How to Choose the Perfect Homesite
Choosing to build a new home is an exciting journey, and with Wayne Homes, you get the incredible freedom to pick almost any location you can imagine. Want to wake up to lake views? Prefer the quiet solitude of the woods? Or maybe you dream of a vibrant new subdivision? The possibilities are endless! But, how do you find that ideal piece of property? And once you think you’ve found it, how do you know it’s the right one?
We hear you! Many aspiring homeowners struggle with this crucial first step. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive new guide designed to help you navigate the ins and outs of homesite selection. This guide is packed with expert tips, red flags to look out for, and all the essential information you need to feel confident in your choice.
Laying the Foundation: The LAND Basics
Before you fall in love with a scenic vista, it’s vital to cover some fundamental criteria. In our helpful Guide to Choosing a Homesite, you’ll discover what the L-A-N-D checklist is. If a property doesn’t meet these four points spelled out in this acronym, it’s likely not the right fit for building your dream home. These foundational checks can save you significant headaches and expenses down the road.
Location, Location, Location: Beyond the Pretty Picture
It’s easy to get swept away by the beauty of a potential homesite. You might envision sprawling acres, far from the hustle and bustle, with nothing but stars and trees for company. While that dream is absolutely achievable, it’s crucial to balance it with the practicalities of your daily life.
Take a moment to map out your regular routines. How far is the office? Where’s the nearest grocery store? What about the kids’ school or your favorite coffee shop? Considering these daily commutes and connections will help you find a location that truly balances your lifestyle. If a longer drive to achieve your country dream is worth it to you, fantastic! But it’s a decision best made with open eyes.
Rural Retreat or Subdivision Convenience?
One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to build on a rural piece of land or within a subdivision. Each option has its own set of advantages and considerations:
Moving to the Country?
Rural properties often offer more space for your money, providing that coveted sense of privacy and freedom. However, they typically come with additional steps and costs you’ll need to consider. From survey to driveway, our Guide to Choosing a Homesite walks you through all of the considerations you must make when developing rural land.
Regarding Subdivision Home Sites
Subdivision lots often come with many conveniences already handled. Utilities are usually on-site, and access is typically established. However, they also come with their own set of considerations:
- Size & Easements: Understand the lot dimensions and any setbacks or easements that might reduce your usable building space.
- Covenants & HOA: Be aware of any neighborhood covenants or deed restrictions that could impact your home’s design or size. If there are shared amenities, you’ll likely have monthly Homeowners Association (HOA) fees.
Finding the Perfect Piece of Land
So, now you’ve decided whether you want rural or in-town land…where do you even begin your search? Fortunately, you have a wealth of resources at your fingertips, and your friends at Wayne Homes are a great place to start!
- Your Wayne Homes New Home Consultant: Our consultants are not just experts on home designs; they’re also knowledgeable about available land in various areas.
- WayneHomes.com & Preferred Realtors: Our website features a list of Preferred Realtors – trusted professionals we’ve worked with extensively. They can be invaluable in your search.
- Online Listings: Websites like Realtor.com and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) offer extensive property listings.
- Local Resources: Check plat directories through your local Chamber of Commerce or county auditor’s website. The County Recorder’s office can also provide ownership information for interesting parcels.
- Talk to the Neighbors: Don’t be shy! Sometimes, the best way to find available land is to simply ask people living in the area.
Call in the Experts: Your Free Homesite Evaluation
Once you’ve identified a potential homesite, the next crucial step is our free homesite evaluation. This indispensable service helps identify potential issues and additional costs that could arise during construction, with the goal of saving you time and money in the long run.
Here’s how our evaluation process works:
- Choose Your Plan: Visit a Wayne Homes Model Home Center and meet with a New Home Consultant to select your desired floor plan.
- Site Evaluation: A Wayne Homes construction team member will then visit your potential homesite, giving you feedback on items for further consideration.
- Discuss Next Steps: Our team will chat with you and help to outline the next steps.
We evaluate everything from driveway access and the general fit of your chosen floor plan on the site to optimal positioning for your home and road access for construction.
Got Questions? We Have Answers!
We know you’ll have questions, and we’ve heard many of them before! Our guide addresses frequently asked questions like:
- Do I need an attorney to buy land? (Spoiler: Highly recommended!)
- Must I buy land through a real estate broker?
- Can I deed the land in any name I choose?
- What exactly is a land contract?
- Can I get a construction mortgage on land I’m buying through a land contract?
These are important legal and financial considerations, and our guide provides clear, straightforward answers to help you navigate them.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Spot?
Choosing the right homesite is a significant step in your homebuilding journey, and with so many factors to consider, it can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! Our new guide, “How to Choose a Homesite,” is your essential resource for making an informed and confident decision.
It’s packed with detailed insights, practical checklists, and expert advice to guide you through every stage of the homesite selection process. From understanding critical land criteria to exploring different property types and navigating the buying process, this guide has you covered.
Our #1 tip? Don’t let the search for land delay your dream home!
Ready to get started? Download your FREE copy of “How to Choose a Homesite” today! It’s the first step towards finding the perfect foundation for your Wayne home.
About Wayne Homes
Wayne Homes is a custom homebuilder in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia (see all Model Home Centers). We offer more than 50 fully customizable floorplans and a team dedicated to providing the best experience in the home building industry. For more information, Ask Julie by Live Chat or call us at (866) 253-6807.
Disclaimer: The details of this blog are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change.
