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$ Is It Buildable? How to Find Out Before You Sell $

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Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT 30SA0872839 

$ Is It Buildable? How to Find Out Before You Sell $

Not all land is created equal. Before you list or market your property, one critical question needs to be answered: Can someone actually build on it?

Buyers and developers want certainty, and “buildable” isn’t just about size—it’s about feasibility. That means understanding:

  • Septic and Well Requirements – Has the land passed a percolation test? Is there access to municipal water or sewer? These are the biggest deal-makers—or deal-breakers.

  • Topography and Drainage – Slopes, wetlands, and rock outcroppings can change the entire cost of construction.

  • Access and Road Frontage – A lot might look great on a map, but if there’s no legal access, it’s not buildable until that’s resolved.

  • Zoning Setbacks and Coverage Limits – Even if your acreage is large, zoning may restrict the building envelope.

A landowner who knows their parcel’s buildability has a major advantage. It allows you to price smarter, attract qualified buyers, and move confidently through due diligence.

When I walk a property, I’m not just looking at the trees—I’m reading the ground, the grades, and the regulations that tell me whether it’s a strong build site or a speculative piece. Knowing that before you sell can save months of wasted time and lost opportunities.

$ Is It Buildable? How to Find Out Before You Sell $

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Call me for all your land purchases

Residential, Commercial or even Recreational

Tom Santore

845-590-5488

Realestatesallhere.com

By Thomas Santore

Local Market Report
Lic Associate Real Estate Broker
Westchester County Real Estate

Visit My Web Sites at; http://thomassantore.com
http://www.realestatesallhere.com/

  Westchester County Real Estate

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 "Real Estate From The Ground Up"

Thomas Santore       Westchester County Real Estate
Thomas Santore
Coldwell Banker Realty
Coldwell Banker Lower Hudson Valley
Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT
366 Underhill Ave, Yorktown Heights NY 10598
tsan25@aol.com
845-590-5488
 Coldwell Banker Yorktown Heights NY
"Real Estate From The Ground Up"
 Westchester County Real Estate, Thomas Santore,
Coldwell Banker
Coldwell Banker Yorktown Heights NY

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Comments(2)

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Kelly McGovern
Realty Concierge International - Bellingham, MA
Working with Kelly is a good move

Great info here Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker .  I have a few land listings with no engineering or surveys, and they are difficult to sell without them.  I finally just yesterday convinced one of my sellers to get them done, and they are finally on board!

Oct 07, 2025 08:59 AM
Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker

Sorry to hear that. I sell at least 5 to 10 land listings a year with no surveys and no engineering done.
Thank you very much for your comment. 
Tom S

Oct 07, 2025 02:01 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks so much for sharing this insightful post, Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker. Your clear explanation of what makes land truly buildable helps sellers and buyers alike avoid costly surprises down the line. I appreciate the practical tips and your expertise in guiding us through the complexities. Definitely valuable information for anyone looking to make smarter real estate decisions!

Oct 08, 2025 12:20 PM