Buying land is not something to be taken lightly, especially if you are hoping to build on it. So, before you put in an offer on a piece of land for sale in DeRidder, it is important that you know all you can about it. The folk at EXIT Real Estate Consultants say this means asking the right questions. The questions to ask though will very much depend on who you are putting them to. For example, if you are speaking to the seller, you might have different questions than those you would put to a selling agent.
Questions for the Owner
The hope is that the owner will be the best person to speak to in terms of asking questions about the features of the land and what it can be used for. However, it is important to remember that some people selling land have inherited it and may never have even seen it. Nevertheless, the following are some questions to ask.
- What is the topography of the land?
- Are there any issues with neighbors?
- Are boundaries clearly marked?
- Does the land have access to the road?
- Is there a risk of flooding?
- Is the land sloped or flat?
- Is the soil suitable for development?
- Can utilities be accessed easily?
- Can I apply for residential planning consent?
- How much are annual property taxes?
- How soon can you close the transaction?
- Why are you selling?
Questions for the Agent
If you are not dealing directly with the owner of the land, you need have to direct your questions to the selling agent instead. Here are a few examples of what you should be asking.
- What is the chain of title?
- What is the land zoned for?
- Has the land been surveyed?
- What kind of building is permitted (if zoned for residential development)?
- Who is responsible for surrounding roads?
- Are there any code violations?
- What was the land used for previously?
- Are there any easements to be aware of?
- Is the seller willing to negotiate on the price?
- Is the seller looking for a quick sale?
What To Think about When Buying Land
If you are buying land for the purpose of building a home, you need to make sure that development is permitted. Not all land is zoned for residential development. However, just because land is not zoned for development right now does not mean that it won’t be in the future. It is worth doing your research and speaking to someone in the local planning department before making any decisions.
Even if land is zoned for development, it is probably best to talk to someone in the planning department to find out if there are any restrictions in terms of development. You could find, for example, that only one-story properties are permitted on the land (which could obviously affect your plans). Or you might discover that in order to access utilities you would have to pay out thousands of dollars to connect to the grid or the municipal water supply. These are all things that need to be investigated before you make an offer on land.
Conclusion
Buying land is not as straightforward as buying a home. Just because you have found a plot of land does not necessarily mean that you can build on it. It is therefore advisable to consult with a real estate agent and lawyer before you buy said land. You should ask as many questions of the seller or selling agent as you can to get the information you need, and refer to the local planning department for further details as required.
