Selecting a Wilmington Building Lot: The Complete Checklist

CONSIDER YOUR DAILY ACTIVITIES  

This may seem obvious, but location is very important. Schools, work, shopping, family and friends are all things to think about when choosing your homesite. Most likely you will need a location that balances all of the above. Our suggestion is to take a couple days out of your week to take day trips to the areas you believe to be the right fit. Drive around the neighborhood, drive your morning routine, visit the local grocer. Doing this will help you visualize what life will look like at your new home. 

USE YOUR RESOURCES

Once you have narrowed down your desired location, it is time to narrow down your resources for finding a great home site. 

•   Contact us and let us know you are in the market. We have a Realtor® on staff who can help find the perfect property for you.
  
• You can also check out www.realtor.com to find other local market experts.
• Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Zillow.com and Trulia.com are all great resources to start your search. 
• Don’t be afraid to go door knocking! One of the best ways to find available sites and learn about a neighborhood… is to talk to the locals! 

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: RURAL LAND

• Does the land hold water after a rain? Has it been improved? (i.e. drainage) 
• Will you need to clear brush/trees?
• Where is the nearest power source? How much will it cost to hook-up? 
• What is the average depth of wells in the area? 
• Is there septic approval? If so, what type of system is required? 
  
  • We can help advise you in how much this may cost on top of the sales price. 
• What is the lay of the land? Does it fall any one way? If so, will this require extra back-fill? 
• Is a driveway culvert pipe needed? 
• Are property pins surveyed and visible? 

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: SUBDIVISION HOME SITES

• What is the lot size? Dimensions? And setback requirements? 
• Are there any easements that narrow the lot width significantly? 
• What are the deed restrictions and covenants of the neighborhood? 
  
  • This could require you to build a home with certain specifications, your ability to build privacy fences, etc. 

THE BASICS OF BUYING LAND: FAQ

Here are a few questions we typically see when a client is looking to buy a lot: 

Q: CAN I BUY LAND DIRECTLY FROM THE SELLER WITHOUT USING AN ATTORNEY OR REAL ESTATE AGENT? 

A: Yes, you easily can broker and record your own purchase. But, it is always a good idea to let the experts handle the purchase. Their expertise and knowledge will help you get the best deal and cover you from any future liabilities. 

Q: IS THE LAND UNDER ANY CONSERVATION EASEMENTS? 

A: Conservation easements prevent land owners from certain activities such as: building, clearing, hunting, etc. These easements are set in place to protect natural resources. Another question to ask regarding conservation is if any bodies of water are affected by the Waters of the United State Rule (WOTUS). It is also vital to make sure you look into potential flooding or contamination of these waters. 

Q: WHAT WILL THE TAXES ON THIS PROPERTY LOOK LIKE? 

A: Check with your County Tax Office and refer to public records to see past tax records. 

Q: IF YOU NEED TO INSTALL A SEPTIC SYSTEM: HAS THE SOIL BEEN TESTED PERCOLATION RATE?

A: The soil PERC test shows if the land can absorb water from a septic system. It is very important to hire a soil specialist to study the types of soil, and its ability to absorb water. 

Q: ARE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE PROPERTY CLEARLY MARKED? 

A: This is easily one of the most important questions to ask. It is also highly recommended that you perform a survey on any property. This will help you avoid any lawsuits if you utilized land that may not be yours. 

Q: IS THIS PROPERTY IN A FLOOD ZONE? WILL IT REQUIRE FLOOD INSURANCE? 

A: This is a VERY important question for our coastal area! Flood maps can be found on your County GIS records. We recommend everyone buy flood insurance, whether or not your said land is in a flood zone. 

Q: WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE LAND AROUND ME? 

A: It is important to be up-to-date with the development happening around you. The last thing you want is to purchase a piece of land and see a commercial building built right across the street. Consult your realtor or a real estate professional, who can keep you current with local happenings. 

If you are in the market to buy– feel free to contact us!