Four Red Flags to Watch for When Buying Land

When it Comes to Buying Land, Watch Out for These Common Deal Busters

By Kara Bishop

It may seem like choosing a plot of land or some acreage would be easier than choosing a house … but not so fast! There are some pretty big red flags to watch for when buying land. 

Anything from zoning to undisclosed easements to environmental contaminants can be a dealbreaker for a would-be landowner. Keep reading for my top four red flags to watch for when buying land in Oklahoma. 

Red Flag #1: Vague Listing Details

If specifics about a property are not shared in a listing, or it sounds too good to be true, it's definitely wise to get curious and ask for all of the details. Be sure to always see the property in person before making an offer. Having a qualified realtor on your side is a great step to avoid any unscrupulous situations.

Red Flag #2: Road Accessibility

This may seem obvious, but it's definitely important to verify that there is public road access to the property for sale. Sometimes easements are made with neighboring properties as a work around, but be sure to fully understand the agreement, assure it will remain in place, and find out how road maintenance will work and if there are any shared responsibilities.

Red Flag #3: Water and Utilities

Verify that there is water present that is fit for human and, if applicable, animal consumption – including proper testing of wells. You don't want to end up with a beautiful piece of land with no water. 

If a parcel of land is not already serviced, be sure to get pricing on what the cost of bringing things like electricity, propane, gas, internet, etc. will be and factor that in when deciding if it will be the right choice for you.

Red Flag #4: Zoning and Previous Use

You will definitely want to look into the ways in which you may or may not use the land according to the zoning. Ensure the zoning is in place for your intended use of the property. 

Another important thing to look into is previous land use to make sure there won't be costly environmental remediation needed. Contaminated property is definitely one to avoid.

Always Buy Land With an Experienced Land Agent

Don’t risk buying land with a realtor by your side. An experienced land real estate agent can help you spot red flags, save you time and money, and help you avoid making a poor financial decision. 

I work with Oklahoma buyers and sellers of all kinds but land is my specialty. My family owns 20 acres just out of Tulsa and I’m passionate about helping others own a slice of God’s country too. 

To schedule a free land buying consultation, contact me at [email protected] to schedule a free homebuyer consultation.