grid support structures will you require: Smith recommends anyone thinking of purchasing off-grid property do their homework on the many options for electricity and water as well as the costs and upkeep that is required.

Ready to buy

If you are ready to take the off-grid plunge, Smith has a brand-new listing that could be just right for a buyer.

The furnished cabin with two bedrooms and one bath is turnkey ready and a perfect vacation rental home, full-time residence or part-time retreat. It’s located 45 miles from Prineville, Oregon and 10 minutes from Mitchell, Oregon.

The 112-acre property at 2,800 feet elevation hosts plenty of sage and juniper complete with creek frontage. The terrain invites livestock and would be perfect for a horse refuge or a ranchette. It also comes with three acres of pasture grass that runs by a creek.

This property has power generation covered and backed up. It has a 1,500-watt propane generator, 3,000-watt wind generator, windmill, battery banks and solar panels. Need water? A 60-gallon/minute well is at your service with a rich supply.

Trail and ATV riding, hunting or hiking is available in a quiet setting ready for your next adventure. BLM lands are just minutes away for more recreational activities.

Sound like you? Visit the Cupper Creek Land Company website for this listing or email Smith at cuppercreeklandco@gmail.com to learn more.

Smith is set to bring several off- and on-grid properties to market in the coming months so look for more information soon. Visit Cupper Creek Land Company to learn more.

“There is a butt for every saddle, you just have to find the rider,” said Smith with a smile.