How To Choose A Lot As A First Time Homebuyer

August 10, 2010
Are you thinking of building your dream home? There is an organized way to go about it. The first thing that you have to search for is the lot and the ideal one is not be just any piece of MN real estate property that you find in the area that you desire. To find the ideal plot of land, there are certain factors that you have to take into consideration aside from its location. The number of trees, water features, accessibility to amenities and to a power source are some of the things that you would have to take into account when looking around for the lot you will build dream home on.

In the book, "Tips and Traps When Buying a Home", written by Robert Irwin, the author recommends using a checklist when searching for a lot as a first time home buyer. This checklist will help ensure that critical details are not missed when you go about finding the right property. Here are some essential tips on how to choose the right property:

1. Map out nearby cities and towns. If your lot is located in a rural area, find out how far the nearest cities and towns are. This will help you decide if a commute from your future home will be worth it, and what your lifestyle might be like if you have to travel to the city on a regular basis.

2. See what the natural features are. If you are planning to buy a lot, you would have to find out what are the natural features in and around the property you are interested in. Are there many trees in the lot and in the adjacent lots? Is it near a water form like a placid lake or a bubbling brook? You would have to take into consideration that your new home might be affected by flooding if you live near water or you might have to deal with wildlife if your place is very near a forest.

3. Check the water source. If you build a home in an urban area, you may not have to worry about where you will get your water from. If you decide to build your home in the countryside, you may need to find a private water company or find alternative solutions to be able to get water into your home.

4. Check the soil quality. Determining the quality of the soil on your lot is an important factor when building your new home because you need to work on soil that will accommodate for a solid foundation. You can hire a professional to inspect the soil if you are unsure of what to look for.

5. Find out about building restrictions. Knowing what the building restrictions are in the area that you plan to build a new home will aid you in your planning. It is highly possible that there are restrictions on what you can build, how much you can renovate or remodel, especially if the property is located near a national forest, a wildlife preserve or a major landmark. Being aware of any restrictions will can help you decide what to do and save you from investing in something that you might regret on a later date.

Aside from assessing the physical features of the lot, you have to review the title in detail. Find out if it is a clear title and if there are no easements of any kind on the lot. Try to use these tips to help you find that ideal lot to build your dream home.
 

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