First things first, how do you even find undeveloped land? While some people may opt to build on developed land, log home buyers are far more likely to want a home that is in a bit more rural setting and finding raw land can be daunting as it becomes scarcer. Having a real estate agent to show you around is likely one of the best ways to get listings that will fit your needs and to get more information on the area. An agent, for example, can tell you more about easements on the property and highway improvements.
You can get a head start on looking and possibly even forgo an agent all together by looking around yourself. You can do this by searching the local newspaper and, if you live in the area, simply drive around to find spots that interest you. Every piece of land is owned by somebody, but even if a tract doesn’t have a “For Sale” sign on it, that doesn’t mean the owner won’t sell. It is not uncommon for potential buyers to simply call up a property owner and find out the land is completely up for grabs, but has not officially been put on the market.
Before you call the owner: It’s not a hidden fact that country land can be worth quite a bit and owners know what they have and how much they can get for it. You can give yourself a bit of an advantage and ensure you pay a fair price by researching what properties in the area have been selling for. Property selling prices are public record and you can find the number to your city’s office here: PublicRecords.
There are several key questions that need to be answered prior to purchasing undeveloped land, including:
The most important things to consider, generally, are: total costs including utility concerns, your ease of access and how you feel about the property. Living in a rural area can be quite an adjustment for most people, but by keeping these considerations in mind you can get all the rustic country living you could ever want while still enjoying the comforts of a well-planned home.
