Sunday, December 17, 2006

Questions you should ALWAYS ask when Buying Land

Is the property surveyed?
With a surveyed parcel, you'll have greater assurance that the acreage will be exactly what you contracted for, and the boundary lines are properly shown on the survey map. Without a survey, you can only guess at the number of acres and the exact boundary lines.

Is financing available?
Financing on unimproved land is sometimes difficult to find, especially on property that's located out-of-state. It's not unusual for banks to require a down payment as much as 50 percent of the total purchase price.

Is Title Insurance available on this property?
Title Insurance is a guarantee that, in the event of title disputes, the insurance company will attempt to correct the problem, and if unable to, they will defend your right to title.

Is the title to the property clear?
The title should be free of "liens, easements and encumbrances." Look for property on which 'clear title' is guaranteed with a Warranty Deed.

What services are available in the area?
The answer to this question should directly relate to your use for the property. Be sure you know all services provided by local government or public utilities. Obtain estimates of costs for wells, septic systems and utility extensions.

What are the current taxes on the property?
We all wish taxes were lower, especially when we're buying property for the long run. Low taxes help reduce carrying costs. Taxes usually relate to services provided by the town, as well as the tax structure of the state. Make sure you understand what the taxes are.

What are the zoning and/or deed restrictions on this property?
Each state, county and town follow different regulations regarding subdivision and zoning. It's VERY important that you understand what uses are permitted or not permitted on any given property, in order for you to decide which parcels meet your requirements for use.

For more information visit http://www.BuyAndSellNorthIdaho.com/