How do you find the perfect piece of property on which to build your dream home? Fortunately, there are many scenic plots of land to choose from here in the Pacific Northwest. Even if you close your eyes and blindly pick a spot, you’ll likely land somewhere beautiful. It’s one of the many benefits of living here. However, not all properties will be right for your individual needs. What will work for one type of home or homeowner may not work for another. Let’s discuss how to find the right plot of land for your custom built home.
Decide on Your Location Priorities
First things first, make a list of your must-haves in terms of location. Do you need to be close to town for schools, work, or shopping needs? Does a long commute bother you or are you willing to trade longer drive times for a more serene and secluded setting? Whether you’re a city slicker or you’re a country life enthusiast, there’s a land waiting for you to claim it. Understanding your priorities will help you narrow down where you should start your search.How to Find a Lot
There are various ways you can go about searching for land to buy. One of the easiest options is to start online. Sites like LandWatch or LandAndFarm provide up to date listings of land for sale in your desired area. You also have the option to go with a real estate agent, too. Real estate professionals are often privy to information that isn’t yet released to the general public. Another option is to hop in the car and drive your preferred neighborhood to look for “for sale” signs on your own. Not all available properties are listed online or in the newspaper, especially properties that sold directly from the owner. Finally, don’t forget about the real estate section in the local paper. Newspapers aren’t dead and local papers have fresh listings from a variety of sources, including real estate agents and landowners.Consider the Type of Home You’d Like to Build
What type of home will suit your needs? Your floor plan wish list will play a huge role in what property to buy. For example, if you want a basement in your home, your land must be able to support one. You should know what type of home your land can (or cannot) sustain. For this reason, you need to obtain a lot survey. This lot survey should include, among a host of other things, baseline elevation points that help you determine where to build, setback requirements, and legal easements. It will also inform you if you’ll need to share a driveway with your neighbors.Look For Potential Problems
Hire a professional who can determine whether the land is a good buy or if you should bid it goodbye. Land with drainage issues can put a damper on your home build. Consider whether the plot has access to utilities, including sewer, water, gas, and electric. If the plot is too remote, you’ll have to factor these costs into your overall build budget.Follow Your Budget
Speaking of your budget, calculate the true cost of your dream property. Does the land need to be cleared? That’s an added expense. Will you have access to city water or will you need to drill a well on your property? Another expense. Then, add in other costs, such as recurrent landowner association fees and professional land assessments. It can make a huge impact on the final cost of your land. Are you ready to start the search for your dream property? Get started by requesting your free project analysis here.
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