Honestly, I’ve seen folks get creative with odd-shaped lots and pull off some really cool builds, but you’re right—it’s not for the faint of heart. If you’re looking at affordable land, here’s what I usually suggest:
1. Check the zoning and setbacks first—sometimes those “bargain” lots are cheap because you can’t actually build much on them.
2. Walk the property if you can. Pictures never show weird slopes or drainage issues.
3. Talk to the city or county planning office before you buy. They’ll tell you if there are any gotchas with permits or utilities.
4. If it’s a funky shape, sketch out a rough floor plan to see if your dream house will even fit.
I’ve had clients fall in love with a spot only to realize later that their builder fees doubled just trying to make it work. But hey, if you’re up for a challenge and want something unique, it can be worth it... just go in with eyes wide open.
Walk the property if you can. Pictures never show weird slopes or drainage issues.
Ain’t that the truth. I once had a client buy a “steal” of a lot based on drone photos—turns out half of it was basically a ravine. Ended up with killer views but a foundation bill that nearly gave him a heart attack. Sometimes those “hidden gems” are hiding for a reason...
Yeah, I’ve seen some “bargain” lots that looked perfect in the listing, but when you actually get out there, it’s a whole different story. One place had this gorgeous stand of trees—turns out it was basically a swamp every spring. Great for frogs, not so much for building. Sometimes you can work with the land, but other times, it’s just not worth the headache or the extra cost. Photos just never tell the whole story...
- Been there—walked a “dry” lot in August, only to find it underwater in April.
- Always check county flood maps and talk to neighbors if you can.
- Sometimes a cheap lot’s just cheap for a reason, but every once in a while you get lucky.
- If you’re flexible on location, try looking just outside the “hot” areas—less competition, better deals.
- Photos are basically marketing... trust your boots more than the listing.
Photos are basically marketing... trust your boots more than the listing.
Yeah, learned that the hard way—pics looked perfect, but the ground was mushy after a rain. Has anyone actually found a spot that *wasn’t* on the radar and turned out solid? Or is that just luck?
