How to Pick a Great Lot When You Build Your New Home

Choosing a great lot is very important, especially if you are planning to build your new home in a rural or vacation development. Many times these developments take the longest to resell. If you plan to resell down the road it is critical that you get a prime location for your lot.

Here is a checklist of what to look for in a great lot:

1. Location:

In order of importance here are the key things to consider

1. Waterfront - lake, river, ocean
2. View
3. Easy access to main roads
4. Close to amenities such as shopping, schools, work

2. Features:

Does the lot have lots of trees? Will they have to be cleared first?

How much room is on the lot? What is the soil like? (Sand or Rock)

Is the ground level? It's easier to build on a flat site than one with a slope. However if it is too flat, water will not drain away.

3. Water:

Is the development on city water and sewer or will you have to drill your own well and install a septic system? If you have to install a septic system is there enough room for the drain field?

4. Power:

Does the lot have power or is this something you will have to pay extra to install?

5. Drainage:

Are there soft wet areas on the lot? Will you need to put in drainage ditches before you build your new home? What will the condition of the lot be in different seasons? Talk to neighbors in the area and see what they know about the drainage in different seasons.

6. Title:

There can be many types of title restrictions to consider when buying a lot.

1. Can you get clear title?
2. Are there any easements put on by utility companies that might restrict where you can build?
3. Are there building restrictions because the lot is on a natural preserve or next to a national forest?

7. Other Factors:

There many outside factors that could affect the value of your property. Check with the Zoning and Planning Department in your county to find out if there could be potential development that will affect the value of your property.

For example:

• Is that beautiful pond in front staying or is the developer planning to drain it to make room for more homes?
• Are there plans to build a freeway in your backyard?

Keep this checklist in mind when choosing your lot and soon you will be on your way to building the new home of your dreams.