The biggest concern in our area right now is what type of septic system is needed. Maryland now requires if the lot was perced prior to 2019 it needs to be re-perced which can lead to a BAT system which can cost upwards of $50K.

The only thing I can think of Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate is animal ordinances. Here you need 2 acres to have a horse.

Where I am, additional things to find out - is Internet available and if yes, what kind and how strong? (We have properties with NO access). Candice added the HOA/CCR type questions. I think you have a good list above.

Is there an HOA, are there CCRs? Is there a minimum build size ? Is there an architectural committee that has to approve any kind of renovations?

cost of clearing the land

high and dry

easements

I look forward to learning from this question since I have never listed a vacant lot myself.

Hello Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate you covered most of the requirements, but each area has different requirements.  

If there were a vacant lot in our area, we wouldn't have those questions, they would already be answered, since we're in a highly developed urban area.

No need for a soil, drainage or perc test.  Don't need to worry about available utilities, nearest emergency services... most of that is known.  Certainly we'd want to know about proper title-holder and buildability.

Clearly a different skill-set needed for more rural areas.

Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate 

Every County has different requirements. Has the Seller seen the property? The Seller may not know the answer to the questions you are asking. 

When contacting planning and zoning, you may want to ask if "A Lot Exception for Density" has been applied for. Having the ALT KEY Number is most important.

In addition to your list, Fred, you have some great comments adding additional considerations. 

I refer vacant land listings.  

Fred, great list if you add HOA and CCR's like Candice mentioned and internet service suggested by Kat. As for the Chicago area and its tight ring of suburbs, Alan May nailed it. All you need to do is add a sign and put its in the MLS and wait for the phone to ring with offers. Enjoy your day.

Wow! Great list, Fred. I would add:

- CC&Rs that go with the property

- Survey

- Consider an appraisal

- Requirements for home size (minimum square footage) or type (no modular or mobile)

- Any county restrictions including set-backs, adjacent buildings, ADU restrictions), zoning, permitting required and impervious maximums, etc. 

One thing we run into here in the historic areas and the suburbs are buried oil tanks. We have someone local who checks for & identifies any buried oil tanks.

Good luck!

You have a good grasp on this already. I would order a preliminary title report to see their schedule A & B, perhaps a hazard report too. As to marketing, the traditional stuff: close to shopping, freeway access, quiet & conforming neighborhood, a CMA & potential growth projections for the area all if applicable. Have fun with this too. P.S. Find out what the price per square foot is to build out a 3-4 bedroom 2-3 bath home on that lot in that area & have that in your back pocket along with property tax info too. Most excellent, meaningful & professional question thank you Fred

Fred, Katina would be a great one to contact, she lists LOTS of "lots", and knows what is needed.   I have listed a few parcels, and have needed to ask if there is electric close, or how much it would cost to get to the parcel.  Usually there is not even a water tap, so getting that information is important also.

Good list Fred, though a few of them may be things your seller is not willing to invest in like drilling a well.

I would add for your part of the country, how insurable is it?

Other questions that most buyers are interested in are Broadband, cell coverage, and who is the electric provider (rural coops can be significantly more expensive).

Out here we would be looking at road access, paved or dirt, county maintained, non-maintained, private as well as flood plain (EPA). Also may wish to check with zoning to se if any applications are present to rezone the area. Power is there a meter on the pole. Water is there a meter present. Natural gas present or available. Costs for any extensions of utilities as well.

Let's see if the Dirt Queen, Leanne Smith will add her thoughts.

Soils report - blue clay present or collapsible soil

A good, updated survey might be in order to verify and mark boundaries and ensure there are no undue encroachments. 

In our market an important part of off water (not lakefront) lots is if they have deeded access to the lake.  Generally speaking most neighborhoods have one or two lake lots that have a ramp and dock that owners in the neighborhood can use.  So that deeded access to that lot is important.  

One other thing that has become important is access to high speed internet that is reliable.

Fred, if it is a residential lot within the borders of a municipality I would check with the city/town and see if there are any mowing liens against the property if you have an absentee lot owner.  Our neighboring City of Lafayette in the interests of saving time and money is only posting them in the county records every six months now. 

View

Environmental concerns

Flood map

Are there road maintenance agreements

Who has been using it for egress

fenced

distance from a hardware store lol as when building there will be many trips

You've covered the most important things. If only we could get everyone to include that info. What is required in MLS is dismal. 

Other things to include:

Highest and best use

what does it border

heavily treed or cleared

topography

what's nearby

HOA CCRCs and ARC standards

flood zone

creeks, streams, wetlands

have any permits already been pulled and when do they expire

county/town requirements

animals allowed?

Tiny Homes allowed?

size/acres?

Is the property Land Locked?