08/24/2026
Do Your Homework! Five Things We Considered During Our Land Search
1. Land Records
Review the deed, property boundaries, easements, liens, and other recorded documents. What you see on the ground isn't always the full story.
2. Zoning Ordinances
Make sure the property is zoned for your intended use. There are some properties that may be grandfathered in, but you could be looking at a non-conforming lot that may result in not being able to build.
3. Perc-ability
If the land isn't served by public sewer, you need to find out whether it can support a septic system, which is a critical factor in determining whether the land is buildable.
4. Excavation/Topography
Slope, soil conditions, drainage, rock, wetlands, and the amount of excavation needed can dramatically affect your construction costs.
5. Proximity to Utilities
Check how close the property is to necessary utilities. Getting services to a remote parcel can become a significant expense.
A piece of land can look like a great deal until you discover the costs and restrictions hiding beneath the surface.