There's an old carpenter's saying: "Measure twice, cut once". This concept is very applicable to evaluating a possible home site. It pays dividends to bring an architect or designer with you. It's well worth the coordination and cost. You'll need accessibility to utilities, water and sewer or septic. Be sure the property has deeded access to a road.

If the land is subject to a homeowners' association, make sure the association allows your style of home. Consider the grade, drainage, exposure to wind and exposure to sun in your preliminary evaluation.

Ask a realtor the three most important things about real estate... and you're likely to hear "Location, Location, Location". It's the most important thing about your new home.

Here are some location considerations:

What is the distance to Work? Schools? Shopping?

What are development plans for the area? Is the next Superstore going to be your neighbor? Check with the county planning board, township or other municipality to see if a master plan is on file for the area you are considering. Check the zoning, if any.

Is the terrain suitable? Is there adequate drainage? Can you site the house without cutting too many trees or vegetation? What are the views from your planned site?

Check out the availability and cost of utilities. You have to pay to have electric or gas run to your site from the nearest line. This expense can run into thousands of dollars if your site is too far from the nearest service.

Will you use sewer or septic system? Are municipal sewer lines nearby? Will you have to install your own system? If the land has good percolation characteristics, a septic tank and drainage field may work. Be certain to percolation test to determine soil conditions, which then determine the size and design of the septic system and drainage field. If the land does not "perk" satisfactorily, you'll have to install a more expensive system to handle waste treatment.

Will you use a municipal water supply, or must you dig a well? The cost of a well depends on the depth and type of ground and rock that must be drilled through.

A good start is with a real estate agent who has some experience with land sales. Make sure your friend, co-workers and relatives know you're looking for land. Sometimes a Sunday drive can uncover the perfect location.

It is also helpful to buy land before you actually commit to your new home. Many people have purchased their land a year or more before building their new home. If you've found the perfect lot, you can design the perfect new home within the site. Land is getting harder to find, and that perfect lot may not be available next year. We will allow the equity in your land to be your down payment.