If you’re interested in affordable home ownership or a family vacation spot, then buying vacant land can be a solution. It’s a proven way to get the home you want while reducing the financial pressures with home ownership in densely packed urban centers or in towns with high property taxes.
You need to do your research and know what to look for before entering into a purchase agreement.
Helping land buyers and sellers achieve their personal goals is why Sandy Cantu launched her business.
Sandy has more than 25 years of experience as a real estate professional in the United States and internationally. She’s seen firsthand the benefits of property ownership and is keenly aware what land buyers need to know.
Sandra also values the overall well-being of her clients and will act as a pivot person between a seller and buyer.
This is helpful for buyers since many of the concerns outlined below apply to either undeveloped land or when someone doesn’t know who the seller is.
Sandy brings knowledge and transparency to the process for the benefit of both parties.
Use the following list to get started in learning more.
Why do you want to buy land?
Having a place to build a home you enjoy in an area that’s appealing is always a good starting point. A property can also be a focal point for a family vacation spot that your children and grandchildren return to year after year.
But you may have other reasons like asset appreciation. Your lot may, or may not, meet that specific goal. Those variables include how close you are to a metro area that’s growing in popularity.
Know why you want to buy.
What’s the condition of the land you want to buy?
All vacant land isn’t equal.
Make sure the lot that catches your interest doesn’t have environmental issues or right-of-way restrictions.
Is it land-locked? If so, make sure it will be easily accessible.
Know if the land taps into a municipal water supply or uses well water. Check that the well is plenty deep.
Is this a stand-alone property or are there multiple lots available in the area?
You may enjoy the land’s current beauty, but development and re-development are facts of life. The landscape and scenery you’re gazing on today can change in five to ten years. Check economic development associations for the county and region that your land is in to learn more about potential future developments.
Check if there are oil or gas wells and possible contamination.
When was the lot last surveyed?
If there are trees on the property, are they healthy or do they have any type of disease? Contact an arborist if you need to look into this topic.
Know what professionals to use
If you live out-of-state, do online research to get started finding the tradespeople who can help you get your land in a livable condition.
Log on to local chambers of commerce websites to see what electricians, plumbers and contractors are in good standing and have positive reviews. You can check local Yelp listings but those aren’t always accurate. Reviews can be skewed for either too many positives or negatives.
Plan a brief trip to the area and line up interviews to meet and talk with the different tradespeople.
Visit neighbors on adjacent lots and owners of local hardware stores to see who they recommend.
If your land is near a more populated center, then there may be a local real estate investors club where the members make use of tradespeople. Attend a meeting and ask for leads and recommendations.
Your free guide
As you dig further into buying or selling land, download for free Your Guide to Buying Land: The Heart and Soul of America.
It’s easy to read with a story of a land buyer and seller who have worked with Sandra.
There are also easy-to-access resources for researching local county economies to give you an idea of what may impact the land.
Finally, contact Sandra Cantu whether you’re wondering about buying or selling.
She wants to guide you in making the best decisions for your situation and needs.