Real Estate Investing: How to Find Great Deals on Undeveloped Lots with Big Potential

Purchasing a plot of land can be one of the best investments to make. A landowner has great (but not unlimited) freedom in how to develop their plot, and land never expires so its potential is essentially infinite. That said, buying undeveloped or vacant land can be risky business, so read on to find tips on purchasing a plot.

Do Your Homework: Before You Get Onto The Land

Before anything else happens, figure out your priorities. Decide what you want the land for, what amenities and what location you want, what you’re looking for in terms of neighbors or local government, and, of course, know your budget. More specific questions will arise around taxes, fees,and permits for building, available utilities/water access but, first, just start with your ideal land plot and work backwards (and into reality) from there.

Do Your Due Diligence: On The Land Itself

Once you find a plot that fits your needs on paper, get out onto it. Walk the land with an eye on the topography (any unexpected hills or valleys? Is the ground solid/fertile/arable, depending on what you need?), neighboring properties, size and shape of the plot, and any other element that the walk brings to your senses (smell and hearing as well as sight). Ideally, do this walk in the fall, so there is no foliage hiding your view of the property and what’s around it.

Don’t Despair: It’s Costly, But There Are Deals Out There

Remember that developing the land will incur costs too. Budget for as many foreseeable costs as you can, including a land survey, well/utility installation, legal fees, land clearing, landscaping, road construction and others. That said there are places you can look at for deals on the initial land purchase, including property lots for sale (which are cheaper the farther they are from major cities, road access, and already-connected utilities) or bank-owned plots. For those, you can talk to your real estate agent about asking local banks for lists of their foreclosed properties, which tend to be cheaper as banks look to sell them off.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask: Reaching Out To Experts

Finally, talk to people. Ask locals about the neighborhood, previous uses of the land, potential surprises (like calm paths that turn into snowmobile trails in the winter). Connect with professionals in the local health department, zoning and building departments, accountancy and other areas of development for in-depth answers to your municipal questions.

But remember: while you will need to talk with many professionals in your due diligence, let me be your first point of contact – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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10438 E Twilight Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$459,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,972 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6662510

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Here's the home that will fit both your lifestyle and finances. Ample opportunity to put your personal touches and imagination to make it you! Great room flows seamlessly in to the dining room, kitchen and breakfast room. Spacious Primary bedroom with patio access and updated bathroom. Large secondary bedrooms that overlook the front courtyard area. Updated guest bathroom. Additional 392 SQ FT of Bonus Rooms, ideal for home office, hobby, fitness or workshop. Use one for work and the other for play! Backyard covered patio is perfect for afternoon get-togethers after golf with friends. Very private, expansive backyard. Garage offers plenty of space for vehicles along with tons of storage. Ready to live the resort life? Come check out all this community has to offer and make the move! January 2024, All tile sections of the house and garage have had felt replaced, tiles reinstalled, broken tiles replaced and new flashings installed.

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3928 E Branham Lane Phoenix, AZ 85042

$459,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,708 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6675226

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Well maintained home in a nice gated Blossom Hills subdivision. Main bedroom suite on ground floor, spacious loft and 2 bedroom and a bath on the second floor. Open great room with kitchen, living and dining space with a half bath and Harry Potter closet under the stair and a nice size laundry room. 2 car garage, shared driveway. Wood look tile on the main floor and newer carpet on stair and upstairs loft and bedrooms. Easy freeway access. Seller related to Listing Agent. There is a one time Benefit Working Capital Fee of 114.00

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3635 E Turney Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85018

$459,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,500 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6678302

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Gorgeous Arcadia townhouse in the middle of everything. Tastefully remodeled with no detail forgotten. Modern kitchen with newer cabinets, stainless appliances and quartz countertops. Porcelain wood like tile in the main living areas. Rustic Porter Barn wood wall in the dining room. Custom vanities and tile in both bathrooms. New energy efficient AC unit in 2017. Upgraded aluminum windows throughout. Dog friendly community near many popular restaurants including Postinos, LGO, Ingos and Chelsea's Kitchen . BE AN OWNER NOT A RENTER! OWNER FINANCING with as little as 10% down. Location! Location! Location!

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2022 N 40th Street Phoenix, AZ 85008

$459,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,200 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6683716

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NOW PRICED TO SELL - ACT FAST. FOR INSTANT EQUITY. Classic charm, updated style in this beautifully remodeled home. Mid-century Modern with an updated exterior & interior, it is move in ready for you. Recently repainted inside and out, New flooring throughout, Open concept floorplan with a spacious kitchen adorned with sleek quartz countertops New Smart stainless steel appliances. All new interior doors. Beautifully renovated bathrooms. Inside Laundry W/D incl. Leased solar w/battery=low bills. Outside, the large covered patio and expansive backyard, large space for pets, a pool and a garden. This home will not last at this price. Come and see it today! relaxation and entertainment, while the front yard boasts a convenient sprinkler system for easy maintenance. Perfectly situated near shops, restaurants, and with quick access to Loop 202, this home offers convenience and connectivity. Whether it's a jaunt to north Tempe, south Scottsdale, or Downtown Phoenix, this location puts everything within reach.

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