How do I find a vacant lot?
There are always vacant building lots available for sale in the MLS or Multiple Listing Service. Your real estate agent can also work with you to identify the right neighborhood for you. Sometimes, the perfect real estate is not even listed in the MLS. Your agent can find any vacant unlisted lots in the neighborhood of your choice and then contact the owner to see of they are willing to sell. If you are building a custom home, you should always try and go beyond the MLS to find the perfect lot as well.
How do I determine if a lot is buildable?
There are a number of factors that must be considered. The topography must be suitable. There should not be any adverse drainage conditions. There lot must have access to water and waste disposal. The lot should not have any setback requirements that will inhibit building. There should not be any environmental issues that restrict building. Your real estate agent can guide you though the process of evaluating each of these factors, and if necessary, refer you to someone who can resolve specific concerns relating to building suitability.
How do I tell if a lot has access to water service?
Many lots have public water hookup. If a lot does not have public water, the owner must have a well drilled. There are a number of reputable well drillers in the area. We recommend that you contact neighbors ask them which well drilling company they used.
What about waste disposal?
If a lot does not have access to a public sewer system, the lot owner must install a septic system. Septic systems are very common in this area. Before installing a system, the owner must first obtain a permit from the County Health department certifying that a system can be installed safely and in a location that will not result in any contamination of the ground around the system. Your real estate agent at McDevitt Sotheby's Realty can assist you in preparing the permit application and making certain that the permitting process goes smoothly. We will also make certain that you do not close on the purchase of any property unless and until a septic permit has been issued or unless a licensed Soil Scientist certifies that a septic system can be installed on the lot.
What are Setbacks?
Setbacks are requirements imposed by a city, county or a development regulating how far houses, driveways, decks, pools, etc. must be built from property boundaries. Again, your McDevitt Sotheby's Realty agent will guide you in finding all relevant setback rules and other rules that might affect your ability to build on a vacant lot.
How Long does it take to get a Building Permit?
Depending on the local jurisdiction, the permitting process takes 1 - 4 weeks. Usually, your Contractor handles the permitting process for clients.
Are there additional Building Requirements in certain communities?
Yes, some communities have special building regulations as part of their Covenants. Such requirements can include square footage minimums, construction material requirements, color palettes. In general, these requirements are imposed to maintain a common theme of construction without requiring that all houses in a community look the same. Also, they are usually conceived with the best interests of community residents in mind as they seek to uphold property values.
Can I act as my own General Contractor?
Yes, usually. Most local jurisdictions allow landowners to contract the building of their own home if the landowner is building for personal occupancy and not for resale.
How do I find a General Contractor?
At McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty, we maintain a list of Builders who have worked with our clients in the past. We are very careful about referring Builders to our clients, and we are constantly seeking feedback from clients about their experiences. We will not refer you to a Builder without providing you with references. We will also show you a sampling of a Builder's work before referring you to them.
Do I need a Survey?
We always recommend that you obtain a Survey prior to closing unless your Real Estate Closing Attorney advises you that a Survey is not necessary due to the existence of a recent accurate Survey. Often, such advice is given. Otherwise, the cost can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the size of the lot. In general, most building lot Survey cost around $500 - $600. Surveys of farm sized tracts can be higher. Smaller lots naturally might be lower priced. Click here to search for vacant building lots for sale in Pinehurst, Southern Pines and the surrounding areas.
Our agents are available to assist you in finding the perfect vacant lot for your ideal home. Call 800-788-8814 for more information , or request our FREE DVD of the area.
See MLS listings for New Construction in the Pinehurst and Southern Pines area.
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