You’re ready to expand; it’s time to move. But what’s the first step?
Buying new land is an exciting endeavor—the possibilities are endless! However, the process can come with costs and challenges. And that’s where a real estate agent steps in as your personal expert and problem-solver.
From finding the ideal properties to negotiating prices, they have your best interests in mind. So, let’s learn more about these brokers and why they’re a major help when buying land.
Land Specialists 101: Finding the Right Real Estate Agent for Buying Land
As with most fields, professionals in this industry often gain experience in specific types of property sales.
If you’re perusing plots of undeveloped land for their potential, you’ll want a professional—sometimes called a “land specialist”—who helps people buy vacant properties. They understand the difference between property types (including residential and commercial), zoning rules, location, and all the other factors that determine land’s possibilities and value.
Their goal? Find the right property for your needs, whether you want to start a farm, build a large home, or have a lakefront fishing hut.
Do you need to work with one? Technically, no. However, partnering with a land specialist offers five significant benefits you should consider.
1. Real Estate Agents Can Help You Save Money
Land pros know how to negotiate for the best deal, helping you save money. They have experience with sellers, so they know what to say and what to look for to help you get a fair price for the land you’re looking at.
Plus, many land brokers have connections with local mortgage lenders, so they can match you with the right one for your needs at an acceptable rate.
2. They’re Experts in Rules and Regulations
Do your eyes glaze over when you look at a document filled with legalese and technical jargon? Do you fear fine print? Your specialist is here to help.
When it comes to buying land, there’s a lot at stake, including1:
- Easements
- Environmental tests
- Ingress and egress regulations
- Zoning requirements
- Water and septic systems
- Building codes
- Property lines
Real estate agents will explain all these technical aspects in a way that’s easy to understand. That way, you’ll know if your homestead or riverfront vacation hideaway is feasible and precisely what it’ll take to turn your dream into reality.
3. Land Pros Have Specialized Designations
When you’re looking for a real estate agent to buy property, choose one who is an Accredited Land Consultant (ALC). You know you’re working with someone with your best interest in mind when they’re an ALC.
While you can work with anyone, ALC professionals help ensure a pleasant land-buying experience. If you want to ensure you partner with an ALC, you can quickly pull up our search tool and find those boasting a wealth of credentials and experience by sorting through Land.com’s network of pros.
4. They’re Familiar With the Local Market
One of the best things about working with a local land pro? They’re familiar with the property market in your area. They know how to help you find what you’re looking for. Sometimes, they even know of plots for sale before they’re listed anywhere else.
Professionals who directly tap the pulse of their local market can help you find suitable properties, including:
- Ranch
- Commercial
- Recreational
- Rural
- Industrial
- Hunting
- Waterfront
Plus, they’re familiar with local ordinances and zoning regulations that will affect the plot—along with the people who push that paperwork. And another bonus? They often have connections with local contractors, which helps ensure you find reputable people.
5. Real Estate Agents Save Your Time and Energy
Buying a new piece of land requires a dedicated effort, which can be challenging for anyone already balancing work, family, or other time-consuming responsibilities. No matter why you want a plot of land, having a professional in your corner can help make the process easier.
Since brokers hold experience in all things land-buying, they manage the bulk of the heavy lifting—and take most of the stress along with it. They help educate and inform you about all aspects of the purchasing process, negotiation with sellers, and more.2 That way, you have more time to decide and focus on life’s other priorities.
Where Do I Find a Land Real Estate Agent?
Now that you know why you should partner with a land pro when buying property, you might wonder how you find one.
Although you can also start by asking family or friends for their recommendations, you’ll still want to verify their expertise and certifications before making any commitments. Remember that not every agent specializes in land, so make sure you type their name into the Land.com search engine to see if they know their stuff.
Here are four things to get you started:
- Use Land.com to find a Land Pro in your area or look up any recommendations you’ve already received. Click on any name to learn more about individual professionals and their properties.
- Conduct research on local professionals by looking through testimonials, credentials, and experience.
- Browse Land.com listings to better solidify your must-have property’s features and your budget to before approaching a broker.
- Read through Land.com’s blog and Buyer Resources to prep for your viewings and bids.
Whether you have a broker in mind or you’re starting from scratch, searching our database for your desired county or city name remains step one. Hit enter and watch as the results pour in!
Buy the Land You’ve Been Waiting for With a Land.com Real Estate Agent
Ready to explore new pastures and buy the plot you’ve been dreaming of? At Land.com, we make it easy to find the right real estate broker for your needs—and explore properties online!
Browse our available listings to get started. When you’re ready, find a Land Pro in your area of interest to start the touring and purchasing process!
And real estate agents? Contact us today to learn about becoming one of our Signature Sellers!
Sources:
- Nolo. Do I Need a Special Real Estate Agent to Buy Vacant Land? https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/do-i-need-special-real-estate-agent-buy-vacant-land.html
- Navy Federal Credit Union. A Good Real Estate Agent Can Give You an Edge. https://www.navyfederal.org/makingcents/home-ownership/good-real-estate-agent.html
