What to Know Before You Purchase Land

Are you close to finding that perfect piece of property to make an offer on?Be prepared by asking these 10 questions:

1) What utilities are available for this property?

Determine what utilities are available from the county (power, water, sewage and gas) and what utilities you may need to make arrangements for. You may need to be prepared to drill a well, install a septic system or purchase a gas tank and install a gas line. There could be restrictions on where a home may be located on the property based on where the well and sewage systems can be located. Find out who the state provider or local electric membership cooperative (EMC) is for the property. If power is not already available, talk to the company about the cost of running power to the property and the location of your future home.

2) Is the land buildable?

Soil type affects the ability of the land to support a septic system. A soil percolation test determines the rate at which water drains through soil. A perc test is required by most county health departments to determine whether a property is suitable to hold a septic system and what type of foundation a home will need. Soil that does not pass a perc test could mean high costs for preparing the site to build on or mean you cannot build at all. Your county or district environmental health office should be able to perform this test at a low cost. Additionally, if the property is sloping or has elevation changes, this could affect your ability to build.

3) Is the property easily accessible?

Determine the nature and extent of access to the property. Property must have both physical and legal access to obtain financing and ensure future desired use. Physical routes should be present and free of obstructions. If access is limited, check if the county will grant access and, if so, from where. Does the parcel front a publicly-maintained road? Does the parcel have a deeded right-of-way across adjacent land? Legal access includes access points coming from permissible frontage roads (ex. no driveway off of a bypass) and has legal crossings over land formations such as creeks and swampy areas. If you intend to build, check the municipal requirements for road frontage on a publicly-maintained road.

4) Where are the property lines and what’s going on around the property?

Obtain a survey of the property to know where your property lines are. Most banks require a survey in order to finance the land. A survey may be on file in the county deed records; if not, have a survey performed so you have a record of what you are buying. Next, use the survey to try to locate the property lines. Lines could be marked with concrete or wooden markers, paint marks on trees or posted signs. If lines are not clearly marked, have a surveyor permanently mark the lines. Additionally, find out what is happening on the property around you. Are there plans for development? Are you next to a farm or other business? Know what to expect should you buy and move to the property.