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Aug 05, 2014 Buying Land

Build Anywhere: How to Choose a Homesite

If you refuse to choose between the perfect neighborhood and the perfect home, Wayne Homes is the perfect fit for you. Our customers get the best of both worlds, and they don’t have to compromise between the house of their dreams and the neighborhood that works for their family. So, where should you begin? It all starts with choosing a lot and buying land:

1. Learn Where & How to Look

Before you do anything, make sure you have as much information as possible. You have to know which properties are available, understand the legal specifics of going through with the purchase, and find out which zoning requirements, deed restrictions and local laws will affect you.

If you’ve never bought land before, don’t worry about tackling this first step alone. Our New Home Consultants stay updated on local land offerings, so they can point you in the right direction. Other resources include:

  • Our Website – Our neighborhood finder shows available homesites around Ohio and Pennsylvania
  • Plat Directories – Check the local Chamber of Commerce or county auditor’s website
  • County Courthouse – They can answer your land ownership questions and tell you who owns each parcel of land
  • Residents – The locals are your best bet if you want unbiased advice; go to a community event or visit a dog park in the neighborhood you like, and ask homeowners what they like and don’t like about living there

2. Get Your Bearings

Choosing the right location is a nuanced process. You may already know that you want to have conveniences close by and plenty of space for your kids to play in, but there are other factors to consider before you decide on a specific lot.

  • Prioritize Conveniences – Would it be a dream to have a gas station, grocery store and restaurants close by? Of course! But, you may not get all of the above in a few minutes’ drive, so it’s worth taking stock of your preferences and prioritizing them. If proximity to the grocery store is your number-one most important convenience, then you can start your search around that. You may have to compromise on a few of the amenities you are hoping for, but as long as you know your “must-haves”, the decision process will be (slightly!) easier.
  • Your Children – School districts are always top of mind when you have children. Land located in a good school district can be pricier, but keep in mind it will also raise the value of your property for years to come. Visit greatschools.org to see how your local schools are rated, but remember, these ratings are based on test scores and are not always indicative of the students’ experience at the school. Be sure to take a look at parent and student reviews on this website and others to see what they have to say. Tour area schools to get a feel for what they offer, so you can make the best decision possible.

3. Calculate Your Expenses

Property taxes and utility costs aren’t the only expenses that vary from one location to the next. Whether you’re buying acreage in the country or an empty lot in a subdivision, the following factors will also affect your initial costs and monthly expenses:

  • Septic System – Rural areas often have septic system requirements to meet; find out how much the approved types cost, and how to get yours approved
  • Contour – If the land slopes in any direction, you may need to fill it in or pour gravel to prevent flooding
  • Trees and Vegetation – Is there brush to clear, or trees to relocate or chop down?
  • Easements – Some subdivisions have these, effectively decreasing your square footage

4. Spell it Out

So, you’ve found a lot that satisfies your requirements and doesn’t come with too many additional expenses. Use this handy acronym to make sure the purchase is wise and legal:

  • L – Lot must be approved by a registered surveyor
  • A – Approvals from the county tax map department, health department and planning commissions
  • N – No outstanding deed restrictions (e.g. mineral rights) or liens
  • D – Designated in a flood-free area

For more information about finding your perfect lot, call us at (866) 253-6807 or download our printable guide to choosing a homesite. At Wayne Homes, our goal is to build you the home of your dreams, in a spot that meets all your needs.

About Wayne Homes

Wayne Homes is a custom homebuilder in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, and West Virginia (see all Model Home Centers). We offer 40 fully customizable floor plans 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.

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