tips-advice

Mistakes First-Time Land Buyers Make and How to Avoid Them.

By: PAPIUS MWANGI
January 06, 2023

Purchasing land for the first time can be a daunting task, especially if you're not familiar with the process or if you don't know the factors you should consider before buying land. Here are some common mistakes first-time land buyers make and how to avoid them

1. Not doing their research.

Sure! It's important to thoroughly search the land you're interested in purchasing to ensure that you're making a sound investment. Here are some specific things you should consider when doing your research

Zoning laws: Zoning laws determine how the land can be used. For example, a property zoned for residential use may not be suitable for commercial development.

Environmental issues: consider any potential environmental issues that could affect the land. Things like soil contamination, flood risk, or the presence of protected species.

Development restrictions: look into any development restrictions that might affect the land. Things like building codes, height restrictions, or requirements for environmental impact assessments.

2. Not having a clear idea of what they want.

Having a clear idea of what you want is important when purchasing land because it will help you narrow down your options and focus your search. Here are some specific things to consider when thinking about what you want

Location: Where do you want the land to be located? Consider factors such as proximity to schools, hospitals, and other amenities, as well as the overall safety of the area.

Size: How much land do you need? Think about what you want to do with the land and how much space you'll need to accommodate those activities.

Potential uses: What do you want to use the land for? Do you want to build a house, start a farm, or use the land for recreational purposes?

3. Not getting a thorough survey.

A land survey is a detailed map of a property that shows its boundaries and any structures or improvements on the land. It's important to get a survey before purchasing land to avoid any disputes or misunderstandings about the property's boundaries or features.

Here are some specific reasons why it's important to get a survey before purchasing land:

Boundary disputes: A survey can help to resolve any disputes about the property's boundaries, which can be particularly important if the land has been passed down through multiple generations or if there are unclear property lines.

Structures on the property: A survey will also show any structures on the property, such as fences, buildings, or utility lines. This can help you understand what is included in the purchase and avoid any misunderstandings.

4. Not setting a budget.

It's important to set a budget before you start looking for land to help you avoid overspending. Here are some specific things to consider when setting a budget for purchasing land:

Down payment: A larger down payment will typically result in a lower mortgage payment, but it's important to have enough money saved for other expenses as well.

Closing costs: Don't forget to factor in closing costs, which can include things like attorney fees, title insurance, and property taxes. These costs can add up, so it's important to budget for them.

Ongoing expenses: Owning land also comes with ongoing expenses, such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Make sure to budget for these expenses as well.

Financing options: If you need to finance the purchase of the land, consider your financing options. A mortgage will typically have a lower interest rate than a personal loan, but it's important to shop around and compare rates to find the best option for you.

5. Not getting a professional opinion.

It can be helpful to hire a real estate agent or lawyer when purchasing land, especially if you're a first-time buyer. They can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the process, which can be especially important if you're not familiar with the process.

Here are some specific reasons why it can be helpful to hire a professional when purchasing land:

Expertise: Real estate agents and lawyers have extensive knowledge about the process of purchasing land and can provide valuable insights and advice. They can help you understand the legal aspects of the process and ensure that everything is handled properly.

Negotiation skills: A real estate agent or lawyer can also help you negotiate the terms of the sale and get the best deal possible.

Contacts: Real estate agents and lawyers also have a network of contacts in the industry, including mortgage lenders and other professionals who can help with the process.

6. Not considering future developments.

It's important to consider any potential future developments in the area when purchasing land because they can affect the value of the property. Here are some specific things to consider:

New roads: The construction of new roads or highways can increase the accessibility of the land and potentially increase its value. On the other hand, if a new road is being built nearby, it could also potentially cause noise or other disruptions.

Housing developments: The construction of new housing developments in the area could increase the demand for land and potentially drive up prices.

Other commercial developments: The construction of new commercial developments, such as shopping centers or office buildings, could also affect the value of the land. These developments could bring new jobs and economic opportunities to the area, but they could also potentially increase traffic and decrease the demand for residential land.

Conclusion,

The process of purchasing land for the first time requires careful planning and consideration to ensure that you make a sound investment. While there are many factors to consider, perhaps the most important is to have a clear idea of your goals and needs. By understanding what you want to use the land for and what you hope to achieve, you can narrow down your options and find a property that meets your needs. If you are ready to start looking for land, check out our website for a wide selection of land for sale from the most trusted agents in the country.

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