TITLE: Looking for affordable land—any hidden gems?
Funny how the “problem” lots end up being the most interesting. I once checked out a property that was basically a rocky mess—looked like you’d need a team of mountain goats just to get up the driveway. Everyone else bailed, but I figured, why not? Ended up with a killer sunset view and barely any neighbors because nobody wanted to deal with the terrain. The build was a headache, sure, but now I’ve got this super private spot, and the rocks actually keep things cooler in summer.
I think people get scared off by anything that’s not flat and easy, but sometimes those quirks end up being the best features. Not saying every “weird” lot is a diamond in the rough, but if you’re willing to get creative (and maybe invest in some sturdy boots), you can find some real gems. There’s something satisfying about seeing potential where others just see problems... even if it means a little extra sweat.
I get the appeal of a quirky lot, but I’d just flag that not every “problem” parcel is really worth the hassle. I learned the hard way with a steep, wooded property—ended up spending a fortune on excavation and retaining walls just to make the site buildable. Utilities were another headache, especially trenching for water and power. Sometimes the up-front savings vanish fast when you factor in all the extra site work. I’d say it’s smart to run the numbers carefully before falling in love with the view.
Sometimes the up-front savings vanish fast when you factor in all the extra site work. I’d say it’s smart to run the numbers carefully before falling in love with the view.
This hits close to home. Years ago, I fell for a hillside lot with killer views—sunsets, city lights, the whole nine yards. The price was way below anything else in the area and I thought I’d scored big time. But man, did I underestimate what “site prep” really meant. We ended up needing a custom foundation (think: piers sunk into bedrock), and there were months of wrangling with engineers about drainage and slope stability. By the time we were done, that “affordable” lot cost more than some of the flat parcels I’d originally dismissed as boring.
Utilities were another beast. Trenching for power and water on a steep lot is no joke—especially when you hit rock two feet down. There were days when it felt like we were just burning money for the privilege of not having neighbors right next door.
That said, I don’t regret it entirely. There’s something special about a place that feels unique, even if it comes with headaches. But yeah, if I could go back, I’d be way more skeptical about “hidden gems.” Sometimes they’re hidden for a reason.
If you’re looking at quirky lots, maybe try to find ones where at least some of the heavy lifting has already been done—existing driveway, utilities nearby, that sort of thing. Or at least budget for surprises... because they’re coming whether you plan for them or not.
Still, there’s nothing quite like waking up to that view every morning—even if it did cost me a few extra gray hairs along the way.
Can’t argue with that—site work’s a sneaky budget killer. I’ve seen folks get lured by “cheap” land, then end up spending double just getting it buildable. If you’re after sustainability, flat-ish land with south exposure and existing access is gold. Sometimes boring is just… practical.
Title: Looking for affordable land—any hidden gems?
- Not totally convinced that “boring” is always better, honestly.
- We ended up with a sloped lot—cheaper upfront, yeah, but it did mean extra work with the foundation.
- Still, the views are way better than anything flat we saw, and we actually saved on excavation by working with the slope instead of fighting it.
- South exposure is nice, but I’d say don’t write off a weird lot just because it’s not textbook perfect.
- Sometimes the “ugly ducklings” end up being the best deal if you’re willing to get creative.
