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

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

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

4856 S Tune -- Mesa, AZ 85212

$530,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,589 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6705734
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Now Short Sale Approved! Highly motivated seller! Fantastic chance to join the Eastmark community with this low-maintenance, move-in ready home. This home features absolutely stunning finishes. Bright open kitchen with a large island, gas range, stainless appliances, and crisp white cabinets. Two sliding glass doors open up to this beautifully done backyard with pavers, artificial turf, and privacy. The first floor includes a spacious bedroom with full bathroom. Upstairs, the bedrooms and loft are generous and inviting. Primary bedroom is a retreat with a large bath and walk-in closet connecting to the upstairs laundry. Abundant storage throughout. Award-winning schools. Minutes to the freeways, airport, dining options and medical care. Don't let this one get away!

9613 N Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85020

$530,000 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Upshaw Desert Heights, Phoenix
Open House
New
$530,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,825 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6707451
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
RARE Central Avenue custom home under the shadow of North Mountain. This gleaming 3- bedroom, 2 bath home with 9 foot ceilings, has an open floorplan with spacious family room and dining area . A gorgeous kitchen with wide central granite island with bar seating, self-closing cabinets and drawers, stainless steel appliances, walk-in pantry and accent lighting and breakfast nook. Luxurious primary suite with large, tiled, walk-in shower and 12'' over-head rain shower along with steam panel with shower wand. Dual vanities and spacious walk-in closet. Fully landscaped front yard with low water use plants and trees. Grass back yard with garden and fruit trees with an automatic watering system to decrease water use and allows for an easy harvest.

9100 E Raintree Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$529,999
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,448 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6662238
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Immaculate home in North Scottsdale with breathtaking MOUNTAIN VIEWS! 3 bed, 2-bath condo in the private community of Raintree Resort Casitas. Boasting wood-look tile flooring, custom shutters, & a private balcony. The kitchen offers ample cabinetry, granite countertops, pantry, peninsula with ample seating, & reverse osmosis system. Primary suite complete with an ensuite bathroom & walk-in closet. This unit also includes 2 additional bedrooms, a 1-CAR GARAGE, plenty of guest parking, & a newer HVAC. Take advantage of community amenities like a pool, spa, & scenic hiking/biking paths - endless options for outdoor enjoyment. Convenient Scottsdale location at Frank Lloyd Wright & Raintree with access to top schools, & shopping/dining at Kierland Commons, The Promenade, & Old Town Scottsdale

22913 E Roundup Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$529,990
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,803 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6695246
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Step into the Marigold, a contemporary floorplan crafted for modern life. This home boasts a spacious great room, integrated with a large kitchen and central island, perfect for both entertaining and daily living. With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a versatile den, and a generous backyard, the Marigold expertly combines functionality with comfort. Experience premium finishes throughout, featuring elegant 6 x 24 tile planks and plush carpeting in the bedrooms and den. The kitchen offers a culinary retreat with sleek Fairview Gray 42'' shaker cabinets, Black Bronze hardware, and Quartz Slate Gray countertops, enhanced by a sophisticated 4 x 8 horizontal brick pattern tile backsplash. The grandeur extends with 8' doors and a striking 4-panel slider in the great room, creating a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. Madera, nestled in Queen Creek, provides a perfect balance of tranquility and convenience, close to the 24 Freeway and shopping. This vibrant community includes a pool, pickleball and bocce ball courts, playgrounds, BBQ areas, and ramadas. Explore the possibilities at Madera by scheduling a tour of our model homes today. Embrace the lifestyle you deserve.

5520 W Thurman Drive Laveen, AZ 85339

$529,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,507 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6679501
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning newly constructed single-story home offering a perfect blend of modern convenience and classic design. There's plenty of curb appeal with a Craftsman Elevation, boasting 2,507 square feet of meticulously designed living space. This home features a spacious foyer, split floor plan, and open concept with 8 foot interior doors. There are three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a den. The wood look tile floors are throughout for a stylish look and easy maintenance with plush carpet in the bedrooms. The kitchen features a large island, granite countertops, gas range, and 36 inch upper white cabinets and Gray front on the cabinets. The great room features a beautiful 4 panel sliding glass door perfect for indoor/outdoor living! 3 car tandem garage.

