Finding Land for Your New Construction Home
Finding Land for Your New Construction Home
Direct answer: For West Michigan buyers planning a new construction home, finding land is not just about finding a lot you like — you need to know the house you want to build can actually go on that land, so work with a real estate professional and a builder at the same time.
Work with both, at the same time
When it comes to finding land, Steve would highly suggest two things: work with a real estate professional, but also with a builder at the same time.
That pairing matters. The agent knows land and value. The builder knows what can actually be built. You need both answers before you buy, not after.
Not all land is the same
Each piece of land is not always the same value, and there are a lot of different things about the land itself that matter. The home of your dreams might not be able to be built on that land.
Steve has had many clients call saying they need to sell their lot, because the house they planned on building there cannot go there — and they already bought the lot. That is an expensive lesson, and it is avoidable.
Know what you want to build first
So when you are going through the process of looking at land, make sure you know what you want to build, and make sure it fits within that land — within the condo documents or whatever rules might apply to it.
Land first, house second sounds logical, but it is backwards if you do not know the fit. House plan and land have to match. Check that match before you buy the lot, and you will not end up trying to sell a lot you cannot build on.
Key takeaways
When finding land, work with a real estate professional and a builder at the same time.
Not all land is the same value, and the home of your dreams might not be able to be built on a given lot.
Steve has seen many clients need to sell a lot because the house they planned cannot go there — after they already bought it.
Know what you want to build first, and make sure it fits the land, including any condo documents or other rules.
FAQ
Should I buy land before I know what house I want to build?
No. Make sure you know what you want to build and that it fits the land before you buy — otherwise you can end up owning a lot your house cannot go on.
Why do I need both an agent and a builder when shopping for land?
The agent knows land and value; the builder knows what can actually be built. You need both answers at the same time.
What rules can stop a house from going on a lot?
The land itself and its rules — including condo documents or whatever else applies to that lot. Check the fit before you buy.
West Michigan New Construction FAQ Series
Financing a New Construction Home
Can You Build Some Yourself?
What Is a Semi-Custom Builder?
What Kind of Builder Are You Looking For?
What Is a Production Builder?
Finding Land — you are here
How to Interview a Builder
How Long Does It Take to Build a House?
Price Per Square Foot
Custom Builder
Watch me explain it
Here is an older video of me explaining the process. It might be older, but the info still rings true.
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxrKzfKdGRI
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Author: Steve Volkers, Associate Broker, Steve Volkers Group at Five Star Real Estate, Grand Rapids, MI — phone 616-717-2179, stevevolkersgroup.com
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