Lot research is a great “sweat equity” item right at the beginning. EquityQuest will complete this research for a fee (fee amount based on location), but most folks find they enjoy the experience and learn a lot about the place they will live.

This is the checklist we use when starting lot research for ourselves or as a paid service for a client.

Find out what you can on-line.

  • Map sites like:

  • Review County Property Tax records. Every county will have on-line property tax records. Look for special assessments, delinquencies, deferments - anything out of the ordinary. These items should come up in the search done by your title insurance company, but this may give you a clue earlier in the process.

  • Take information to the building/planning department of the city or county that has jurisdiction. These offices are open to the public. We have found these department staff members friendly and helpful. They are there to help everyone - not just builders and developers. Let the receptionist know you are buying a lot and need to know what is required for building a home on it - they will route you to the right people.

  • Items to verify:

    • Zoning: can you do what you want to do on that lot

    • Planning: are there any restrictions or special requirements you need to be aware of

    • FEES: what fees will be charged to build other than the building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing permits. These are sometimes called SDC fees. Examples:

      • Sewer

      •  Water

      • Storm Water

      • Parks

      • Transportation

      • School Tax

    •  Is sewer available?

      •  If yes: Is there a lateral to the property or will you have to dig into the street and how far will you have to dig to connect to the main?

      • If no (septic required): are there any soil perk tests on file?

    • Water

      • Is public water available to the property?

      • Is there a meter installed? If not how much to install a meter for a single family residence?

    • Storm Water Requirements:

      • Can you connect to an existing storm water system?

      • Will you need to retain storm water on property? If so what are design requirements?

    • Access

      • Are there any restrictions on road access and/or driveway requirements?

    • Street Improvements:

      • Will any improvements to the public street be required (sometimes called half-street improvements)?

  • Talk to the power company serving your area to see if power/transformer is available and approximate costs to bring power to new home.

  • Talk to the gas company in your area (if gas is desired) to see if gas is available to your property without the cost of a line extension.

  • Obtain and review any CC and R’s for the subdivision. What are restrictions on house size, features, etc.