Buying land is more than just choosing a piece of dirt to call your own. Not all land is created equal, so we’ve put together some tips on what to look for when buying vacant land in Arizona. Keep in mind, that we’ve already done most of this research and due diligence in order to make the land-buying process pretty simple for you. In this post, we share What to Look for When Buying Land in Arizona.
Walk the Line
Before you purchase any property, you should physically take the time to walk the entire piece of land. You should walk the perimeter of the property and note any issues you find that could impede your plans for the property.
You will want to make sure the land can handle a structure before you make your purchase. This will also give you a chance to get a feel of the parcels surrounding you. You’ll also want to make sure the parcel can support what kind of building you’d like to create. Is there road access? Level terrain where you want to build?
We know that it’s not always possible to visit a piece of land in person. Maps with satellite images can be a great help. They can show you the general terrain of the land, towns or cities in the area, as well as what, if anything, borders the property.
Research Zoning
You need to do your homework before making any real-estate investment, and land is no exception. You don’t want to find out after your purchase, that you aren’t able to build the three-story house of your dreams. Or that the land you bought sits in a flood zone. You can contact the area’s local property accessor to find out the land specifics of the area. All of our property listings include zoning information to help you find the land you want. And we’re always available to get you answers to any questions you may have.
You will also want to research future zoning for the area. Certain projects can have a huge affect on your properties value. Is the city planning a major road in the area? Or railroad tracks? Or a utility plant? You will want to learn as much as possible about future plans in the area. Again, you can contact the area’s local property accessor to learn about future use and how these future plans will affect property taxes.
Survey & Title Search
You will want to have a property survey done as well as a full title search. Look for easements from utilities and landlocked properties. Is there a creek on the property? Does it flood? Anything that will keep you from building (if that’s your goal) should be looked into. Some areas have building restrictions because of the protected species in the area. Other areas restrict building due to sandy soil. Each area presents its own unique challenges that should be addressed before purchasing.
You will also want to make sure that the property has a clear title. This means there are no liens against the property and that the seller has the authority to sell the land free and clear. And that’s just what we do. Before we add any property listing to our roster, we make sure the title is free and clear so that we can make the purchase more secure for you.
The Take-Away
Just like when you purchase a home, land should be purchased only after careful consideration and research. You should work with a land specialist such as Southwest Land Deals to ensure you are purchasing a property with no hidden surprises and that will meet all of your wishes & requirements for the land!