Question – – “We are planning to build our dream home and have our plans set except for the land.  What do we need to be concerned about in finding the right property?”

 REALTORS have heard this question many times over the past few months as a low supply of existing homes for sale has prompted more prospective home buyers to consider building a new home to fit their needs.  When selecting a building site there are two distinct avenues to go down:  a platted development lot or privately owned land.  In considering a developed lot your process becomes much simpler as the developer has done much of the necessary work for you.  The developer will have selected suitable building sites and surveyed the boundary lines, determined location of utility and water/sewer lines or proper location of well and septic systems.  A developer can also offer guidance on particular lots that will accommodate the type of floor plan you have in mind, as an example, if you had selected a walk-out plan would a particular lot work best for that type of construction.  When considering a privately owned property all of the above responsibilities shift to the buyer.  To accomplish proper site selection and suitability for construction a land buyer should enlist the assistance of a Realtor and a builder or excavator with knowledge of soils, gas/electric/cable/water/sewer availability, as well topography. A REALTOR will assist in determining any local zoning restrictions that may affect your building project and if the land is subject to any easements, gas or oil leases, and establish a proper value for the land and negotiate a fair price.  Often times land buyers have a vision for a piece of property that can’t be realized without proper due diligence.

To help answer all your real estate questions or to search Homes for Sale, contact a RE/MAX United agent today at (616) 866-5800 or visit our website at www.REMAX-Rockford.com.