Location Could Make Or Break Your Dream-Home Plans

If you've decided to build your next home, rather than buy an existing structure, you'll face a number of land-related issues. How you handle them will be crucial to the success of our plans.

First, consider the types of land available:

1. Undeveloped land: raw turf; no streets, gutters, sewers; no gas and electric lines; no grading; no surveyed lots. Development expenses will come out of your pocket.
2. Developed land: everything but the house is on hand; probably owned by a developer/builder who typically sells lots to be built on under the builder's management. Because it's already developed, it costs more than comparable undeveloped land.
3. Spot lots: "spare" property in an established neighborhood. Prices may be comparable to those of similar developed land.

Whatever kind of property you propose to buy, be sure to get professional advice on the feasibility of building the kind of home you have in mind. A poor site choice can adversely affect your ability to get a loan or to sell your home later on. Check out the following:

Zoning laws. Will they permit the kind of home you expect to build? Read covenants carefully.

Water and sewage. If buying developed land or a spot lot, find out (from county offices) where the water line is located. Check to see if there is a sewage line and if newcomers are permitted to hook into it. If not, check the latest "perc" tests for a septic system.

Gas and electricity. Are they available and at what cost?

Taxes. How much are they and how do they compare to taxes on similar property in other areas?

Surrounding property. Check maps to find out what plans (highways, power lines, etc.) may be in the offing for woods, fields and open spaces near the property.