At Eric Craig Real Estate Team in Smithville MO we understand that owning a property is a dream come true. Consequently, whether you want land for residential, commercial or agricultural purposes, the dream is a goal. No matter the use, there are a few things to keep in mind. Foremost, is finding a real estate team to help you navigate your options.
Call Eric Craig Real Estate Team at (816) 726-8565 for all of your real estate needs.
Here is what to consider before you choose land for sale: 
- Location
- Size
- Usage
- Topography
- Environment
Location
Finding the perfect land to buy is not just wandering through an area looking at for sale signs. You have to keep an eye on current listings to help understand current market conditions. As a result, you can identify the best deal. There’s a large variation in land value depending on the location. You may want a piece of land close to major infrastructure, work, schools, hospitals, etc. If you’re unfamiliar with the area of interest, that’s yet another reason a real estate agent will prove very helpful. You will want to verify that utilities are either already in place or will be available. Look for these utilities at your location:
- Natural gas
- Sewer
- Water
Plus, if you’re looking for agricultural land be sure to understand how many acres are desirable for your needs. Additionally, is the land suitable for the crop you wish to grow. This information will help you make the best decision.
Size matters
Before you buy land, you should consider what development you have in mind with any possible future expansion. If you want land for commercial development, you may want to check the existing structures. Make sure to acquire a recent property survey to eliminate any hidden snags on boundaries, overhead power lines, etc.
Ease of use
Current zoning is a critical piece of information before any land purchase decision. The local authority should have the zoning requirement that determines how people may use the land – for specific purposes. For instance, if the land is already zoned commercial, it can be difficult or impossible to use it for residential purposes, and vise versa. Getting a zoning variance can be a long process and there is certainly not any guarantee.
Topography
If you’re looking for a land to construct a house, you should consider the elevation. Construction can become more costly depending on the amount of elevation change necessary. Also, pay attention to soil quality and composition. By the way, this will have an impact on what will grow and what amendments are necessary before building on the land. Therefore, be sure to contact a local engineer to test the soil for:
- Water retention and stability
- Earthwork requirement
- Cost of building a foundation
Environment
What was the previous use of the land? Is it within pollution zones or show signs of contamination? No matter what sort of building you want to construct, examine the surrounding areas for any previous waste. For private residences, privacy also matters – reflect on how much solitude you want in your life. Or, do you desire to be close enough to your neighbors?
Choosing land for investment for residential, commercial or agriculture purpose doesn’t have to be a difficult endeavor. Just do your homework before buying and be sure to use an expert real estate team.