So, you’re ready to take that leap and build your dream home on a prime piece of land in Prior Lake, MN. But, how do you find land to achieve this goal? There are plenty of options in and around Prior Lake. Here are some tips for making a worry-free land purchase.
Choose a Community
You have a number of different options when it comes to buying land. You can choose to purchase a lot in an existing community or purchase acreage in a non-developed area. Many people prefer to purchase a lot in an existing community because it makes the building process a little easier.
If you choose to build in a community, research the various neighborhoods. Some neighborhoods are more rural than others with the nearest neighbor several blocks away. Others are more populous and have bike paths, shopping, and schools within walking distance.
Select a Builder
If you want to use a specific builder, this may limit your choices. Some builders will only construct homes in certain neighborhoods. However, if you have your heart set on a rural piece of property in a prime location, you can always hire a general contractor who will take care of securing subcontractors to help build the home. This is a little more work on your end and can be a bit more expensive, but it can help you get the home of your dreams on the lot you really want.
Walk the Property
How do you intend to use your property? Are you planning on hunting or fishing on the property? Do you want to clear a path for ATV use? Recreation is a priority for many landowners, but sometimes the land isn’t suitable for what you want to use it for. Walking the land will give you a good idea how many trees you’ll need to clear in order to create walking or ATV paths and whether or not it is an ideal spot for hunting and fishing.
Walking the property will also help you get a better understanding of what access you have to the property. For large land purchases, there may be road access off the beaten path that can encourage trespassers. In wooded, remote areas, hunters may take advantage of these roads to hunt on private land. Although this is against the law without the owner’s permission, these instances do happen. By identifying the various access points to the land, you can get a better sense of what you may be up against in terms of trespassers in the future.
Are There Site Restrictions?
If you build in a community, you may have restrictions on what can be built on the property. For example, smaller communities may not allow detached garages or boats to be stored on the property. You would have to find other storage options. For complete freedom, buying land that is not in a development may be the better option.
However, undeveloped land has its own hurdles. Many times this land does not have existing utilities. You’ll need to have a well installed for water, a septic system to handle waste, and phone and electrical lines installed. You will be responsible for these costs, and it could affect the size of the house you build depending on your budget.
Buying land in Prior Lake, MN, can be a rewarding experience. To make the process go as smoothly as possible, work with a real estate agent who has experience with land purchases. Realtors that handle these kinds of transaction every day will be able to point you in the right direction and help you find that ideal piece of land where you can build your permanent residence or a vacation home.
