Ask the Land Guy: 10 Questions Every Landowner
Should Ask Before Selling
Selling vacant land is very different from selling a house. A piece of land may look simple from the road, but its true value can depend on zoning, access, utilities, wetlands, topography, septic possibilities, and whether it is actually buildable.
Before you put your property on the market, here are 10 questions every landowner should ask.
1. What is my land really worth?
Don't base the value solely on what a neighbor paid years ago or what you see advertised online. Land value should be based on comparable sales, zoning, location, development potential, and current buyer demand.
2. Is my property actually buildable?
Having acreage does not automatically mean you can build. Minimum lot size, setbacks, frontage, wetlands, steep slopes, environmental restrictions, and other regulations can all affect buildability.
3. What is the zoning?
Zoning determines what can potentially be done with the property. It can affect the number of homes, permitted uses, lot sizes, setbacks, and subdivision possibilities.
4. Do I have legal and practical access?
A property may have road frontage, but that doesn't always mean you have a usable driveway or guaranteed access. Make sure access is properly established and understand whether a driveway permit will be required.
5. Are water and sewer available?
Town water and sewer can add significant value to land. If they aren't available, determine whether a well and septic system are possible.
6. Can I get a septic system approved?
If the property requires septic, this is one of the most important questions to answer. Soil conditions, wetlands, slopes, lot size, and local health department requirements can determine whether a septic system can be approved.
7. Are there wetlands or environmental restrictions?
Wetlands, streams, steep slopes, flood zones, and other environmental conditions can reduce the portion of a property that is actually usable.
8. Could the property be subdivided?
A large parcel isn't necessarily a subdivision opportunity. Before assuming you can create multiple lots, investigate zoning, road frontage, access, septic requirements, utilities, and municipal subdivision regulations.
9. What approvals are already in place?
Previous surveys, engineering studies, septic approvals, Board of Health approvals, subdivision plans, variances, or other permits may add value—and potentially save a buyer considerable time and money.
10. Who is the right buyer for my land?
The best buyer isn't always the person who simply offers the highest price. Understanding whether your property appeals to a builder, developer, investor, neighboring owner, or individual looking to build can help you position the property correctly.
The Bottom Line
Don't sell your land before you understand what you own.
The difference between an ordinary piece of acreage and a desirable buildable parcel can be enormous. Before putting your property on the market, take the time to investigate the zoning, access, utilities, septic possibilities, environmental constraints, approvals, and development potential.
After decades in real estate and construction, I've learned one important lesson:
The more you know about your land, the better position you are in when it's time to sell.
If you own vacant land in Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, or Rockland County, and you're thinking about selling, let's talk before you put a price on it.
Ask the Land Guy. Find out what your land is really worth.
Ask the Land Guy: 10 Questions Every Landowner
Should Ask Before Selling
Comments(2)