Initial Checklist for Land Purchase
VACANT LAND INITIAL CHECKLIST
When looking at vacant land to purchase we initially tend to get bits and pieces of information from the landowner or the listing agent - and what we get always seems to be limited strictly to the very best aspects of the property.
Before spending valuable time investigating a prospect property it helps to have an initial checklist on-hand to make sure the basics are covered. From there, a more expansive feasibility inspection is necessary if the initial look turns into serious interest. If that happens, read my post:
“Inspecting Land For Development”
https://www.landdevelopmentrealities.com/home/2019/8/10/inspecting-land-for-purchase
Here is an initial checklist for vacant land that I use to see if more time should be spent digging deeper:
WATER SOURCE:
* Water Company
* Are hookups available?
* Cost for hookup?
* Type/Class of water system
* Water test results
* bacteriological
* inorganic solutes
POWER:
* Location relative to property
* Distance to run service
* Permits required
* Location of tie-in
* Power company
* Cable / internet
GAS:
* Yes or no
* Location
* Provider
* Propane?
SANITATION:
SEWER:
* Where is line?
* Is capacity available?
SEPTIC:
* Septic - pressure / gravity / mound?
* Failure rates / problems in area
* Soil type / conditions
* Who permits septic systems? Health Dept.?
Road Adequacy:
* County Road / state highway?
* Local access?
* Private?
* Is there a Road Maintenance Agreement?
* What is the legal access?
* What easements exist?
* What easements are necessary?
* Will the access allow for the intended use?
Zoning:
* # dwelling units allowed
* Other developments in area
* Any applications made for above?
* Any public/private projects?
* Eminent domain in area?
* Jails / Industrial / land fills
Environmental:
* Wetlands
* Will wetlands need to be delineated?
* Drainage required for surface runoff
* Flood plains
* Steep slopes
* Ponds/lakes
* Nesting birds
* Endangered / protected species?
* Any state or EPA actions in area?
* Any state or EPA actions with neighbors?
* Pollutants on site surface?
* Pollution on surface or ground water?
* Pollutants in soil?
* Historical use of Property
* Any underground tanks?
* Use of pesticides / Farms
* Use of herbicides / Farms
* Used to graze cattle or livestock?
* Dairy farm?
* Ever logged?
* was logging permitted?
* Did logging operation strictly comply with permit issued?
* Were sensitive area setbacks complied with?
* Logging moratoriums?
* Has environmental survey been done?
* How do the above questions relate to what adjoining landowners have done?
Review:
Nothing short of an in-depth inspection prior to closing is acceptable, but for an initial look I use a list like this to cover the basics on a property of interest. It helps to determine if a on-site visit is warranted and I can avoid unnecessary driving around and wasted time. Be detailed and thorough with yours and be specific for the area and the property type being reviewed.
