How to Buy Land for Sale in Ohio: Tips from Wayne Homes
At Wayne Homes, we know that a dream home is not just about the house. It’s about the neighborhood. Some of our most cherished memories may be the times we share with neighbors in our backyard on a summer afternoon. Neighborhoods also determine our quality of life: length of commute, how close we are to friends and family, access to schools, parks and churches. Choosing where you build is as important a part of planning your custom home as any feature within your home.
Whether you are building your first custom home or your last, here are a few tips for finding the right land in the right neighborhood for your family:
Where to Look
Which neighborhood or subdivision is right for you? Here are a few ways that you can find land for sale in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or any of the areas where Wayne Homes builds:
- Neighborhood Finder: The Wayne Homes website features Neighborhood Finder, a list of many available homesites for buyers who are looking to build a Wayne Home. The Neighborhood Finder is a great resource of land for buyers. In fact, half of the people who contact Wayne Homes about building a home do not yet have land to build on!
- Online Listings: The internet is a great resource for finding land, especially when you are just starting to research neighborhoods and locations. Use websites like Zillow and Trulia to narrow down your search and save time.
- Multiple Listing Service (MLS): Check with any real estate company in your area for access to land listings. Consult with a local real estate professional about the area and comparable listings.
- Chamber of Commerce: Check plat directories for your area (available through any Chamber of Commerce). Consult the county auditor’s searchable database if available.
- The Recorder’s Office: Your County Courthouse has updated information and the owner’s address can be easily obtained. Gather the address of the property on either side of your desired location for easier reference.
- Knock on doors! Once you have narrowed down the location of where you want to build your home, neighbors are often a great resource. Ask about land currently for sale or if there are landowners who might consider selling.
What to Ask
Once you’ve located land within a neighborhood or subdivision, conduct due diligence to make sure that the home that you’ve selected can be built there. Here are a few questions to ask before you sign on the dotted line to keep the process of building a custom home hassle-free:
- Dimensions: What are the lot dimensions and zoning requirements for setbacks? Subdivision lots typically will require a surveyor to stake your home within guidelines.
- Easements: Are there easements that effectively narrow the lot width? For example, an 80 foot lot with two 10 foot easements could reduce the space you can build on to just 60 feet. Know the easements before you buy to make sure the home you’ve selected will be the right fit.
- Restrictions: Does the subdivision have any deed restrictions or neighborhood covenants? Subdivision neighborhood bylaws can and do vary. Find the neighborhood that best suits the home you want to build to create a positive community experience.
How We Can Help
Buying land in Ohio, Pennsylvania, or any of the other areas that Wayne Homes builds in can be easier than you think, and we’re here to help. Once you’ve decided on the right custom home floor plan, a Wayne Homes Representative can conduct a Complimentary Homesite Evaluation to determine if the lot you are considering is a good fit for the floor plan that you’ve selected.
To schedule your Complimentary Homesite Evaluation , contact your Wayne Homes New Home Consultant or Ask Julie by Live Chat. You can also call us at (866) 253-6807.
Wayne Homes is a custom home builder in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, and West Virginia (see Model Center locations). 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.