Land for Sale: 5 Things to Consider Before Buying
Buying vacant land can be a rewarding experience, whether you're planning to build your dream home, use it as a private getaway, or treat it as an investment property. But before you start looking for land, there are a few things to consider first. Here's what every land buyer should know before jumping in.
5 Things to Consider Before Buying Vacant Land for Sale
It's easy to get caught up in dreams of building a cabin in the woods or having your own secluded slice of paradise, but it's important to take a step back and keep these things in mind.
1. Location
When it comes to buying land, specifically if you plan on developing the property into a full-time or part-time residence, location should be top of mind.
For example, do you want to be in a rural area or closer to town? Are there any high-traffic roads or busy areas you want to avoid? Will you be commuting from an office or working from home? Spend time thinking about the proximity to amenities, schools, healthcare, and public transportation.
If you're planning on using the land as a getaway or for recreational use, you may want to choose a location that's either already close to outdoor activities or can give you quick and easy access.
2. Zoning Regulations
Before you fall in love with a piece of land, it's important to check any relevant zoning regulations. Every city and county has its own unique rules that determine how the land can be used, so be sure you know what you can and can’t do with the property before you commit.
If you're uneasy about navigating zoning regulations on your own, a real estate professional can be a great resource. When it comes to vacant land, a competent realtor is much more than just a salesperson—with extensive knowledge about the local real estate market and applicable laws, they can help save time, money, and even occasional heartache during the buying process.
3. Utilities
Unlike the process of buying an existing home, vacant land isn't always as obvious when it comes to which utilities are available. It may not seem like a big deal initially, but not all land has access to electricity, water, or sewer—not to mention more modern conveniences like the ability to tap into high-speed wifi. Do your research and determine which utilities are available, existing, or can be added down the road (and for what cost).
4. Property Boundaries
Before purchasing any piece of land, hire a land surveyor to ensure that the land you're buying is what you think it is. Even if the land already has fencing around it, that doesn't necessarily mean that the boundaries marked by the fencing are correct. A surveyor will be able to determine whether any disputes or encroachments exist and ensure that you get exactly what you pay for.
5. Environmental factors
If you're buying land with the plan to build from scratch, you'll want to consider environmental factors like soil quality, water sources, and air quality early on in the process. Factors like climate, altitude, and land composition can all impact what you can plant or grow, as well as determine the type of foundation, building materials, and construction methods you can use.
Working with a Realtor to Buy Vacant Land
When it comes to buying vacant land, working with a qualified realtor can make all the difference throughout the process. From determining property boundaries to understanding local zoning laws, an experienced realtor is an invaluable resource when it comes to navigating the complicated process of buying land.
Vacant land for sale in Idaho
At Stephanie Reed Real Estate, you can trust that our team of experienced real estate professionals will be with you every step of the way. If you're looking to buy land for sale in Idaho, we'd love to be your resource. Reach out to our team today to learn more.
And if looking outside the Gem State, we're happy to connect you with our trusted network across the country too.
Conclusion
For many prospective buyers and future homeowners, vacant land can feel like an exciting opportunity to work with a blank canvas. But like any other purchase, it’s important to do your homework. If you’re considering buying vacant land in Idaho, especially in the Sun Valley area, you can trust the team at Stephanie Reed Real Estate to be your guide. From helping you determine boundaries to connecting you with local zoning laws, introducing you to new or unexpected listings, and (hopefully) finding you the perfect property, we’re here to lead the way. Contact us today to learn more about our services!