In my experience selling homes, I find that often-times my buyers get so caught up in the ambiance of a home and neighborhood they tend to overlook what lies beyond the boundaries of the home or neighborhood itself. In many rural and revitalizing urban areas, those beautiful green spaces, tree lines, or farmlands overlooking existing homes and subdivisions offer no guarantee it will always be an undisturbed setting.
Part of the decision making process of a home purchase should include the understanding of possible future land use change around you. Development is inevitable in growing communities, and it should come as no surprise when undeveloped land is rezoned, subdivided and transformed into residential subdivisions, retail stores, shopping malls, office parks or roadways.
It's no secret that Austin is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and new development is taking place in every direction. I have seen vast amounts of raw land and farms in Austin and outlying Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock and Pflugerville get swallowed up by residential and commercial development - much to the dismay of some residents who once enjoyed a quiet and rural setting.
Development, large or small, can enhance or hinder an existing neighborhood appeal or home value. An apartment complex, retail center or major roadway might be completely out of character adjoining a low density single-family dwelling area - but it does happen. I took this picture today of a water pump station being erected on a lot directly behind a row of three year old homes. It's my guess those homeowners didn't give much thought to the future land use facing their yards when they bought.
An example of enhanced land use could be the development of like-kind homes or an establishment that conforms to the existing surroundings. Publicly owned parks, recreational areas, and dedicated land-use easements are more secure in being preserved from future development.
When assisting buyers with a home purchase, I will draw their attention to undeveloped adjoining land and the potential for development so they can make an informed buying decision. If the land is already planned development, I provide those details. I also caution that land zoning can change. What might be zoned as single-family development has the potential to be approved for a zoning change that could open the floodgates to industrial or commercial .
The bottom line is to know what lies beyond the front door of the home you want to purchase. Drive around the neighborhood areas and observe what is developed or undeveloped close by. Knowing the potentials of future land improvements might prevent you the disappointment of waking up one morning to the sound of bulldozing for a roadway on your neighbors land.
If your relocating to Austin or a surrounding community or already here and would like Real Estate or local information , I welcome your call or email.
Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Gaston & Sheehan Realty (512) 217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com web: www.karenstaha.com
Copyright © By Karen Staha, All Rights Reserved
Comments(2)