Location, Location, Location

The first thing to consider is location. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Will you feel most comfortable living near a town, metropolitan area or secluded area? Think about your lifestyle and the everyday tasks you need to accomplish.
• Are homes of comparable value to the home you want built located in this area? Over-building or under-building has implications for appraisals and property values.
• Are you at ease with the commute to work? Consider making the drive at the same times you travel to or from work.

The Lay of The Land

Then, examine the property’s surface terrain since it affects construction costs. For example, hilly land may provide a beautiful setting; but, it may be more expensive to build your home there than on flatter ground. Visit the property several times to ensure that the property is right for your family. Land that looks great in the summer may look totally different in the winter.

Some Important Paperwork

Next, you must obtain an Owner’s Title Insurance Policy and a Survey Plat of the property. An Owner's Title Insurance Policy ensures that you gain clear title to the property. Without this insurance, you may purchase property with ownership disputes or liens that you must pay. The policy is ordered from a local title company when you sign an earnest money contract so the policy is available when you close.

The Survey Plat is a drawing that reveals property details like the necessary ingress/egress and home placement information. Ask the surveyor to include flags on the property’s corners. If you have not checked the flood plain zoning, ask your surveyor to provide a "flood stamp". This stamp should designate the property as being in Zone "X" or "C". If it does not, check further into the property. A title company can order the survey for you or refer you to a surveyor.

Make Sure it Fits!

Finally, make certain that the lot will accommodate the type, style and size of the home you desire. A Tilson Sales Associate will be happy to work with you to ensure that the house you desire will work on the property you are considering. Call or stop by the nearest Tilson Model Home Center!