What Questions to Ask Before Buying Land

By  //  July 12, 2021

The decision to purchase a parcel of property is usually one that will last for generations. That’s why it’s important not just to think about what the lot looks like, but how much room there is and if it’s priced right. What are some things I need answers to when considering purchasing land as an investment or homesite?

Buying land is a big decision. It’s necessary to ask yourself some tough and probing questions before making that final commitment, but most importantly, ask about the land to get the most critical information about the property. You need to prepare a list of questions to ask when buying land, which need to explore insights about land boundaries, property zoning, it’s rights, and so on.

The following article will provide you with some key factors to consider ahead.

What Questions Should You Ask Before Buying Land?

1, Is There a Clear Title on the Property? 

It’s important to make sure that you don’t buy any land without knowing who owns it. If someone else is going to be using your land, they’ll also have ownership of what’s on and around it too!

It’s always a good practice when purchasing residential or commercial property first to ensure that all titles are free from liens by obtaining copies of an abstract with original survey maps (issued within three years) at their own expense prior to making the final payment.

2. Are There Any Problems With the Zoning and Building Codes in Your Area? 

Do you want to live in a place that’s up-to-date with the rules and regulations? If so, make sure your new land is legal before buying.

You may be able to save yourself some time and hassle if you ask about zoning codes before buying land. If the area doesn’t have a zoning ordinance, or one is not enforced, then your property could end up being zoned for something other than what it was intended as.

Having the right zoning for your new home is essential to avoid any issues in the future down the road. It’s important you review all of this before making such a huge investment.

3. Is It Near Anything Environmentally Sensitive, Like Wetlands or Floodplains? 

Be careful when buying property that there are no environmental risks associated with the location. One important place to check on this is any nearby wetlands and floodplains; these areas can cause huge problems for residents of a region. They may serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus or contain pollutants from agricultural runoff, contaminating drinking water supplies in neighboring communities.

4. What Is the Quality of Local Schools Around Here? 

Land is never just land. It’s a place where you live, work and raise your family. Think about the things that are important to you before buying property. It’ll help you avoid ending up in an awful neighborhood with terrible schools for kids or small-minded neighbors who frown at everything from matchmaking to satellite dishes on houses.

Before investing in some new real estate, consider asking whether there are good local schools nearby because if the answer is no, then it might be better off waiting until they build one or finding another house.

5. What About Emergency Services, Such as Fire Stations and Police Departments? 

Before you buy a piece of land, make sure to inquire about the area regarding emergency services. For example: are there any nearby fire departments? Police stations? Hospitals or medical clinics that can be used for emergencies; how far away is each one from your property, and what type/specialization does it offer (such as trauma care)?

If there are no fire stations nearby when you start building your home or the nearest police station doesn’t have enough officers available on duty at any given time, then this may be an indication of future problems for your family.

6. How Accessible is the Land to Major Towns or Cities

Before buying land, inquire about how much time you’ll need for commuting each day from this location if your work is not nearby.

If you don’t have a creative way of getting around on your prospective property, life will be difficult and frustrating in many ways. From having to drive miles out-of-the-way just so one family member can go grocery shopping or find some sort of entertainment, all the while being stuck behind other cars going at an excruciatingly slow pace; driving hours down rural dirt roads only to end up lost due course because there aren’t enough street signs (or lights!) 

Conclusion

 When you are ready to buy land, make sure that the property is in an area that will work for your needs. Ask questions about zoning and building codes, environmental sensitivity, schools, and emergency services. Buying a home or investment can be overwhelming, but with these tips, it’s not impossible! 

The questions above are just a few of the many that you should ask before buying land. Think about what is important to you and your family, then find out if this property has those qualities.

If it does, great! But if not, keep looking until you find the perfect place for your needs. Remember, when making any big decision like purchasing land; do your research first so that you know exactly what’s involved in owning it before signing on the dotted line.