Buying Land
Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above,
Don't fence me in.
Let me ride through the wide open country that I love,
Don't fence me in.
Let me be by myself in the evening breeze,
And listen to the murmur of the cottonwood trees,
Send me off forever but I ask you please,
Don't fence me in.
- David Byrne
How great it is to leave the city for a place of solitude and relaxation! Whether you are considering buying land as an investment or for personal use, finding the property of your choice and improving it to your dreams are attractive incentives. If a raw land purchase is in your future, here are a few things to consider in the process:
Location: Determine your ideal balance of convenience & congestion vs. distance & serenity.
Property features: Prioritize amenities such as flat or rolling, wooded or open, pastureland or farmland and water features such as creeks or ponds.
Accessibility: Do you prefer the property to be on a paved road, near a major highway, on a gravel road, secluded, etc.?
Future improvements: Consider the layout and expense of planned improvements such as fencing, utilities, driveways and building costs.
Utilities: Determine access to water & the cost of a water meter or drilling a well. Rural properties typically require installation of a septic system. While electricity is readily available, find out if there is additional cost in bringing service to your property or planned improvements.
Zoning, restrictions or HOA requirements: If the property is within the boundaries of a city or its extra-territorial jurisdiction, check into applicable zoning ordinances or future land use plans that may affect it. If the property was historically part of a larger tract, there may be restrictions that were put in place when the property was divided. Determine if the property is subject to membership in a homeowners’ association and approve the covenants and bylaws of that organization.
Financing: Many lenders are reluctant to offer financing for raw land and, if available, loans tend to be at higher rates and for shorter terms than home mortgages. If you are unable to pay cash for a property, seller financing may be an option with 20 to 25% down and a 5 to 10 year loan term. Land loans are also available through the Texas Veterans Land Board and the “land bank” in your area. Links to these lenders are shown on our Resources page.
Easements: Some easements on the property are to be expected and are necessary to provide access and utilities. All easements should be shown on the survey and title commitment. Determine the potential impact of any easements on your plans for the property.
Mineral Reservations: Any mineral reservations that affect the property should be shown on the title commitment.
Property taxes: Find out if the property is currently taxed at market value or agricultural value. If the property is in agricultural use, be prepared to file an exemption application after taking ownership if the property qualifies under the terms of the Section 1-d-1 (open space) provision to maintain its exempt status.
Proposed Public Works Projects: Determine if any proposed road or utility construction projects may affect the property in the future. Proposals are usually available several years in advance.
As with any other investment, consider the appeal of your property to the next owner. Find the perfect place, plan well and enjoy the benefits of owning a piece of North Texas!