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Are you tired of searching up and down for the perfect property? Want to build your dream home from the ground up? Here’s how to find the best land for sale in New Braunfels, along with some beautiful plots on the market right now!
Sit down with a builder – Your first step is to sit down with the builder of your choice. Go through floor plans, customize a design and add in any features and elements your family needs or is longing to have. Be sure to include any porches, decks, or even pools you're interested in. Next, you'll get a price estimate. Make sure the builder includes all labor costs in this quote, along with any preparation they must do to the land before beginning the build. You may need to shop around before you get a number you like, but don’t be on the lookout for the absolute lowest price. You want to make sure to use a reputable builder. If you don’t, you could end up with lots of repairs and maintenance down the road due to shoddy workmanship. That means more money and more hassle!
Determine your budget – Next, you’ll need to determine your overall budget – the maximum amount your family can spend on your home, land included. Now keep in mind: some of this will be paid using a loan. Typically, you’ll purchase your land outright, and then take out a construction loan to finance the build. Next, you’ll get a traditional mortgage loan to pay off the remaining amount once it’s built. Your best bet is to sit down with a lender and determine what financing solution will work best for your situation, as it can vary greatly. Just be sure to come to the table with the total amount you can spend now (think of it like your down payment,) as well as how much you can afford to pay each month, after taking into account any debts or other expenses you will have.
Figure out what your land should look like – Do you want panoramic views of Hill Country? Are youonging for lake or river access? Want a large estate with lots of woods to explore? Sit down with your family and figure out what your priorities are land-wise. Be sure to think about foliage, size of the lot, water features and your family’s level of physical activity and interests. You may even want to consider any maintenance costs that may be associated with the land. Things like landscaping, gardening and tree trimming don’t come cheap. And these costs, as well as all other needs your family has, should play a role in what sort of land you purchase for your future home.
Think about location – After you think about your land’s features, think about the location of the land. Sure, you know you want to live in New Braunfels, but where exactly in New Braunfels? Along the river? In the Gruene historical district? In a more suburban neighborhood? You’ll also want to consider proximity to things you’ll. How close do you want to be to schools, restaurants, hospitals and shops? What about your morning commute? Do you need to be closer to San Antonio to make your morning drive more tolerable? Write these all down and let them guide your land choice. You’re going to live there for (ideally) a very long time. You want to be sure you’re choosing the absolute best location for your family’s needs.
Find someone who knows the area – Even if you live in New Braunfels, you probably still don’t have enough local know-how to find the best land, at the best price in the best location. You’ll want to contact an experienced local realtor to help you out with this step. They’ll know the up-and-coming areas, where the best schools and local amenities are, and more.1.jpg)
Look for good listings – Your realtor will get to work as soon as they’re hired, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep looking for great listings on your own, too! Comb local newspapers and Green Sheets for lots for sale, and check with local real estate agencies for land listings they may have online. You can also just hop in the car and drive around. Sometimes landowners will simply put up a “land for sale” sign in areas that are available – especially in new neighborhoods or subdivisions they’re looking to develop. Don’t forget to talk to friends and family in the area, too. In Hill Country, everyone’s got a plot of land. You never know when someone might be selling theirs (or know someone who is!).
Check out lots in person – Sometimes, even properties hand-picked by your realtor don’t work out. The pictures are inaccurate, there are unwanted land features you just can’t cope with, or the surrounding area isn’t all you’d hoped it’d be. You never know until you visit a property in person. Always make it a point to visit any lot you’re seriously considering purchasing. Bring the whole family out, walk it, explore it, or even bring out your building contractor and see if it fits well with your desired design. Do everything you can to make sure it’s the perfect spot before moving forward with the sale. You don’t want to get halfway through the build only to discover it won’t fit the bill. What a disaster!
Want to look at land for sale in New Braunfels to build your family’s dream home? Contact an agent at Keller Williams New Braunfels today. Our expert realtors can help you find the perfect property at the perfect price. We’ll even help you tour it!
