Looking to buy land in Texas? Our Texas Land Buyer’s Checklist is the perfect place to start so you don’t get overwhelmed! From understanding land options and assessing environmental factors to financing your purchase and verifying property titles, we cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision in the sought-after Texaplex region. We’ve been in the land development business for over 40 years, and it’s our mission to help others achieve their dream of land ownership and build a legacy.

How to Get Started

• Decide How You Will Use the Land: Will it serve as an investment opportunity, your future retirement haven, or a cherished legacy for generations to come?
• Understand Your Land Options: Not all land is the same. Categories include raw land, unimproved land, improved land, and acreage homesites within communities. Comprehensive knowledge of the associated risks and potential challenges is vital for making an informed land purchase decision.
• Location Matters: Identify emerging areas with growing demand. For instance, many individuals are relocating north of Houston, and the suburbs of Dallas/Fort Worth to escape urban congestion and cookie-cutter homes. Consider your accessibility to shopping, entertainment, and healthcare facilities in the vicinity.
• Know Your Budget: Determine the amount you’re willing to allocate for both the land purchase and your future home. This will help you establish your total “all-in” budget.
• Explore Wholesale & Pre-Developed Land: If you prioritize prime location and affordability for your investment, consider wholesale and pre-developed land options. *Expert Land Tip: Pre-developed land can often yield savings of $20,000 to $40,000 compared to properties within established communities.

What to Know When Buying Land in Texas:

• Unrestricted vs. Restricted land: This decision can significantly impact your land-buying experience. Keep in mind that unrestricted land in Texas allows neighbors to potentially use their land for anything. Ask if the property has any deed restrictions and parameters put in place to protect the value, or dictate how you can and cannot use the property.
• Consult with a Land Expert: Take a walk around all four corners of your property with a knowledgeable land expert. They can assist you in identifying plant species, assessing topography, and offering guidance on maximizing your land’s potential. Understanding what sets your dream property apart can be invaluable.
• Home Build Timelines and Requirements: Inquire about any mandatory building timelines before you acquire the land. There are often mandatory timelines within deed-restricted communities, along with building restrictions and guidelines. Think about minimum square footage, amount of structures per lot, architectural styles, etc.
• Consider Environmental Factors: Inquire about wetlands, soil composition, and other factors that could influence your property’s value and safety.
• Verify Property Title: Confirm if the property title is clear and free from liens, easements, and other encumbrances. *Expert Land Tip: Ensuring a clear property title is essential when purchasing land in Texas to establish legal ownership, prevent disputes, and simplify the buying process. For additional insights, consult our Texas Land Buyer’s Guide.

Financing Your Land Purchase

• Know Your Purchasing Power: To gauge your purchasing power effectively and have a financial plan aligned with your long-term goals, it’s advisable to engage with a lender. This conversation will help you explore monthly and down payment options, along with estimated closing costs for your targeted budget for your property. *Expert Land Tip: In Texas, expect down payments of 10% to 20% of the land cost, usually requiring 1% cash for closing expenses.
• Title Insurance: In Texas, title insurance protects you from ownership disputes and financial losses related to pre-existing problems. It’s a crucial safeguard for your property investment.
• Taxes Matter: Aim to minimize your tax burden. In Texas, consider land taxes, home taxes, MUD fees, and other exemptions that may be applicable to the specific area in which you are researching. *Expert Land Tip: Anytime you can avoid properties with a MUD tax, you are better off! These typically do not apply for the Homestead exemption and take YEARS to go down over the course of the growth of the community occupancy.

At Patten Properties, we prioritize due diligence, taking care of much of the leg work and costs associated with buying land to make the American dream of land ownership possible. In addition, we offer a variety of financing options that include special provisions for Veterans, meeting the Texas Veteran Land Board finance requirements, making land ownership a straightforward process.

Experience the difference of owning land in one of Patten Properties’ nature-inspired acreage communities. With sought-after locations, seasoned land experts, and no timeline to build, we’re here to guide you each step of the way. Take the first step towards making your dreams of land ownership a reality! Connect with us today at one of our Texas acreage communities below. We find the land. You make it home.

Republic Grand Ranch Texaplex – Houston, Texas area
The Estates of Texas Grand Ranch Texaplex – Houston, Texas area
Pecan Plantation Texaplex – Dallas/Fort Worth area