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Deciding to buy a lot

By Doug Francis

Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House

Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Anyone deciding to buy a lot to build a new home on really needs to consider some important factors which may seem daughting to a novice. If at the end of this article you decide this is the case, you may want to consider looking at some of the builder “spec” inventory that I see across Northern Virginia. Sorry folks, that “spec” inventory is going to start at $1.2 million.

Okay then, back to lot selection criteria.

You will need to put together a plan which should include a budget first and foremost. Then determine what type of house you want to build. You might want to stop reading right now, pick up a pencil (yes, designs change) and sketch it out… but please read on.

While you have that in mind, start a list of locations that will fit the bill. Are there other potential teardowns in a particular up and coming area? Some people want schools, and others want restaurants and coffee shops. What do you want your future lifestyle to look like?

Now that you have sketched out your design, what type of lot is going to fit that house plus give you room for… a yard, a vegetable garden, a swimming pool or a garage for your classic car collection? Do you want a flat lot or one with a slight incline? I ask because some people want a deck while others want a slate patio with a sitting wall or built-in gas grille.

The width of your lot is going to be an important factor too because you will need to be within county set back rules. And in some places like the Town of Vienna Virginia where I live, your house and driveway can only cover 25% of your lot. Keep that in mind too.

I think you’ll need a bigger lot

Who is going to build your dream house? That is going to be worth investigating now because you may find someone who already builds a floor plan close to what you want and using their existing plan can save you design fees. And the builder may tell you how big a lot is needed to fit your dream home. By the way, most builders like it when you already own the lot.

Deciding on a lot that doesn’t have public water or sewer is going to add to your expenses too. Remember that sewer systems still depend on gravity so they will need a proper pitch.

If you are looking at infill properties like where you will tear down an older house, you need to consider the sewer that is in the street. Your new sewer lateral really needs to go all the way out into the street to avoid a future issue. Plus, some basements can be too deep and require a sewage ejection pit/system. That’s a topic for another day.

One of the great unknowns is what lies beneath the soil. There could be a rock ledge, sandy soil or a spring (See “Mr. Blandings Builds his Dream House – 1948“). Anyway, you may want to watch that old film for some corny pointers.

There are many factors that go into lot selection and sometimes it comes down to simple things like exposure to the sun, but at the end of your project, I know that you want a house that exceeds that vision you have today.

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Fairfax County Virginia, Northern Virginia, real estate, Vienna Virginia

About Doug Francis

A seasoned Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug has seen consumer behavior, negotiations and communication styles change. At his original brokerage, he was the first agent to add an email address. Imagine! Outside real estate, he plays tennis, is a Washington Capitals fan, spends time with Skipper (his dog), and enjoys the restaurant scene in the DCA. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

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