Couldn't agree more about checking future developments—seen plenty of buyers blindsided by sudden zoning changes or new subdivisions popping up. Another thing to watch out for is easements or rights-of-way. Had a client who bought a beautiful wooded lot, only to realize later that the utility company had rights to clear trees whenever they needed access. Always dig deeper than just surface-level info... saves headaches down the road.
"Another thing to watch out for is easements or rights-of-way. Had a client who bought a beautiful wooded lot, only to realize later that the utility company had rights to clear trees whenever they needed access."
That's a great point about easements—I've seen similar situations myself. Another thing people often overlook is soil composition and drainage. Had a friend who bought a seemingly perfect piece of land, only to discover later that the soil was mostly clay and didn't drain properly. Ended up costing him a fortune in grading and drainage solutions before he could even think about building.
Also, it's worth checking into environmental restrictions or protected habitats. I once considered a property near a small creek, looked fantastic at first glance, but after some digging, found out there were strict regulations due to protected wetlands nearby. Would've severely limited what I could build or even clear on the property.
And don't underestimate the importance of seasonal visits. A property that looks dry and accessible in summer might turn into a muddy nightmare come spring rains or winter snowmelt. Learned that one the hard way myself...
Bottom line, there's always more beneath the surface. Doing thorough due diligence upfront—soil tests, environmental checks, seasonal visits—can save you from costly surprises later on.
That's a really good heads-up about seasonal visits—I hadn't even thought of that. We almost bought a lot last year that looked perfect in August, but when we drove by again in March, half of it was practically underwater. Dodged a bullet there. Definitely agree it's worth taking your time and checking things out thoroughly before jumping in.
