So often when we’re building our dream home in our minds we get caught up on the gleaming wood floors, the high ceilings we envision, the fancy finishes inside or the extra space that’s going to make all the difference in our day to day lives. But what about the land it sits on?
We’ve all heard it a million times….location, location, location. Where your dream home is located is just as important as what that dream home looks like.
So where do you start? Figure out what’s most important to you. Need a convenient urban location? Consider reclaiming land by tearing down for a great city lot. Want waterfrontage or views? This will limit your selection considerably as you’ll have to figure out what kind of water will do. River, Lake, Ocean? Does the water need to be good for swimming, fishing or boating? Or, perhaps you are craving space and want the cottage-in-the-woods feeling for your new home. These are great questions to start your search as they will narrow down the “what” you are looking for.
Once you know what you’re looking for, you should begin your search with a REALTOR®. This will be the easiest way for you to determine the “where”. A REALTOR® will be able to give you options on various districts, sub-districts, neighbourhoods and streets that will offer you what it is you want. They will collect information that will help you make an informed decision when it comes time to purchasing the land. Their experience will prove invaluable when you start navigating the waters of questions like:
• Do we have municipal water and sewer
• What kind of water issues are in the area if we need a well
• What type of septic system is required (there can be a big difference in cost)
• How much rock is on the land? Will blasting be required or perhaps copious amounts of structural fill because the land is known to be unstable?
• Where are the schools and what are they like
• What amenities are nearby and accessible
• How easy would it be to re-sell in this location if need be?
• How much are the other homes in this area, so we can be sure not to overbuild
• Are their restrictive covenants attached to the property and how will they effect me
These are a few of the questions a REALTOR® can help answer. They will also know of builders that you may want to consider speaking with and will stand shoulder to shoulder with you as you go through the process of seeing your dream home come to life — choosing finishes, and keeping the vast amounts of paper work straight, including change orders and extras that may occur through the building process.
So, when you’re visualizing your perfect new dream home, take some time to picture driving up to it, and standing out on your back deck. Think about what you want to see around you. Then call a REALTOR® to get the search started for the perfect lot.
Heather Stubbert is a REALTOR® and the Manager of Point Zero One Realty in Halifax.
www.pointzeroone.ca
(902) 407-0101
