What to consider before purchasing a 2-acre lot

You have more peace and quiet, room for the kids and animals to play, and you can even build a home exactly how you want. But the idea of buying raw land can also be overwhelming if you aren’t sure where to start. Here are some things to consider before purchasing on a 2-acre lot of land in Texas:

• Needs and wants: What use are you intending your land? A traditional home or barndominium?   Do you need a lot of square footage? Do you want to be close to amenities? Do you want to be in a rural or suburban area?
• Budget: How much can you afford to spend on a home? Keep in mind that the parcel of land cost, construction, property taxes, and materials can vary significantly.
• Zoning: What are the zoning regulations/ local building codes? This will determine what you can build on your land. In addition, check the minimum lot size requirement for city water and sewer systems in your community/ district. Make sure the land is zoned for how you plan to use it. If you plan to build a home, make sure the land is zoned for residential use. Submitting your building permit is key during this step.
• Layout: The layout of your property will also affect what you can build. For example, if your property is sloped, you may not be able to build a two-story home. Or, if your land isn’t located near a sewer system, you’ll need a place to install a septic tank (and don’t forget about installation costs).
• Floodplain: Many areas in Texas are prone to flooding. Make sure you check the flood map where your property is located. If your homesite is in a floodplain, check your county’s requirements for building in a 100-year or 500-year floodplain, or consider moving the placement of your home altogether.
• Views: If you have beautiful views from your property, you may want to consider the best position of your home to take advantage of them.
• Climate: The climate in Texas can vary depending on where you are located. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you will need to build a home that can withstand them.
• Location: Your plot of land location will have a big impact on its value and usability. Consider factors like proximity to schools, parks, and other amenities, as well as the type of terrain and soil.
• Utilities: Check to see if the land has access to utilities like electricity (possibly consider building an energy-efficient home), water, and sewer. If not, you will need to factor in the cost of bringing these utilities to the property.
• Title: Make sure you are buying the land from the rightful owner. Get a title search done before you buy the land to make sure there are no liens or encumbrances on the property.
• Survey: Get a land survey done to make sure the boundaries of the land are clearly defined. This will help you avoid any disputes later on (possibly during the build of a 2,500-square-foot home?!).
• Closing costs: Buying land will also incur closing costs, such as title insurance, appraisal fees, and recording fees. These costs can vary depending on the location and type of land.

Once you have considered these factors, you can start to narrow down your affordable land options. If you are still unsure of what to build or purchase, you can always hire a professional to help you. Buying 2 acres of land can be a great investment, but it’s important to do your research and understand all the costs involved before you make an offer.

Living the American Dream, for many people, starts with choosing among the acreage homes for sale near Houston. These days, most new construction homes are built so close to each other that it can be difficult to find acreage homes for sale near Houston, San Antonio, or other desirable areas. Check out Faircroft Communities to find a 2-acre lot that’s right for you: https://www.faircroftcommunities.com/