When it comes to the land-buying process, one of the most crucial steps is the property visit. This is not just a simple drive-by or casual look-around; it's your chance to truly connect with the land, explore its nuances, and evaluate how it aligns with your goals and requirements. Whether you're eyeing hunting land for sale in Oklahoma or considering off-grid land in Missouri, being thoroughly prepared for your property visit can make all the difference. Here's everything you need to know.
Pre-Visit Preparations
Research Your Prospective Property
Before you even set foot on the land, you'll want to do your homework. Start by perusing the online listings for the area you're interested in, whether it's Arkansas or Oklahoma, and see what's available. Then, get familiar with the local terrain by exploring the region through Google Maps and Google Earth. Understanding the property's GPS coordinates can offer you a precise way to locate it.
"Preparation is the key to making the most out of your property visit."
Plan Your Route with Google Maps
Once you have the coordinates, you can plug them into Google Maps. This will help you navigate directly to the property. Don't forget to download an offline map of the area. Given that many vacant lands are in regions with spotty or non-existent internet connectivity, having an offline map can be a lifesaver.
Supplement with Google Earth
For an added layer of preparation, consider taking Google Earth screenshots of the area. These can offer a different perspective compared to standard Google Maps and can be invaluable for understanding the lay of the land, including the contours and elevation changes.
Check Public Land Access and Nearby Amenities
Before you leave, find out about the public access routes to your prospective property. Some properties might be landlocked or have restricted access, so knowing this beforehand is crucial. Our public land access guide provides useful information on this topic.
Essential Items to Bring
Gear Up
When you visit raw land, you'll be doing a fair amount of walking, possibly hiking. It's a good idea to come prepared with:
- Comfortable hiking boots
- A compass or handheld GPS device
- Sufficient water and snacks
- A notebook and camera for documentation
- A land survey or property map
Safety First
Given that you might be venturing into rural areas, some basic safety items are also recommended. These could include:
- A first aid kit
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Emergency contact numbers
A Day of Exploration
Venture with Purpose
Upon arrival, it's time for the fun part: exploring. But it's not just about leisurely strolls; you're also examining the property's potential. Are you interested in homesteading? Does the land have suitable attributes for sustainable living? Or perhaps you're considering hunting and need to know how many acres of land you need to hunt. All of these factors should influence how you explore the property.
Observe and Document
While you're out there, keep a keen eye on the details. Make note of the soil quality, look for signs of wildlife, and consider how the land aligns with your goals, such as going off the grid.
Making the Most Out of Your Onsite Experience and Ensuring a Smooth Visit
After you've adequately prepared and packed, what should you do once you're onsite? Here's the next leg of our comprehensive guide to ensure that your property visit is as fruitful as possible.
Onsite Checklist: What to Look For
Infrastructure
If the land you're visiting is a developed or partially developed plot, take the time to investigate the state of existing infrastructure. For example, is there an existing water well for off-grid living? Or do you need to factor in septic system costs? These are vital details that can heavily influence your decision to purchase the property.
Mineral Rights
Did you know that when you buy land, you may not necessarily be purchasing the rights to the minerals underneath it? Our guide on mineral rights when buying land can provide you with valuable insights into why this aspect is important.
Boundaries and Fencing
Understanding the boundaries of a property is crucial. A simple misunderstanding about the extent of land could cause disputes with neighbors. Be sure to have a good understanding of where the land begins and ends, and consult our article on do you need to fence your rural property? for more insights.
"Knowledge of boundaries is crucial for long-term enjoyment of your land."
High-Speed Internet in Rural Areas
If you are considering using the land for residence or business, connectivity could be important. Read through our guide on high-speed internet in rural areas to get a sense of what to expect in terms of Internet access.
Ask the Right Questions
During your property visit, you'll likely have the opportunity to speak with the current landowner or a representative from our company. Use this opportunity to get insights that are not apparent just by looking at the land. Questions to consider asking include:
- What is the history of land use?
- Are there any known issues with the property?
- Is there an opportunity for land value to increase over time?
- What are the local land sale trends?
Future Planning: Zoning and Subdivision
A piece of land might tick all the boxes today, but will it meet your needs in the future? One important thing to consider is zoning regulations. Knowing what you're allowed to do with your land is crucial. Our section on how to find land for sale has relevant details. If you're contemplating splitting your land into smaller plots, our guide on how to subdivide land can provide you with invaluable insights.
Conclusion and Next Steps
By the time your property visit is complete, you should have a wealth of information at your fingertips. If the land meets your criteria, the next steps involve looking at owner-financed land options and understanding the impact of higher interest rates when buying land.
Sealing the Deal: What Comes After Your Property Visit
You've done your research, prepared extensively for your property visit, and conducted an on-site evaluation. Now what? Here's the final section of our comprehensive guide to guide you through the next steps after your property visit.
Analyzing the Information
Take the time to consolidate and analyze the information gathered during your property visit. Understanding the pros and cons of the property will help you make an informed decision. Visit our blog on why buying land is a good investment in 2023 to align your findings with broader market trends.
Further Investigation
If your property visit raised some questions or concerns, this is the time to dig deeper. Whether it's hiring a professional for a land survey or exploring rainwater collection options for a potential off-grid living, ensure you have all your bases covered.
Making the Offer
After concluding your property visit and conducting any additional investigations, you'll be ready to make an offer. Check out our guide on how to buy land for a comprehensive look at this process.
Financing the Purchase
We offer several financing options, including owner-financed land in Missouri and other states. Visit our investing in land guide to understand how you can leverage various financing options to your advantage.
What About Going Off the Grid?
If your plans for your newly-acquired land include going off-grid, we've got you covered. Our guide on 9 best off-grid energy solutions offers practical advice on how to become energy independent.
Considering a Prefab Home?
If you are planning to build on your new land, consider a prefab home as a cost-effective and time-efficient option. Our article on ideas for your land from prefab homes to sustainable living will provide you with more details.
"The land you buy isn't just an investment; it's the foundation of your future."
Wrapping it Up: Why Choose Us
We understand that the land-buying process can be daunting, especially for first-time buyers. That's why we pride ourselves in guiding our clients every step of the way, from the initial search to the homesteading phase. Our extensive collection of articles, like living off the grid and public land access, offers additional reading to further your knowledge in land ownership.
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Email: hello@vacantland-usa.com
Feel free to reach out to us. Your journey towards owning the perfect piece of land is just a phone call or an email away.