How to Find the Perfect Piece of Land

Ever catch yourself daydreaming about a home that doesn’t just look perfect in magazines, but is Finding the perfect piece of land to build your dream home is an exciting part of the new home journey. You might be dreaming of a secluded lot with acres of space, a peaceful lakeside retreat, or a vibrant subdivision close to everything. No matter what your vision is, finding the right homesite is the essential first step.

At Wayne Homes, we understand that finding land can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve designed a process to work hand-in-hand with you, and with a trusted partner: a qualified real estate agent. Think of them as your boots on the ground, a vital resource in the land-buying process.

So, what can you expect when you find a real estate agent to help you find land to build your new Wayne home? Let’s walk through the key things to know and why this partnership is benefits you.

The Wayne Homes-Realtor Partnership

We are a proud on-your-lot builder, which means we build on land you own. While we don’t sell land, we have a long history of working with real estate agents and have a list of Preferred Realtors who have a proven track record of helping our customers. They are experts in land transactions and have a deep understanding of what makes a lot buildable. This relationship is built on a shared goal: to make your homebuilding journey as smooth and successful as possible.

Your Realtor’s Role: More Than Just Listings

While you can certainly find land on your own through online listings and other resources, a great real estate agent offers invaluable expertise that goes far beyond simply finding available properties. They are your guide through the intricacies of land ownership.

Here’s what a good realtor brings to the table:

• Market Knowledge: They know the local market inside and out. They can help you understand pricing trends, what makes a lot a good value, and even alert you to properties that aren’t yet on public listings.
• Negotiation Skills: A realtor represents your interests in the transaction and can negotiate for the best possible price and terms.
• Finding the Unseen: They can help you uncover “off-market” properties—land that isn’t publicly listed for sale. This can give you an edge in a competitive market.
• Paperwork Navigation: A land purchase involves a lot of legal paperwork and due diligence. Your realtor can help you navigate this complex process, ensuring all the necessary documents and checks are in place.

So, how do you find the right realtor for you? We’re here to help. You can reach out to our team at any time for our list of Preferred Realtors who understand the on-your-lot building process and can help you navigate the journey of finding the perfect homesite.

Questions to Ask Your Realtor

Once you have a potential piece of land in mind, your realtor can help you get the answers to some of the most critical questions. These questions can save you from unexpected costs and headaches down the road.

Here are some of the things you and your realtor will want to investigate:

• Zoning and Deed Restrictions: What is the land zoned for? Are there any deed restrictions or HOA requirements that could affect the size or style of the home you want to build? This is a key step to ensure your dream home is a realistic fit for the lot.
• Utilities and Access: Where are the utilities? Is there public water and sewer, or will you need to consider a well and septic system? Your realtor can help you investigate the availability and cost of bringing in power, water, and other necessary services.
• Taxes and Fees: How do local taxes, permits, and other fees factor into your total budget? Understanding this upfront can prevent financial surprises.
• Mineral Rights: While not a common issue, it’s always wise to ensure that the mineral rights for the property are included in the sale and that there are no outside interests that could affect your use of the land.

Don’t Skip the Homesite Evaluation

Even with the expertise of a great realtor, there is one step that is absolutely non-negotiable for anyone building with Wayne Homes: a complimentary homesite evaluation.

This is where the magic of the Wayne Homes process really comes to life. Before you buy the land, a member of our construction team will meet you at the property. We’ll do a thorough, professional assessment to determine if your dream home will work on your homesite, completely free of charge!

What are we looking for during this evaluation?

• Home Positioning: We’ll help you determine the best placement for your new home on the lot, taking into account things like views, driveway access, and sunlight.
• Lot Conditions: We inspect for potential issues like excessive slope, drainage problems, or any existing structures that may need to be addressed.
• Potential Costs: The evaluation helps us identify any potential additional costs, such as extra excavation due to rock or the need for an extended driveway. Our goal is to give you a clear, honest picture of what to expect so you can make an informed decision and set a realistic budget.

This evaluation helps both you and your realtor. It provides you with the critical information you need to confidently purchase the land, knowing that it is a solid foundation for your new home. For a deeper dive into this process, check out our previous blog on How to Choose the Perfect Homesite where you can download our homesite selection guide.

Finding land can feel like the first great adventure on the road to your new home. By partnering with a qualified realtor and taking advantage of our complimentary homesite evaluation, you can approach this step with confidence, knowing you have a team of experts on your side. With the right piece of land, your new home is closer than you think

Ready to take the next step? Contact us! We’re here to help.

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.