Everyone dreams of owning their own piece of land, preferably with a home on it. Owning land could also be for other reasons like investment.

However, what puts most of us off, are the ‘hassles’ surrounding it. Buying land can also be a very confusing ordeal. If you are not careful, you might end up with more than you can chew! Consider aspects like legal, local authorities, zoning, value and pricing prepositions, utilities, transportation and environmental conditions to name a few. If you have not done your homework, there is every chance that any of these elements can become a nightmare for you.

For example, consider legal and zoning aspects… if you have not understood the zoning laws properly, then there is the possibility that you may buy land intending to build a home but in fact are unable to since law does not permit it. One of the communities near Sacramento does not permit construction of any structures in land parcels lesser than 20 acres. So, if you were to buy acreage of 10 acres thinking that you can build a house, then you know what would be the result… disappointment and frustration!

Here a few tips to assist you in buying land:-

• Do your research on local laws. Have extensive talks with authorities. This will help in taking decisions on buying land.
• Check current and future zoning requirements. New malls coming up will increase your land value and the converse may happen that can devalue your land.
• It is good to do a reality check whether we are comfortable trading exhaust fumes for animal odours, traffic noise to squawks and brays of farm animals like geese and donkeys if we want to get away from the city to the country.
• Get disclosures on natural hazards. This will help you in either buying land at low prices or perhaps not buying it at all.
• Where lands are located near the hills, make sure it is stable land. This will help drive your pricing prepositions and the kind of constructions that you need to do there to ensure precautions against land slides, etc.
• If access to your land is provided by easement, you should ensure that easements are clearly defined. Additionally, it is a good idea to know your pro rata share of easement, the cost of upkeep and shared / specific rights of neighbours to it.
• Utilities like water and power make a huge difference in comfort levels after buying the land. Get a good grip on what your rights are with reference to water and how the utilities function. Sometimes, a backup generator may be required.
• Importantly, buy when prices are low and sell when the value is high. This is especially true if you buy land for investment. Research prices on the internet and through other forums.
• When buying land as a group, choose members of the group carefully. It may be necessary to document terms and conditions among the group.

There are many more tips that you can accumulate to make sure you take a 100% informed and intelligent decision.