7916 W Sands Road Glendale, AZ 85303

$529,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,432 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6685182
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful two-story home that's conveniently located in desirable Glendale minutes to shops, restaurants and entertainment! This home offers our LOFT LOOK interior selections with 42'' Light stained Shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, Brushed nickel hardware, beautiful upgraded faux wood 6x24 Light gray flooring with carpet in bedrooms. The home includes GE appliances with a French Door Refrigerator, front load washer/dryer, and window blinds! See this amazing home today! ^^^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

3352 S 177th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$529,990
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,621 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6691135
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MOVE IN READY- This breathtaking single story 2621 sq ft home is a MUST SEE! 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms, Study and 3-car garage! Open Kitchen, Dining and Great Room area. Perfect for entertaining and gatherings! Includes 9ft ceilings, 8 ft doors, stainless steel appliances, white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, tile floor throughout and carpet in bedrooms. An immense amount of storage space all in a single level! Conveniently located near shopping and dining options. This community is all single story homes!!

2399 E Cy Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$529,990
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,020 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6705475
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
''New Construction!! Nestled perfectly in the sought after city of San Tan Valley. Adorable 2-story home with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, large den, large loft and a 3 car tandem garage. Ashton Woods offers a spacious owner's suite, stainless steel appliances, quartz kitchen countertops and classic shaker style cabinets. This home has been upgraded with our newest Timeless Collection and boasts gorgeous finishes, 42 inch upper cabinets, silver hardware and a beautiful white backsplash in the kitchen. This home also includes washer, dryer, fridge, and blinds to make moving in a breeze!

14108 W Lisbon Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$529,990
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,675 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6620969
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Priced to sell! Rare find gorgeous large 3,675 sqf 5 bed/3 bath home w/ 3 car garage & a RV gate in quiet community. The whole exterior is just freshly painted. Updated gourmet kitchen boasts beautiful wood cabinets, new access lights, granite countertop & backslash, ss appliances, a walk-in pantry. Ceramic tiles at kitchen and living room, brand new carpet in family room, loft and and all bedrooms, all new vanity lights and shower heads in all bathrooms. Expensive wood shutters on most windows. Huge loft on 2nd floor for office /family entertainment. Master bath has large garden tub and a huge walk-in closet . Owners upgraded this home with extra insulation, sound barrier, Low E tinted du pan windows when built, soft water loop & a natural gas line in the backyard for BBQ...

6856 E Windsor Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$529,990
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,328 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6672688
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Introducing a prime investment in Old Town Scottsdale! Featuring 3-bed, and 2-baths, this gem boasts a unbeatable location minutes from Fashion Square Mall, Old Town Scottsdale, Spring Training facilities and so much more. This value add opportunity in an up and coming neighborhood is the perfect addition to your portfolio and one of the most affordable single-family homes in 85257!

33575 N Dove Lakes Drive Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$529,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,702 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6664008
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
This amazing updated condo adjacent to Dove Valley Golf Course shows immaculately. Open floor plan featuring spacious rooms w/9 ft ceilings & oversized windows. Luxurious wood look tile flooring, upgraded carpet & padding, granite counters, subway tiled kitchen backsplash, reverse osmosis system, water softener and Maytag washer/dryer. Master bathroom has a wonderful large shower with glass walls. Nice sized covered patio. All rooms are spacious and comfortable. Tons of storage throughout the unit and a storage room outside as well. Villagio offers 2 heated pools & spas & 2 Fitness Rooms, tranquil walking paths, hiking, walk to Dove Valley Golf Course, Fry's grocery, restaurants & services, Sprouts and other services including Abrazo Hospital. yet tucked away for comfort & privacy

7541 N 35th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85051

$529,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,535 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6682446
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Here's your chance to own a private oasis nestled on a third-acre cul-de-sac lot, just in time for summer. Lots of room for family or a home business. 4 bdr, 2 bath, plus den, and great room. GORGEOUS KITCHEN! Family room w/fireplace and exit to pool. Primary suite w/sitting area, walk-in closet. Both bathrooms completely remodeled in 2022 with stone/tile. Distinctive land- and hardscapes include mature trees, 8-car paver driveway AND extra concrete slab BEHIND security RV gate w/extra electrical panel. Travertine walkways in side/backyards. Gorgeous diving pool w/ waterfall, large hot tub, exterior shower, flagstone. Potting hut off back patio for gardening or storage. 2-car garage with large tile floors. NO HOA. Light rail access close by.