Paul Henderson
Broker/Realtor
Realty Executives Bay Group
But buying land is different from buying an existing home. Before making an offer, there are several things you should investigate.
A property may look accessible on a map, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have legal access to it.
Determine whether the property fronts a public road or whether access is provided through an easement or private road. Access can also affect financing, utilities, development plans, and future resale.
Don’t assume water, sewer, electricity, or internet service is available just because other properties are nearby.
For rural acreage, you may need a well and septic system. It’s important to investigate these costs before purchasing.
This is especially important in South Alabama.
Check the property’s flood-zone designation, but don’t stop there. Walk the property and look at drainage patterns, creeks, wetlands, low areas, and standing water.
Whenever possible, I recommend visiting land more than once — including after we’ve had significant rain. A property can look very different during a dry summer than it does after several days of rain.
Some properties have very few restrictions while others may have deed restrictions, subdivision covenants, zoning requirements, minimum building sizes, or limitations on how the property can be divided.
If you’re buying property with plans to build, develop, subdivide, or operate a business, investigate those requirements before closing.
Property lines aren’t always where you think they are.
Old fences, trails, driveways, and even neighboring structures don’t necessarily represent the actual property boundaries. A current survey can help you understand exactly what you’re purchasing.
Don’t just ask, “Do I like this property?”
Ask yourself:
Can I use it the way I want?
Can I build where I want?
Could I subdivide it later?
What will development cost?
Will the location still work for me five or ten years from now?
Pictures and aerial maps are helpful, but nothing replaces actually walking the land.
See the terrain. Look at the timber. Find the wet areas. Check the neighboring properties. Drive the roads leading to the property.
Buying land is about much more than price per acre.
I specialize in helping buyers and sellers with land, acreage, residential properties, and development opportunities throughout the Mobile area.
Whether you’re looking for 5 acres for a homesite or 100 acres for your next investment, I’ll help you ask the right questions before you make the purchase.
Paul Henderson, Broker/Realtor®
Realty Executives Bay Group
