Land the Right Location: 5 Tips for Finding the Perfect Place to Build Your Home
Building a home can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re hunting for land on the outskirts of San Francisco or working in conjunction with the best local builder Ocean Grove has to offer, finding the perfect location can be a challenge.
With careful planning and research, you can scout out the perfect location for your dream home. In this article, we’ll share five tips for helping you do just that.
1. Know yourself
We’re not asking you to go on an ayahuasca retreat in the jungle, but you do need to do some soul-searching before you start looking for a plot of land. It’s vital to understand all your needs, wants, and preferences, as these factors will help you narrow down the regions you can reasonably consider for building a house.
Consider your lifestyle, family size, desired commute time, and preferred setting. Do you hate the noise of the city? Do you want to avoid public transport? Do the kids need a large outdoor space? Ask yourself all these questions and more to narrow down your options. And be sure to check in with your future self as well – you want to be able to grow into your house instead of outgrowing it long before it’s financially viable to move.
2. Explore the surrounding area
Once you have a shortlist of viable locations to build your home, explore the surrounding area. Walk through the neighborhoods, see how good the schools are, consider transportation options, and look into amenities like parks and shopping centers. Even if you don’t have kids, school districts play a pivotal role in property values, so don’t overlook this aspect. Overall, your task here is to ensure you’re building in a safe and desirable location.
3. Understand local zoning laws and other regulations
Your next step should be to research local regulations and zoning laws. These laws can have a significant impact on where and how you can build your home. So it’s worth taking the time to research and understand any regulations or restrictions that apply to your area. You may find that one suburb requires more permits or has more restrictions than another, which could be the deciding factor in where you choose to build.
4. Research any developments planned for the area
With this step, you’re looking for developments that may reduce or increase the attractiveness of your property. For example, a plot of land might be far from public transport and amenities now, making it affordable but inconvenient. However, if there’s a shopping center and train line in the works, it could prove to be a valuable investment that appreciates when these developments are finished. Conversely, a plot of land may seem perfect now, but if it’s close to an area that’s just been given industrial zoning, your property value could tank over the coming years.
5. Enlist the help of a local real estate professional
Though you can certainly do much of the legwork yourself, it’s often easier and far less stressful to work with a local expert. Real estate agents usually have the right contacts to find the best deals. It’s also their job to stay on top of local regulations and zoning laws. They’ll be able to help you negotiate a fair price and ensure that the transaction goes smoothly.
Building your dream home starts with finding the perfect location. By working through the steps above, you can make informed decisions that eventually lead you to the spot that will house your dream home.
