Don’t Have Land Yet?
So you want to build a home of your own, but you’re not sure how to go about buying land?
Whether you’re a first-time home buyer hoping to take the next steps for you and your family or you’re an existing homeowner looking for a property that better fits your lifestyle and needs, building your own home is a great way to make sure you get what you want.
Before you can begin construction on your new dream home, you need to acquire land. So how do you go about finding and purchasing the right property for you and your family? Keep reading to find out!
Factors to Consider When Buying Land
When it comes to buying land — and real estate in general — nothing is more important than location. Finding the right property with the right surroundings, amenities, schools, neighborhood(s), etc. is essential. You want to find a spot that you’ll love, that ticks all your boxes, and which you and your family can grow into.
While the location is important, there are several factors to consider when finding land for a new home. For example:
- How much does the property cost?
- Will you finance or pay cash?
- How will it affect your overall budget?
- Is the land level?
- Are the utilities already in place?
These are just some of the factors that can play a major role when it comes to choosing a property, preparing your land, and building your new home.
You’ll also want to make sure your home builder operates in your desired location. For example, HiLine Homes builds custom homes across the Pacific Northwest in Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho.
What to Do Before Purchasing Land
Buying land for your new home is an exciting endeavor. As with any big decision, it is important to take a moment to determine what are your wants and needs. Some preparation is necessary to find the right piece of property.
It’s a good idea to make a checklist before you make an offer on a piece of land, such as the following items:
- If you’re considering moving to a new area, check out the livability of the region.
- Select a home builder who will assist in the evaluation of your land.
- Establish your financing options and determine your budget.
- Contact your local building department to make sure the land is appropriately zoned and buildable.
How to Find Land
When you have decided to build your home, rely on the experts for advice, your home builder can help direct you in selecting land that’s suitable for the home you want to build. A knowledgeable Home Consultant can help connect you with the right resources to find the perfect property for your new home. During your free home building consultation, you will develop your vision by discussing items like community preferences, desired budget, and your dream home.
Looking online is a great place to find out what’s out there and filter your searches based on things like acreage, neighborhoods, and other important factors.
How to Choose the Right Land
It can be tempting to rush through the process of choosing land because selecting a floor plan and starting construction is so exciting. But it’s important to make sure you build your dream home on the right land or property.
In addition to consulting your own personal and unique preferences, consider whether your land meets the following criteria:
- Is it buildable?
- Is it easily accessible?
- Are utilities already in place, or would they need to be added?
- Does it meet all the necessary zoning requirements?
Financing a Land Purchase
Historically, land loans or land mortgages could be considered as the next step to secure the property. But why pay the closing cost for a land loan when you want to build your dream home? Set yourself up for success by researching a construction loan with your home building consultant.
When you know you want to build a home, becoming pre-approved for a construction loan is one of the first steps. The pre-approval will create your overall budget. The construction loan finances the cost of the property, improvements, and home. Then when your dream home is complete, the construction loan converts typically into a traditional mortgage.
With HiLine Homes’s unique building program, some of our approved lenders consider the equity when the home is complete as your down payment. Due to this, many of our homeowners can move into their dream home with no down payment.
Making an Offer on a Plot of Land
When you are ready to make an offer on land, it is exciting, but this is where relying on the experts is helpful. By now, you are working with a real estate agent, and having one with an understanding of buildable land and new construction will use your time wisely.
After you make the offer, you will have time to conduct a feasibility study to determine with confidence this is buildable land. The initial process is similar to buying an existing home. You make a written offer, and then the seller has an opportunity to accept, reject, or counter your offer.
Completing a Land Purchase
In order to close on a piece of land, you and the seller both need to sign a land purchase agreement specifying all the details of the purchase.
You’ll work closely with your Lender and Home Consultant at this time to complete the home order and provide the documentation needed to close your construction loan and secure your land.
Ready to build the home you’ve always wanted? Need help finding land?
HiLine Homes builds affordable custom homes for families across the Pacific Northwest. Our program is designed to give you the home of your dreams while building equity. We help families build beautiful homes and bright futures. If you need help finding and purchasing land, we’re here to help!
Contact one of our expert Home Consultants today to discuss your options, get in touch with one of our approved lenders, and browse our many floor plans!
Schedule Your Free Home Building Consultation
Contractor Licenses:
Washington - HILINH*983BD, HILINH*845D3, HILINHT841JA
Oregon - CCB# 182300, 181069, 181652, 210297
California - 1001720
Idaho - #RCE-50728
Elevations & Images shown may reflect artists interpretation and/or optional features and may not represent the finished product. Plan numbers indicate approximate square footage of living space. Builder reserves the right to change specifications and price without notice or obligation.
