Before You Buy Land, Start With These Five Checks
A beautiful parcel is only the beginning. Before committing to a purchase, create a clear record of what you want to do with the land, what you know, and what still needs a qualified answer.
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By RealtyListingCo · Published September 20, 2026
A beautiful parcel is only the beginning. Before committing to a purchase, create a clear record of what you want to do with the land, what you know, and what still needs a qualified answer.
- Write down your intended useA home, a small farm and a weekend retreat can raise different questions.
- Identify the parcel and the people to askRecord the parcel number and jurisdiction.
- Investigate access and boundariesAsk a title professional or attorney to review recorded access rights and restrictions.
- Ask about water, wastewater and servicesContact the service providers for site-specific information and written estimates.
- Make a list of unanswered questionsFor each missing answer, record who will investigate it and the actual deadline in your agreement.
§ 1 Step 1 of 5Write down your intended use
A home, a small farm and a weekend retreat can raise different questions. Describe your plans clearly, including buildings, access and water needs. Use the same description when you speak with the planning office, lender and other professionals.
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§ 2 Step 2 of 5Identify the parcel and the people to ask
Record the parcel number and jurisdiction. Find the relevant planning, health and road offices. Keep each contact, answer and date together. A listing description is a starting point for questions; request the records behind important claims.
§ 3 Step 3 of 5Investigate access and boundaries
Ask a title professional or attorney to review recorded access rights and restrictions. Discuss survey needs with a licensed surveyor. A visible track or a fence line does not, by itself, resolve the legal or boundary questions.
§ 4 Step 4 of 5Ask about water, wastewater and services
Contact the service providers for site-specific information and written estimates. If the property needs a septic system, ask the local permitting authority what evaluations and approvals apply. Keep preliminary feasibility information separate from final approvals.
Three ways to take this step
Pick the level of help that suits you. You can start free and move up later.
Do it yourself
Price it with a free planner
Add up well, septic, power and road costs before you make an offer, using your own quotes.
Do it with a workbook
Rural Well, Septic and Utility Review Workbook
Keep service records, existing-system questions and professional findings together during the purchase.
Take it to a professional
Know who to call and what to ask
Site-specific answers come from local offices and licensed professionals:
- County health department (septic permits)
- A licensed well driller
- The electric and water utilities
Choose qualified professionals familiar with the property and local requirements.
§ 5 Step 5 of 5Make a list of unanswered questions
For each missing answer, record who will investigate it and the actual deadline in your agreement. Ask your transaction professional what to do if important information is still missing. Avoid turning an unknown into an assumption just to keep a purchase moving.
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Choose the property and the check you are worried about. You'll get the questions to ask, who usually answers each one and the documents to request, ready to bring to your agent or attorney.
Your questions
Tick each one off as you get a written answer. Checks are saved in this browser; copy or print your list to keep a separate record.
| Question | Usually answered by |
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Educational checklist, not legal advice. It does not write contract terms; contingency wording and deadlines belong with your agent or a real estate attorney in your state.
A simple place to begin.
Keep this list with your notes.
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Appendix B · Sources & further reading
- AgWest Farm Credit land buying checklist ↗. . www.agwestfc.com
- EPA septic system questions ↗. . www.epa.gov
Your next step depends on your situation
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- All 5 steps in a printable layout
- The first-step checklist
- Sources and the professional-advice disclaimer
Raw Land True Cost Calculator
Explore an illustrative estimate alongside the questions in this guide.
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A Road to the Parcel Is Not the Whole Access Answer
Organize the records and questions that help a title professional, attorney and surveyor review access to a parcel.
Read the guide →Buying Land With Unanswered Well and Septic Questions
Separate available records, site evaluations and approvals so early information is not mistaken for a final answer.
Read the guide →The Land Price Is Only One Part of the Budget
Bring separate provider estimates into one planning record without treating unknown costs as zero or assuming financing is available.
Read the guide →Can You Use the Land the Way You Want?
Turn a vague plan for a parcel into specific zoning and restriction questions before committing to a purchase.
Read the guide →A Dry Site Visit Does Not Answer Every Flood-Risk Question
Use flood information to prepare local questions before relying on a parcel’s appearance or a listing description.
Read the guide →Will Reliable Internet Reach Your Rural Property?
Compare what providers can actually install at a particular parcel before relying on an advertised coverage area.
Read the guide →Put the guide into practice Explore Land & Acreage resources →
Land and Acreage Buyer Due Diligence WorkbookSee current formatsView details →
Land Zoning Access and Easement Questions WorkbookSee current formatsView details →
Rural Well Septic and Utility Review WorkbookSee current formatsView details →
Land Financing and Site Cost Questions WorkbookSee current formatsView details →A note on professional advice. Real estate laws, property ownership and title requirements, and tax implications vary significantly by state, county and municipality. These educational materials provide a general framework for discussion and preparation only; they do not constitute legal, financial or tax advice. Before signing agreements, transferring property or making decisions with legal, financial or tax consequences, consult appropriately qualified professionals in the jurisdiction where the property is located. Read our full Educational Disclaimer.
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