What Is Included in a Land Inspection Prior to Buying Land?

There’s a lot that goes into buying land for luxury home construction. Any land for sale must be inspected by a professional who can guarantee it’s safe before money changes hands so that the new owner has all the information they need to know about the property, from its legal boundaries to what type of soil is below ground. This is arguably even more important with land in Texas, with some areas possessing unique topography that can occasionally confuse property lines.

What Is Due Diligence in Real Estate?

Due diligence isn’t just a phrase in real estate – it’s a legal obligation. Due diligence refers to the comprehensive process of evaluating the property physically, financially and legally to provide the owner with all necessary information before financing is approved and the deal is finalized. The buyer usually pays for most of the due diligence process, including the survey of land, but the seller may have to reimburse them if the seller backs out of the sale.

Although land inspection isn’t required by state law, it’s highly recommended to prevent issues and potential lawsuits in the future. Lenders may also require certain types of surveys or inspections before they approve financing for the purchase of land.

Despite due diligence being optional for cash purchasers, it’s usually recommended. The information an inspection uncovers may help the buyer secure a better deal on their land purchase.

Property Acquisition Checklist

• Land Inspection: Professional surveyors will assess its physical characteristics, including the topography, soil quality, drainage patterns and any existing structures or improvements.

• Boundary Survey: This involves looking at records and the property itself to determine or confirm the property lines match the measurements provided in the deed, reducing the risk of boundary disputes in the future.

• Title Search: The title search determines the current legal status, checking for any liens, encumbrances, easements or other restrictions that may affect ownership rights.

• Environmental Assessment: An environmental assessment is utilized to ensure there’s no environmental hazards or contamination on the property, verifying that the land is safe to build and live on in the future. Professionals will evaluate any potential natural hazards like flooding risks, wildfire risks or soil instability.

• Zoning Regulations: Reviewing zoning regulations gives new homeowners clear knowledge of how a property can and can’t be used. This also includes any restrictions on home design and how the property is taxed.

• Utilities and Infrastructure: Professionals will appraise the availability of essential resources such as water, electricity, sewer and gas on the property. They’ll examine the relevant, existing infrastructure and inform impending homeowners if they need to be replaced or not.

• Permits and Approvals: Confirming you have the required building permits and approvals to develop the land as you intended.

There are also many non-inspection-related factors land buyers need to take into account before purchasing property, such as its accessibility to highways and cities. While convenience and accessibility don’t have a direct bearing on occupant safety and investment value, they are still crucial factors to consider. Land that’s extremely remote can be inconvenient and expensive to reach, which can lead to high transportation costs and long travel times that discourage frequent visits.

Land buyers should also evaluate their ability to design their home as they please. Even if zoning regulations allow it, other restrictions governing the property – whether it’s a lack of qualified builders in the area or community rules – can prevent you from building the home you imagined.

Invest in Luxury Real Estate With the Help of Community Planners and Custom Home Builders

Ranger Ridge, a luxury home community with 2,600 acres of open nature preserve that caters to the outdoorsman lifestyle, makes the choice of a land purchase easy. Families looking to live in nature can buy property surrounded by stocked ponds, rolling planes and panoramic views of the Palo Pinto Mountains while being just one hour west of downtown Fort Worth.

Our community planners will guide you through every step of land acquisition and home construction, from securing the right permits to applying for financing. We have partnered with skilled custom home builders in Fort Worth who will help you design a home plan that includes all your desired features, including optional add-ons like a hunting room, home gym or an outdoor fireplace. We’re dedicated to maximizing investment value – both monetarily and for overall satisfaction. We will use the full extent of our expertise and resources to bring your perfect hunting, fishing, hiking or equestrian retreat to life.

Start Fresh in a Nature-Oriented, Family-Centered Community

Ranger Ridge provides residents the chance to develop their dream home on five to seven acres of prepared land (including utilities and road access) within an open nature preserve and sanctuary that boasts country club amenities.

Seize the opportunity to not just build a better home for you and your family but also a better lifestyle before we’re fully booked. Schedule a tour of our community and learn more about how you can build your ideal home in pure, untouched Texas landscape by calling (817) 618-6773 today.