When you shop for a vacant lot in order to build your own
home, you have a vast array of choices. Unencumbered by the traditional
concerns of existing home shoppers, you can focus on the few key elements of
the right piece of land. To help you hone in on what you need to know
specifically about empty land, discover six things every land buyer needs to
find out ahead of time.
1. Access
Access to your land is an issue that only rural land buyers
largely face. City dwellers may not expect that problems might exist in getting
to and from their plot or in getting utilities to it. But every homeowner
should ensure that this basic issue will not be a problem. If access to public
roads and the presence of utility connections is not obvious, be sure to ask.
2. Zoning
City or country rules dictate what you can build and how you
can use it. Clearly, if you look at a lot inside a planned subdivision, you can
generally count on being able to build a home on it. But those purchasing land
not part of an established area may need to clarify that their plans will be
allowed based on zoning rules.
3. Restrictions or Covenants
Deed restrictions are privately agreed on rules about what
you can and cannot do with a piece of property. These rules are on the deed
rather than based on general city zoning. They may also come from a homeowners
association (HOA) the lot is part of.
Such restrictions or HOA covenants are a big factor for
anyone planning to build their dream home. They may cover everything from where
you can place the house to its exterior color. So you want to research these in
detail before deciding to purchase a lot subject to them.
4. Flooding
You can learn about the potential for flooding on your
property in several ways. First, talk with the agent or builder directly. You
may also find information on the land map or plat already on file. Flood
agencies offer more general guidance, although these are not always updated
often. Finally, if you still are not convinced you understand the full flood
situation, arrange for a land survey (which may be a good idea anyway).
5. Environmental Issues
Test a piece of land for its environmental situation. This
would include testing groundwater and soil for contaminants and condition. If
your neighbor's farm operation, for example, has leeched chemicals downhill
into your soil, you need to know. And soil condition may also give information
about its propensity to flood.
Ground testing is a more obvious concern for certain parcels
- such as those with a prior commercial history - but problems are often
hidden. Do not assume your soil is fine just because it has been used only for
residential purposes.
6. Easements
Easements are legally allowed uses of your property by other
parties. Some easements, such as utility placements, benefit you and are
required. Other easements can occur when neighbors need access to their homes
through your property, when others have used a spot for many years, or when it
would be too difficult to remove structures. Remember that an easement will
limit your full use of the land.
Clearly, a piece of empty land has its own unique concerns.
The more you know about what to look for before setting your heart on a
property, the more confidence you will have as you shop. Want to know more
about land buying? Start by meeting with the property pros at Realty One Group
Heritage
today.
