What do I look for when picking an empty lot for a new home?

Question

I am looking for a new home. I found a development of new homes that has only 70 lots left. My realtor said you have to be careful not to get a bad lot. He mentioned that they could be at the bottom of a hill or near power lines. Does any one have any suggestions of what to look for (good and bad) when picking a lot out. I don't want to just rely on my realtor. Thanks

Answer 1

Bad - those stated, plus, faces north, bad view, high traffic, near a stop sign, corner lot, narrow lot, drainage easement, not level, backs to public park.

Good- end of cul de sac, nice view, above any neighbors, flat.

Answer 2

If you cannot rely on your realtor to help you, switch realtors. You should be able to discuss, and get good answers from her. Sounds as though she has given you some good answers already. Those are not too obvious and ones that you may not have thought of.

Some other things to consider:

1. location of schools ...too close... too far

2. traffic patterns... busy intersection?

3. Sun travel path...  ie. do you want morning sun in your kitchen? Sunsets at the rear?

4. Is the lot big enough for the house you have planned?

5. What are the setbacks required for the house, will that allow you enough space?

6. Is there a HOA, home owners association? what are the fee?

7. Is there an airport nearby that is going to drive you nuts with overhead noise? -- or trains? what about power plants nearby

8. You should check with the local building permit office to see the general plan for the neighborhood.. is a shopping center scheduled for your next door lot or close by... etc.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Landlord gave you some very good information.  As a retired home builder, the lot is one of the most important decision that you will make.  It will have bearings on the type of house your building.  You will want to walk the lot and get a feel of how the house your planing to build will fit on the lot.  You will want to check the directions it is facing, along with the direction that you will get the majority of sunlight in to your home.  I have found some beautiful lots before that just did not suit the needs of the house.  The best advise, if possible, is to check the lot during a rain event, this will give you valuable information on future drainage problems that may occure.  Good luck and enjoy your new home.

Answer 4

Congratulations on being able to buy.  There are many situations to cover and I will try to help as best I can.

First, do you have kids or are kids in the plans?  I say this because some lots have small stream or dry river beds behind them.  Kids are drawn to water, especially when it rains, you don't want that location then.  Is there an area for kids to play in that you can monitor.  Some places have parks or common areas, perhaps a small woods, how about a community center.

Second, site security.  Don't pick the lowest spot in the development.  Pick a high spot.  Sucks when it rains and everyones rain drains to your basement, or the sewers back up into your basement.  Far enough away from traffic that you don't hear it all day, or worse, all night.  Traffic and kids don't mix.  Don't pick a site where headlights point towards your lot.  Every car that drives down the street will light up your house, even when you are trying to sleep.  And accidents do happen were cars have crashed into houses. :(

The third and maybe the last is location.  How far will you be from work, and how will the commute be.  Are the connecting roads big enough to handle all the traffic.  Will be a daily source of aggravation to have to drive to work every day with a highway full of commuters at 6mph on a small two lane.  And how far to shopping, and family entertainment?  How about all your friends, will they be too far away to see anymore?

Good luck in hunting for a good lot, just remember, there are many developments, you don't have to chose from within THIS one.