Building a Home on Your Own Land or in a Community

Congratulations, you’ve decided to build a home. This is an exciting time. It comes with a wide variety of choices and decisions. Things such as:

• The architectural style home you like.
• One level or two levels.
• The number of rooms you need plus the general layout that compliments your lifestyle.
• And whether you’d like to purchase your own land to build on or if you would rather buy a lot in a developer’s community and build there.

One of the most helpful decisions you make first is reaching out to a Realtor® and allowing this professional to assist you through these broadview considerations to find the right lot.  

Location: Where would you like to live? This will depend on if you want neighbors nearby or if you prefer a bit of space. How far of a commute would you like to work? To schools? And to the places you frequent the most? Building in certain communities may have stylistic requirements and square footage requirements as well. Having a builder build a home for you on one of their community lots may be limiting as well (as far as design options, size, and customization). Of course, this all depends on the builder, neighborhood, etc.

Zoning: If this is your own land, is it zoned for residential? It’s crushing to find a beautiful lot only to learn the existing zoning doesn’t match how you would like to use the land. Perhaps you’ve found a lot in a developed community and would like to operate a small business from your home, are there any zoning restrictions that would make this tricky or prohibited? Your real estate agent can help you understand the zoning and foresee any hurdles that may apply to your building plans.

Lot Size and Privacy: How much space do you need? Think of things such your lifestyle and if you plan to entertain, have a pool, or other outdoor living space that impacts your lot size. Builder lots in communities may be more restrictive in comparison to building on your own lot. Builder lots in communities are probably smaller than building on your own lot too. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to own a few chickens and the land you’ve found doesn’t permit owning chickens. Consider if you want natural privacy barriers such as shrubs, trees, or a rock retaining wall to add an additional layer of privacy from the next-door neighbors.
 
Utilities: Will your land have access to existing utilities such as electric, water/sewer, natural gas for heating, internet/cable service, telephone service, etc.? Some lots are conveniently located near these utilities compared to other lots which may not have anything existing. There can be some additional expenses to bring these necessary utilities to your land. A builder community would likely already have utilities run to the area/house versus building on your own lot you may have run your own, including drilling for a well and possibly needing to add a septic tank, too.

As you work with your agent, you will be narrowing down what you want and it will be clearer whether purchasing land or purchasing a developer’s lot in a community is the best choice for you. I’m happy to be beside you each step of the way—helping to make building your own home a dream come true. Let’s talk soon.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers, and citywide was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020, #3 in 2021, and #2 in 2022. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.