Building a home is a long, but exciting process. It starts with the hunt for the perfect piece of land. Whether you buy in a builder's subdivision, where the home construction lots are already cleared and numbered or look for an undeveloped parcel further from town, there are several key things you need to know before you head out shopping. 

Buy the Cheapest Lot 

When you head into a builder's development office, there is usually a plot map of all the lots in the development. Many lots have an added premium/fee. Lots that back to a common area, have more privacy, or are larger than neighboring lots can cost considerably more.

Before paying an extra twenty thousand dollars (or more), realize that this is not necessarily money that will be recouped when you go to re-sell the home later. An exceptional lot may help you sell faster, but it will not help you sell for twenty thousand more than your neighbor with the identical home and floorplan. 

Ask for a Perc Test

A perc test, or percolation test, is a standard test on vacant land to see if the soil drains at an acceptable rate for a septic system and drain field. While building on a home construction lot in a suburban area generally means that you would hook up to the municipal waster water system, those buying in outlying suburban areas and rural areas need to be aware of their need for those test results before they move forward with an offer. 

If the parcel did not pass for any reason, it does not necessarily mean that you should not buy the land. It does, however, mean that you should take the time to talk to the city about an engineered field. An engineered field, or a mound septic system, simply means that you will need to install a different type of septic system and drain field. So, it's not a deal-breaker, but it will force you to adjust your plans as well as your construction budget. 

Ask to See the HOA Paperwork

Some lots do not have HOA (homeowner's association) restrictions—some do. It is neither a positive or a negative, just something you need to be aware of before purchasing your lot. Take the time to read through the paperwork thoroughly. Some HOAs have architectural control, which means you have to ask permission to paint your front door red or have the board members approve the construction of your new deck. It could also restrict the use of your property by banning sheds, chickens, or even RV storage. Make sure your views line up with those of your future HOA before signing on the dotted line. 

Ask questions and know exactly what you are getting when buying home construction lots for sale. Contact local real estate services like DeWitt Real Estate Development to learn more.