Finding and Buying a Residential Lot in Georgia

It’s easy to want instant gratification. Give us exactly what we want exactly when we want it. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to find a house with just the right features in the ideal location at a price we can afford.

Instead of searching forever for the perfect house, you may find that buying a lot and building your dream home is a good option. In today’s market, you might even find a bank-owned, or foreclosed, property with great amenities or in an upscale neighborhood — or just down the street from your favorite restaurant.

And even if you don’t plan to build immediately — if ever — purchasing the right lot in today’s economic climate may be an excellent long-term investment.

A few tips to consider when buying a lot:

Examine the property carefully. Will the home and other features (pool, workshop, etc.) you want to put on the lot work with the lay of the land?
Consider proximity to amenities (shopping, hospitals, etc.), quality of the schools, traffic and other factors that are important to you.
Watch for steep drop-offs, drainage problems, poor access roads and other features that may cost you money in the future.
Make sure that utilities and other necessary services are available and find out how much it will cost to access them.
Investigate what the future holds for zoning and for neighboring properties. Are there any environmental or ownership disputes around you that could affect the property?
Have the property professionally surveyed and map the specifics. If it’s in a flood plain, get flood insurance and a soil survey.
Buy owner’s title insurance to ensure a clear title.