Build Your Dream: What to Know Before Buying Bare Land

Build your dream. Sometimes the perfect home isn’t waiting to be found.

Sometimes, you have to build it.

For buyers dreaming of more privacy, a little acreage, beautiful foothill views or a home designed specifically for the way they live, purchasing bare land can open up an entirely different set of possibilities.

And throughout the greater Sacramento and Sierra foothill region, it’s not unusual to find properties that make you stop and think: What if we built something here?

It’s an exciting idea—but buying vacant land is very different from purchasing an existing home. Before you fall in love with the view, the trees or those wide-open spaces, there are some important things to investigate.

First Things First: Can You Build There?

A beautiful parcel doesn’t necessarily mean a buildable parcel.

Zoning, setbacks, easements, environmental restrictions and local building requirements can all affect what—and sometimes where—you can build.

If you already have a vision for the property, understanding these restrictions early can save you from some very expensive surprises later.

What About Water, Power and Septic?

This is where an affordable-looking piece of land can become considerably less affordable.

Depending on the location, you’ll want to determine whether electricity is readily accessible and whether the property connects to public water and sewer or will require a well and septic system.

Propane may take the place of natural gas in more rural areas, and don’t forget another modern-day essential: internet access.

The cost of bringing utilities onto a property can be significant, so these aren’t questions to leave until after you’ve purchased.

Can You Get There From Here?

It sounds obvious, but access matters.

Does the property have legal road access? Is the road public, private or shared? Who maintains it? Will you need to construct a driveway—and if so, what will that involve?

For rural and foothill properties in particular, the answers can have an impact on both your plans and your budget.

Get to Know the Land

That gorgeous slope may provide an incredible view—but it could also make construction more complicated.

Soil conditions, drainage, topography, trees, flood zones and other natural features can all influence where and how a home can be built.

Depending on the property and your plans, surveys, soil testing, septic evaluations or other professional assessments may be appropriate before moving forward.

Land Loans Are Different, Too

Financing vacant land isn’t necessarily the same as financing a house.

Land loans may have different down-payment requirements, lending guidelines and interest rates. If building is part of the plan, you’ll also want to understand how construction financing might fit into the bigger picture.

Talking with a lender who understands land and construction financing before you start shopping can help you establish a realistic budget.

Build Your Team Before You Build Your Home

Purchasing the land may be only the beginning.

Depending on the property, your team could eventually include a builder, lender, surveyor, engineer, septic professional and local planning or building department.

A Realtor experienced with land purchases can help you ask better questions, identify potential concerns and connect with the right professionals along the way.

Is Buying Land Right for You?

Building from the ground up requires patience, planning and a healthy dose of flexibility.

But there’s also something pretty incredible about standing on an empty piece of land and imagining what could be there someday.

A custom home. A garden. A workshop. Space for the kids or grandkids. Room for animals. A porch positioned just right for the sunset.

Whatever your version of the dream looks like, the right property can be where it all begins.

Start From the Ground Up

Thinking about buying land in the Sacramento region or Sierra foothills?

The Melville Group can help you explore the possibilities, ask the right questions and navigate the purchase process with confidence.

Your dream home may not be on the market yet. Maybe it’s waiting to be built.

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