People from Missouri know that they live in their own little piece of paradise. The rolling hills of the Ozarks change colors with the seasons. The forests and rivers are our playgrounds. The caves provide unmatched beauty. The lakes give Missourians something more to be proud of. We are lucky to call this state home.
Are you thinking about buying a piece of the Ozarks to make your own? Purchasing land in Southwest Missouri is a great investment. Whether you’re looking for farmland or just want to escape the city, the extra acreage could be a perfect fit for you. If you’re ready to make the move to the great outdoors, keep reading as we point out a few things for you to consider before signing on the dotted line.
Decide on the Lot Size
One of the very first questions to ask yourself when thinking about purchasing land is how much do you need. This will vary, depending on what you intend to do with this land. Are you simply wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Are you wanting a space to take your dogs on a walk or let them roam around freely? Or, are you considering starting a hobby farm or will you take up gardening? These are all things to consider when starting your search.
Don’t forget to think long-term so that you purchase what you need now, rather than regretting your decision later on. Do you foresee adding any barns or outbuildings for outdoor toys, such as ATVs or even lawnmowers? Try to think about all of this before making your decision on how much land you’re looking for.
Consider the Location
When picking out that perfect piece of land, consider the location. Decide how far you would like to be from town, and limit your search to property within that mile radius. Also, determine how easily the land can be accessed from the main road. This is especially important to point out when thinking about driving conditions in the winter months.
Another thing to consider when determining where you want to purchase land is how close you want to be to any neighbors. Do you prefer seclusion, or are you okay with having closer neighbors? This will help determine how much land you might want to look for and where you need to purchase it.
Don’t Skip the Survey
Before you make any decisions, have a surveyor come out and inspect the land. It is important to identify the boundaries before you make plans to build or put up a fence. You may be surprised to find out that the boundaries aren’t exactly where the previous owners or the neighbors think they are.
Embrace the Environmental Tests
Environmental testing is an important step that will help ensure that you are happy with your purchase. These tests are similar to getting a home inspection. They will check for things like soil contamination and help you optimize crop production, which are important factors no matter how you plan to utilize the land (gardening, planting trees, etc.).
Ask About Utility Access
When buying a home, water, sewage, and electricity have already been considered and taken care of. When buying vacant land, these are not always a given. If you’ll want access to utilities on your property, ask how much it would cost for infrastructure to be run or if the property already has access.
Are you ready to start looking for your new acreage? Check out some of our LISTINGS HERE. We have many great properties available to show you. Or, CLICK HERE to contact one of our experienced realtors so we can help you find the land you are looking for.