On the land hunt, I’ve had luck poking around county tax auctions. Sometimes you find weird parcels, but every now and then there’s a gem if you’re willing to do a little legwork with zoning.
- Definitely agree—tax auctions can be surprising. We found our lot after months of random drives and checking those hand-painted “for sale” signs.
- One thing I’d add is to double-check utilities before falling in love with a spot. We almost jumped on a cheap parcel until we realized running water lines would cost a fortune.
- Zoning research is a must... learned that the hard way after almost buying land that was technically “wetlands.”
- Hang in there, it’s a grind but feels worth it once you find the right place.
Tax auctions are interesting, but I’ve seen more than a few “deals” turn into money pits once you factor in access and infrastructure. I’d echo the utility point—sometimes even electricity is a headache, especially if you’re looking at rural parcels. Had a client who fell for a gorgeous spot only to find out the road was technically private and needed major repairs. It’s easy to get swept up by price, but the hidden costs add up fast... patience pays off.
“Had a client who fell for a gorgeous spot only to find out the road was technically private and needed major repairs.”
That’s a fair warning, but sometimes those “problem” parcels are where the real gems hide. I’ve worked on a cabin project where we negotiated an easement with neighbors—took some patience, but the land price made the hassle worth it. Not every headache is a dealbreaker if you’re willing to get creative with solutions.
Not every headache is a dealbreaker if you’re willing to get creative with solutions.
True, but I’d caution that some “creative solutions” can drag on for months or even years. I’ve seen easement negotiations stall out over minor disputes. Sometimes, the legal fees alone eat up any savings from the lower land price. It’s worth running the numbers and considering worst-case scenarios before jumping in.
I get where you’re coming from—easements can be a nightmare if you get the wrong neighbor or a stubborn utility company. But sometimes, a little patience and a willingness to meet folks halfway can turn things around. When we bought our place, the driveway access was a mess on paper, but after a few backyard BBQs with the neighbors, we hashed it out. Not every problem needs a lawyer, at least in my experience. Sometimes it’s just about building trust and being flexible.
