By Brandon Mickens, LandHub
For many buyers, getting that dream home doesn’t just mean house hunting—they’re in the market for land! In part II of our special series, guest contributor Brandon Mickens offers buyers suggestions on how to find affordable land and reasons why some premiums are worth the investment.
Tips for Finding Affordable Land in California
Below are some tips to help you secure the best California land deal:
1. Check Multiple Listing Services and Specific Keyword Phrases in Your Searches. Stick to websites that specialize in land listings across California. Google keywords such as “California land,” or “undeveloped California land” when performing searches.
2. Explore Areas of Local Land Listings. There’s nothing, like exploring the locations of listings that catch your interest. That way, you can further check out details such as road accessibility, utility availability, cell signal strength, terrain features and neighboring properties. Additionally you can see if the area is currently going through a stage of development. You can also anticipate or project future price increases.
3. Master the Art of Negotiation. Embrace the art of negotiation. especially when dealing with sellers who have had their property on the market for a while. Don’t hesitate to inquire about their willingness to entertain a lower asking price. It’s essential to have a price in mind based on comparable land sales in the surrounding area.
4. Take Immediate Action. Many land opportunities tend to vanish swiftly. If you come across an opportunity, be prepared to act quickly, especially when dealing with private sellers. Make sure that you have proof of funds or a preapproval letter from your lender in hand.
Reasons to Invest in California Land
The allure of California’s Mediterranean-like climate, captivating landscapes and thriving economy are just a few of the reasons that make owning land in the Golden State highly desirable. Below are some more of the benefits of acquiring land in California.
Increasing Value: Over the past few decades, land values in California have consistently exceeded national averages. With the growing population and diminishing availability of land. property values are expected to rise. By purchasing land in California, you can expect substantial returns on your investment over time.
Recreational Opportunities: California offers recreational possibilities ranging from the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains to the sun-soaked beaches of Southern California. Acquiring land in the state allows you to enjoy access to activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, or surfing – all within your own backyard.
Lifestyle: California’s relaxed atmosphere and ideal weather attract individuals from around the globe. So, investing in land within this state means embracing California’s laid back lifestyle. Spend your weekends exploring the countryside, indulging in Napa Valley wine, or simply basking in the bright and welcoming sun.
Business Potential: Having ownership of land in a rapidly growing state like California opens up avenues for residential or commercial development. As urban areas expand, your land can become a site for constructing homes, businesses or mixed use communities.
Moreover, you might discover plots of land in up-and-coming regions—regions that hold the potential for future development. These areas could become sought-after locations in the coming years. The state’s enduring popularity and strong economy make it a wise choice for purchasing land – especially now.
Now that you’re armed with insider knowledge, you can embark on a quest to find your own unique parcel of land in California. Begin by browsing online to explore your options. Then narrow down your choices. With patience and determination, you can discover that slice of paradise that you can claim as your own.
In addition to LandHub, CaliforniaListings.com is a great resource for available land parcels. Experts agents including Chris Cortazzo, Michelle Nishide, Ivan Estrada and Fred Evans all hold current land listings across the Southland, while Placer County expert Bobby Graves can help buyers find property up in NorCal. Head to their respective profiles for more—and be sure to catch part III of our land series on July 26.
About the author: Brandon Mickens works with LandHub. He has been involved with buying and selling land for the past 15 years and now wants to share his knowledge and experience with others.