Identifying bad land can be challenging, but with a structured six-step process, you can quickly assess properties. This guide covers access, soil, slope, environmental factors, street view, and satellite view to help you make informed decisions when purchasing land.
All land may appear good at first glance, but hidden issues can turn a seemingly perfect property into a costly mistake. Understanding how to differentiate between good and bad land is crucial for any potential buyer. In this guide, we will explore a simple six-step process designed to help you identify bad land quickly and efficiently.
The system we will use is called Assess, which stands for:
We will break down each step using examples, including a live walkthrough of a property to demonstrate how to apply this process in under 60 seconds.
Access refers to both legal and physical access to the property. Legal access means you can reach the property without trespassing, while physical access means you can get there by car.
Consider an 8.9-acre piece of farmland in Eureka, North Carolina. This property has over 500 feet of road frontage on a county-maintained road, allowing for potential subdivision into six separate lots. This access significantly increases the property's value.
In contrast, a one-acre property in Moore County lacks both legal and physical access. It is landlocked, with no driveway or easement, making it unsuitable for purchase unless at a very low price.
Soil quality is critical, especially for properties relying on septic systems. If the soil cannot adequately drain, you may not be able to build a home, drastically reducing the land's value.
The Eureka property features Norfolk loamy sand, which is well-drained and suitable for septic systems. A soil scientist confirmed that a portion of the land is provisionally suitable for septic use, allowing for potential home construction.
Conversely, a property with poor soil characteristics could lead to significant financial loss. Always verify soil quality with a professional before purchasing.
The slope of the land affects usability and construction feasibility. A flat property is generally more desirable than one with steep slopes.
The Eureka property is flat, making it ideal for building and easy to navigate.
A 42-acre property in Wilks County shows tightly clustered contour lines, indicating a steep slope. Properties with slopes greater than 10% can be challenging and expensive to develop.
This step involves checking for wetlands and floodplains that could affect the property's usability.
The Eureka property has no floodplain or wetlands, making it suitable for building.
A property with wetlands or floodplain issues could limit development options and should be avoided.
Street View allows you to visually assess the property from the ground level, providing insights into the surrounding area.
The Eureka property has appealing curb appeal with open fields and trees, creating a pleasant environment for potential buyers.
If a property is adjacent to undesirable features, such as a cemetery or industrial site, it may not be a good investment.
Satellite views help you understand the property's context within the surrounding area, including nearby developments and land use.
The Eureka property is well-located near a church and town amenities, enhancing its attractiveness.
A property near a hog farm may be visually appealing but could pose odor issues, making it less desirable for residential development.
To illustrate the process, we assessed a 7-acre listing in Brownsville, New Jersey, using the six steps in under 65 seconds. The property had good access, manageable soil conditions, a flat slope, and no significant environmental concerns, making it a viable option for purchase.
By following this six-step process, you can quickly identify potential red flags when evaluating land. Understanding access, soil quality, slope, environmental factors, and utilizing both street and satellite views will empower you to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes in land purchases. Always remember to conduct thorough due diligence before finalizing any property deal.
