Top 5 Questions to Ask When Buying Land
The first step in building your dream on-your-lot custom home with Wayne Homes is finding the land. This step can sound overwhelming, but it’s easier than you think to make an informed decision when you know which questions to ask. We asked land expert Sheri Sidoti Lofties from Select Group Ohio what her top 5 questions are when buying land, and here is what she shared:
What is the lot size?
This is the first question to ask because in order to know if your home will fit on your lot, you’ll need to know the width and depth of it. A few feet can make a big difference, so be sure to get the specifics!
Which utilities are available?
You need power and
water, so it’s important to confirm which utilities are available on the lot. If you need power, you will need to factor the cost of building electrical service to your lot. And, if community or city water is not available, you’ll need to see if the lot will need a septic tank or a well. These costs will affect your overall budget, so it’s wise to figure out this piece of the puzzle before you choose a home. Septic tanks can range from $10,000 to $25,000. The cost of drilling a well can also vary greatly. Ask now, so you can include these costs in your budget planning.What are the zoning requirements?
Another variable is the zoning requirements of your lot. You need to know how far from the road and your lot sidelines your home has to be. This can be another factor that can greatly impact the size or style of home that you can fit on your lot.
What are the taxes?
What kind of taxes are required for the area? You want to be able to factor these into your monthly mortgage payment, so you have a clear idea of what those numbers will look like.
Are there HOA regulations?
Some neighborhoods have Homeowner Associations, which can have very specific requirements for homes in the neighborhood. Some HOAs will require a minimum home size, while others will require that your home meet their guidelines for exterior features of your home. Things like exterior color selections, exterior finish materials, such as stone or brick percentages, roof pitches, garage size, etc., can all be items to discuss with your HOA before finalizing your home. Many HOAs will also require you to submit plans before you get started building.
For more tips on buying the right lot for your new home, check out our guide on the Basics of Choosing a Home Site.
If you have more questions about selecting land or the homebuilding process, contact us! We are standing by, ready to help.
About Wayne Homes
Wayne Homes is a custom homebuilder in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, and West Virginia (see all Model Home Centers). We offer 50 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.
