13 Tips To Make Land Buying Easy

Buying land is a big decision that requires careful consideration and planning. It's not something to be taken lightly, as there are many factors to take into account such as location, terrain, zoning, and access. To make the process easier for you, we've put together a list of 19 tips that will help you navigate the land buying process with ease.

1. Determine your budget.

First and foremost, decide how much you can afford to spend on land. This will help you narrow down your options and make informed decisions.

2. Research.

Conduct thorough research on the area you are interested in buying land. Look into zoning laws, property taxes, any restrictions or easements that may affect land use.

3. Know what you want.

Decide what you want to do with the land before you start shopping around. Whether it is farming, building a home, or recreation, knowing the end goal will help you choose the right property.

4. Hire a real estate professional.

It may be beneficial to hire a professional real estate individual or company who specializes in land sales (like us here at Shamrock Point Investments, Inc). They can help you find the right property and negotiate the best deal.  This may or may not be an agent, and in our experience, very few agents know how to sell or buy land, as they are simply focused on structures, such as commercial buildings or singe family residences.

5. Visit the property.

Before purchasing the property, make sure to visit it in person. This will give you a better idea of the area and land's attributes.

6. Check for any liens or encumbrances.

Make sure to do a thorough title search to ensure there are no liens or encumbrances on the property.  You can do this on your own, but in many cases, it will come out via the service the title company, or title attorney, provides.

7. Negotiate the terms.

Negotiate the terms of the sale, including the price, closing costs, and any contingencies.  A parallel point to this statement is to make an offer, one you feel comfortable making.  The worst anyone can say is "no", but at least the negotiations can then start.  So many people are afraid to offend someone.  Just make an offer, and get the process going to make the land yours!

8. Consider hiring a land surveyor.

A land surveyor can provide you with an accurate and detailed map of the land, which can help with building and site planning.  We don't always get surveys of our lands, as the plat map with the County can serve as a nice proxy, but we will get these on tougher or larger lots.

9. Consider water sources.

Check for access to water sources, such as wells, rivers, or ponds, especially if you plan to use the land for farming or livestock.

10. Check for easements.

Make sure to check for any existing easements that may affect the land's use.  Again, any easement issues will likely come out in the title search, but don't overlook this issue!

11. Look into zoning regulations.

Zoning regulations may restrict how the land can be used, so make sure to check them before making a purchase.  On many advertisements or websites that feature land, you will be able to search for what you want, such as commercial lots, residential, or agricultural.

12. Check for environmental concerns.

Check for any environmental issues that may affect land use, such as wetlands or endangered species.  We have dealt with both, and overall, these can pose great opportunities to get even better deals on vacant land lots.

13. Check for access.

Make sure there is legal access to the property, including roads and driveways.  If a vacant land lot does not have legal access, you should be able to buy it very a steep discount.

Buying land can be a complex process, but with the right approach and preparation, it can also be an exciting and fulfilling experience. By following these tips and doing your due diligence, you'll be well on your way to making a wise and informed investment in the land of your dreams. Remember, taking the time to do things right can make all the difference in the long run. Good luck and happy land hunting!