When you’re looking for a place to build your dream home, it’s important to do your research first. Here are seven things you need to know before buying a homesite in North Florida.
7 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy a Homesite in North Florida
Check out the seven things you need to consider before you buy a homesite in North Florida:
- Location is important
- Size of the homesite matters
- Zoning regulations and restrictions on the homesite may be a factor
- Utilities and connectivity matter
- Topography may play a role in your decision
- The developer’s reputation and track record count for a lot
- Price may be your deciding factor
Scroll down for a closer look at each.
Tip #1 for Buying a Homesite in North Florida: Location is Important
As with anything else in real estate, the location of your prospective homesite matters quite a bit. You’ll want to be near the amenities you use, such as grocery stores, medical care facilities and restaurants. You also need to ensure that your home site is easily accessible by a developed or well-used road.
Tip #2 for Buying a Homesite in North Florida: Size of the Homesite Matters
Though you may think you want an acre or two, you need to know that the size of the homesite you choose may impact your enjoyment of the property later. For example, if you decide you’d like to build a guesthouse, raise farm animals or otherwise change the way you use your property, you may find that you need more than you actually have. On the other side of the coin, you don’t want to buy too much land that you’ll never use.
Related: Do you have to make an earnest money deposit if you buy empty land?
Tip #3 for Buying a Homesite in North Florida: Zoning Regulations and Restrictions on the Homesite May Be a Factor
Many parcels of land in North Florida are subject to zoning restrictions. That means you can only use the land for certain purposes, so you’ll want to talk to your real estate agent about any piece of land you want to buy to make sure you can use it for your intended purpose.
Tip #4 for Buying a Homesite in North Florida: Utilities and Connectivity Matter
It’s very expensive to get a property connected to the electrical grid, city water and gas lines. Additionally, internet connections can be spotty (or nonexistent) when you purchase land in some areas of North Florida. for most people, the best solution is to buy a homesite that’s already connected to everything they need.
Related: Do you get an inspection period when you buy a homesite in North Florida?
Tip #5 for Buying a Homesite in North Florida: Topography May Play a Role in Your Decision
The topography of the land you are looking at this matters a lot. First, you need to ensure that you’ll be able to actually build on the land. Second, you need to ensure that you’re not buying property that isn’t livable or usable. For example, what looks like a small pond now may turn into a mucky swamp when things dry up a bit. Make sure you do quite a bit of research on the topography of the land before you make an offer.
Tip #6 for Buying a Homesite in North Florida: The Developer’s Reputation and Track Record Count for a Lot
If you’re working with a developer, make sure it’s a reputable one. Your real estate agent can help you make the right choice, but it’s still up to you to do your research on the developer’s reputation and track record before you sign the dotted line.
Related: Will you need a real estate lawyer to help you buy a homesite?
Tip #7 for Buying a Homesite in North Florida: Price May Be Your Deciding Factor
Homesites in North Florida span a wide range of prices, so you should talk to your real estate agent about what’s in your budget. You don’t want to fall in love with a piece of land you can’t afford, nor do you want to buy less than you can afford if it’s on your wishlist. The best way to figure out how much property you can afford is to get pre-approved by a lender before you start searching for a homesite. Then, determine how much you can afford to spend between both the land and the home you want to build.
Are You Buying a Home or Land for Sale in Lake City?
If you’re moving to Lake City, we can help you find the perfect place to live. Call us at 386-243-0124 to tell us what you want from your home and we will begin searching right away.
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