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Buying Vacant Land in Onslow County, N C?.... What You Need to Know

If you are thinking of buying vacant land or acreage in Onslow County, North Carolina, good for you. It is a beautiful area in Eastern North Carolina where life moves at a slower pace. The proximity to water provides a wonderful variety of water related, recreational activities.

Jacksonville is the home of Camp Lejeune Marine base, the largest Marine base in the United States. Military families relocating to Camp Lejeune often invest in property in the area during their stay in the area and many times return to the area to retire.

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However, be advised that buying acreage is very different than buying a lot in a subdivision. They are some things you need to know and look for before signing a contract.

Prior to buying vacant land, you need to know:

1. How is the Property Zoned? Will the present zoning allow you to do what you want to do with the property?

This is information the listing agent should be able to furnish The information is also readily available to you at the Onslow County Tax office in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

You can also view the tax record and map at Onslow County GIS Interactive Online. This site provides a wealth of information for those willing to spend the time to learn to navigate the site.

2. Is the Soil Suitable for a Septic System? Most acreage, farm and vacant land is not served by public sewage and will require a septic system.

Although much of the soil in Hubert, Swansboro and surrounding areas is sandy and well drained, there are some areas in which the soil does not drain well and as a result, is not suitable for septic systems.

To determine the suitability of the land, you will need to make an application with the Onslow County Environment Health Department. (910-938-5851, application packets are available upon request) The cost of the application is $250.00.

The application should be accompanied by a site map indicating

The number of bedrooms desired
The desired location of the house/building
The desired location of the septic system

If approved, a "Septic Certification" will be issued stating the conditions along with a drawing showing the location of the system and the drain field.

Prior to installation a fee of not less than $250.00 (amount depends on the type of system approved) must be paid to receive the "Construction Authorization".

The septic system is inspected during installation and must have final approval by the Environmental Health Department. The "Final Approval Certicate" must be provided to the Building Inspection office prior to issuance of an Occupancy permit.

3. Is Public Water Available? There are very few areas in Onslow County that are not served by public water service but this is a question you need to ask or investigate. If public water is not available, a well must be drilled and you will want to be aware of that upfront so as to factor in that cost.

4. Is There Any Contamination? It is not unusual to find buried fuel tanks on farm land or vacant land. These tanks eventually rust and leak fuel into the ground. Cleaning up fuel contamination is very expensive. This is an issue you should question and be aware of in order to protect yourself.

The investigation of these conditions can take time.

If you find a property that you believe fits your needs, ask your agent to place contingencies regarding these issues in your Offer to Purchase. This will protect you, give you the time needed to gather the information and provide the right to terminate the Offer if any of the contingencies are not met.

The services of a local, well informed and professional agent is always advisable when buying property but even more so when the purchase involves raw land.

I would like to assist you with your Onslow County N C real estate needs.

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone. They do not reflect or express the opinions of Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. are not responsible for the accuracy and/or content provided by ActiveRain and its Members..

Posted by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist on 01/31/2008 07:46 AM

Comments (18)

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Originally posted at: Onslow County NC Homes Talk: Buying Vacant Land in Onslow County, N C?.... What You Need to Know

This post has been included in North Carolina Information Onslow County, NC Information

18 Comments on Buying Vacant Land in Onslow County, N C?.... What You Need to Know

JAN

2008

Cynthia, this is a great list for potential buyers. Coming from California I knew absolutely nothing about septic systems, if land would "perc" and about well water. This post should be saved by all potential buyers of raw land!

Cynthia, this is great information for your consumers. A lot of people really don't think about all you have to put on raw land.

Cynthia--You obviously know your stuff! Many land buyers make expensive mistakes when buying raw land. Understanding the process and pitfalls are esssential.

Cynthia, The land looks lovely and that's very valuable information for everyone. They are certainly some things on there I don't think people would think about.

Hello Diane,
If you have not been exposed to these things, there's a lot to learn. Thanks for your endorsement.

Hi Linda,
You are right and that is when they can get into big trouble. Thanks.

Teri,
So true and that is why they need a professional to advise and assist them. I've seen too many people try to go it along only to end up in a mess.

Carole,
It is beautiful land and the perfect setting for a nice home. Lots of things to know and understand when buying undeveloped property. Thank you.

Cynthia~You have gone above and beyond to provide this excellent information to your consumers. What a positive step forward that will be for buyers seeking vacant land.

Cynthia,
This is such a valuable article for anyone who is thinking to buy vacant land in your area....it sounds like they should definitely have you represent their best interests and give you a call before they take one step further.

Excellant info Cynthia....I remember the first time I sold a vacant lot. My Buyers were on the verge of making an offer but I wasn't sure about what the statement Electricity at Street meant....well after contacting the electric company we discovered all the poles and running of the lines was going to be thousands!! That offer went no furthur!Ouch!

Cynthia,

Good info! Ya better know about these things, as your clients put a lot of trust in you. Selling land does bring forth a new set of circumstances, so you better know what you are doing, and you "get it"

Dick Beals

FEB

2008

Great information. Selling land is not easy. You seem to have a lot of experience with selling land..

FEB

2008

Good Saturday Julie,
Vacant land is a different animal and most people do not understand that. Thanks and have a great weekend.

Jo,
It is truly amazing that people want to write an offer on a piece of property before checking out all the details. If they go it alone, they could certainly end up with some big and expensive issues.

Hi Joan,
Oops, that is one I did not mention! It's true that running power lines can be a very expensive ordeal. And if the lines are to be buried....the cost is out of sight!!

To me all of those points are very important, but the most important one to me is my water. What am I putting into my body. I put a whole house water system on. I really like drinking water without chlorine and minerals. I believe it taste much better.

Hello Dick,
For sure, if you are going to sell vacant land there is much the client is depending on you to know and advise him about. Thanks.

Hi Gita,
It is just different, not difficult in my opinion. As with everything, one must be up to speed to serve their clients well.

Susan,
Water is certainly important. As long as it is safe and plentiful, I'm happy.

FEB

2008

Cynthia - Great information for anyone buying vacant land anywhere. People sometimes have ideas as to what they want to do with the land but of course it does not alway in sink with zoning.

Hi Jennifer F.
You are right....your plan and the zoning must agree. Thank you.

FEB

2008

One of those things that are truly karmic in nature, I was reading your posts....mostly because at one point I applied for a teaching job at LeJuene.....and got an email that you had commented on my last post lol. It was meant to be eh? You take awesome photos, and the area in which you work and live is beautiful. And happy Birthday to the newest member of your family!

FEB

2008

Hi Carole,
That's crazy! Thanks for your kind words and I do live in a beautiful area, are you thinking of moving here? Thanks for the birthday wishes for my little one. :0)

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