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JDM Construction SiteBuying Land to Build a Home in Ohio: What to Know Before You Buy

Looking to build your dream home? Finding the right land is one of the first and most important steps in building a new home.  

It is easy and exciting to look at a piece of property and visualize where your house will sit, what your view will look like, and how everything will come together. But before you buy land in Ohio, here are some of the things JDM Homes recommend looking into to make sure the lot is a good fit for your future home.  

Start With Your Due Diligence 

Do your homework before closing on a property. If needed, consider including a feasibility or due diligence contingency in your offer. Each property is unique, allow yourself 30-60 days to research the land and uncover potential issues before you sign the contract.  

Here is a list of several documents and questions you should start with: 

  • Ask for a current survey of the property. 
    • Importance: This will confirm the property boundaries and ensure property corners are clearly marked and pinned. 
  • Ask if mineral rights are included with the property or if they have been reserved. 
    • Importance: Understand if the mineral rights are included in your property or reserved by someone else. 
  • Request a copy of the warranty deed.
    • Importance: A warranty deed can reveal restrictions and easements associated with the property. Easements are especially important when planning a home because they can limit where you’re allowed to build. Many easements have setback requirements, and you may not be allowed to build within them at all.
  • Ask if the title has properly been searched and insured.
    • Importance: You will want to be aware of any liens, unpaid taxes or ownership issues.  

Look Beyond What You Can See 

The property lot can look perfect during the first visit, but the things you can't see can create expensive challenges during and after construction.  

Before buying, look into:  

  • Whether the property is located in a floodplain.
    • Importance: Flood insurance can be expensive, and a floodplain can affect your building plans and resale value.
  • Check for designated wetlands on or near your property. 
    • Importance: Wetlands can restrict what you do with part or all of your property. 
  • Check online mining maps.
    • If the property was mined in the past, this could impact foundation costs, water availability, radon, and soil stability.  

Visit the Neighborhood  

You may love the property, but you also need to feel good about the local neighborhood. 

Things to consider:  

  • Look at comparable homes and recent home sales in the area.
  • Is the neighborhood strictly residential, or are commercial and agricultural uses allowed?
  • Think about your daily commute and how far you will travel for groceries, work, and other everyday needs.
  • If the school district is important to you, research the local schools.
  • What is the neighborhood like at different times of the day?
  • Is trash pickup and mail delivery to your door? 

Use the Tools Available to You 

There are a variety of things to consider before you ever make an offer, but researching doesn't need to be stressful.  

Free research tools:  

  • Zillow
  • Google Maps
  • FEMA maps
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • Local County GIS and Assessor Websites 

Choose a Lot that Works with Your Home 

Buying a property lot is about more than finding the right number of acres or the best view. The property needs to work with the home you want to build. That is why it is important to look at the big picture before purchasing a property. 

Doing your due diligence may take a little more time upfront, but it can help you make a more informed decision and avoid unexpected challenges later. 

At JDM Homes, we know that every property is unique. Thinking through these details early can help you choose a lot that is not only beautiful, but also a practical place to build the home you have been planning for.