How to Buy the Right Lot

Here in Charleston one can find gorgeous lots aplenty, but choosing just the right one can be tricky, and it is important to keep in mind that there is more to the choice than simply framing one's favorite view! An article in Realtor Magazine highlights some of the key things to think about:

"Size.

The larger the lot the more it costs. Consider initial price, taxes, and even lawn care. From a purely investment point of view, architect and land planner Quincy Johnson says pick the smaller lot in a neighborhood of larger ones. All things equal, houses on small lots tend to appreciate more rapidly than small houses on larger lots in the same subdivision.

Orientation.

This can be a big deal for your energy bills. Facing the home in the correct way makes an enormous difference in heating and cooling costs.

Shape.

Sites come in many configurations – square, rectangular, irregular and pipe stem, or flag-shaped. Flag lots are increasingly popular near water or in a rural setting. But in a typical suburban location, they could mean sharing a driveway with one or more neighbors or the house could be sitting directly behind a neighbor’s house."

To read the full United Feature Syndicate article by Lew Sichelman: http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2007102204