How to find land for sale

   If you stick to the one normal way most people go about looking for land to buy you’ll probably find something…but don’t limit yourself! A common remark in the lot buying process is, “Come on, how hard can it be?” And that’s part of the problem. It’s really too easy to buy things, lots included. Have money in hand, walk up to a lot and say, “I’ll take it!” And bingo you’ve just bought a lot. But is it the one you really want? Look around.

   In your search for a lot you are starting on the path to fulfilling a dream for yourself and your family. This should be an enjoyable experience and hopefully this book will help you reach the goal! Finding a good piece of land to build your future home on can, at times, seem like looking for a needle in a haystack. There may be several home sites available, but which one should you pick? (we’ll cover this later one)

   If you have an existing relationship with a licensed real estate agent, this is a good place to start. An agent can quickly help you focus in on several lots that fit your criteria: price, size, location, amenities, view, etc. If this will be your first real estate transaction, ask friends and business associates for a recommendation for a trusted real estate professional. Word of mouth recommendations are priceless. (I built by business on wordof mouth.)

   You may be looking to purchase a lot in an area that is unfamiliar to you. In this case, a good place to start is simply picking up a local newspaper. Browse the classifieds, taking note of the general area or community, price points and sizes of lots in acres. It’s also a decent place to find an agent in the area.

   Starting your lot search online can be a very effective way to get the ball rolling. With just a few parameters, such as a general location and your budget for a lot, most real estate websites will be able to quickly tell you what is available. You can easily print out listing and take a ride in the car to check out the areas. Keep in mind, however, that only lots actively listed by an agent, or that have been posted online by the owners will be displayed.

   Lots that are for sale by developers, for example in a subdivision or neighborhood under construction, may or may not be listed. Some developers rely on local contacts, private advertising or any number of other factors to get the word out about their lots for sale. Some may even rely simply on a “Lots for Sale” road sign, depending on the area and the current real estate market at the time.

   Let’s say you’ve got your eye on a beautiful piece of land way off on a side street. It’s not for sale as far as you know - no listing, no sign. But, you’d like to see if the owner might be talked into selling. How do you find out who owns the land? You can find ownership of a piece of land through public tax records by going online to the town or county websites or taking a trip to the local offices. Get a phone number and call them up. All they can do is say no. Investigate!

   Sometimes just by striking up an idle conversation the most incredible nuggets of information come to light. In addition to the above suggestions talk with people who live, work and play in the area you are interested in. A casual chat from the most unexpected sources can be invaluable.

   When you begin the process of looking for land for sale get in the habit of walking the lot!