Overcoming Your Land Buying Sticking Point

If you’re a land buyer, then you’re probably familiar with this feeling: you find the perfect piece of land that ticks all the boxes on your wish list, and yet, you hesitate to pull the trigger. Something is stopping you from making the purchase, and that something is commonly known as a sticking point. Sticking points are the barriers that keep buyers from moving forward with a purchase, even when they are confident that it’s the right choice. In this blog post, we’ll examine some of the most common sticking points that land buyers face and how you can overcome them.

Sticking Point #1: Financing is an Issue

One of the biggest sticking points that potential land buyers face is financing. Unlike other types of home purchases, many lenders are hesitant to finance raw land purchases. This frequently means that buyers have to pay for land in cash, which can be a challenge for many people. If financing is your sticking point, then there are a few things you can do to overcome it. One options is to research land loan lenders in your area and see what they offer.  But even then, often times, you will find the answer being "no".  Or, you can ask the seller if they will finance it for you.  This is known as "seller financing", or "seller will carry", or "owner financing".  We at Shamrock Point Investments, Inc offer Seller Financing on nearly all of our lots, so be sure to get on our Buyer's list by entering your email in the are to the right, or at the bottom.

Sticking Point #2: Zoning and Permitting

Another common sticking point for land buyers is the process of obtaining necessary zoning, permits, and approvals. Unless you’re buying land that is already zoned and permitted for what you plan to do with it, you may find yourself needing to go through a long and complex process to get these things. This can be intimidating and frustrating, especially for first-time land buyers. In order to overcome this sticking point, it’s important to work with an experienced real estate professional who knows the ins and outs of the local laws and regulations.

Sticking Point #3: Fear of the Unknown

Buying land is a major investment, and the fear of the unknown can be a significant sticking point for many buyers. There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to buying raw land, such as the quality of the soil, the availability of water and other utilities, and the potential for natural disasters like wildfires or floods. If you find that fear of the unknown is your sticking point, then it’s important to do your due diligence. Hire a land surveyor or soil scientist to assess the land and provide recommendations. Talk to neighbors and local experts to get a sense of what to expect and what potential issues may arise.

Sticking Point #4: Finding the Right Location

Sometimes, the biggest sticking point for land buyers is simply finding the right location. You may have a specific type of land in mind, but not be able to find it in the area where you want to buy. Or, you may have a location in mind but not be able to find the type of land you want in that area. If location is your sticking point, then it’s important to be flexible. Consider different types of land or different areas that you may not have initially thought of. Working with a real estate agent who knows the area well can be helpful in this regard.

Sticking Point #5: Analysis Paralysis

Finally, analysis paralysis is a sticking point that affects many would-be land buyers. This is when you get so bogged down in researching and analyzing every aspect of a potential purchase that you never actually make a decision. If analysis paralysis is your sticking point, then it’s time to set a deadline. Give yourself a specific timeframe for making a decision and stick to it. Get input from trusted advisors and experts, but ultimately trust your own instincts and make a decision.

Buying land is a significant investment, and it’s natural to have sticking points that prevent you from moving forward with a purchase. However, with a little research, guidance, and a willingness to be flexible and trust your gut, you can overcome these sticking points and make a confident, informed decision about your land purchase. No matter what your sticking point may be, don’t let it keep you from achieving your dreams of owning your own piece of land. With the right support and resources, you can make your land buying dreams a reality.