How do you quickly evaluate if a lot is worth building on?

Question

When you first come across a lot, what are the main things you look at to decide quickly if it’s worth pursuing? Zoning, utilities, comps, layout; I’m sure everyone has their own checklist. Curious what your “quick filter” looks like before you spend more time digging in.

Brandi Williams · Answer

Utilities / jurisdiction / plat status, in that order.

GIS gets you utilities and zoning fast, like Iliya said. What it usually doesn't flag clearly is whether the lot sits in a city's ETJ — meaning subdivision and permitting rules apply even though it's technically outside city limits. That one's a phone call, not a map layer, and it changes your timeline and who you're dealing with for approvals.

Also check for a MUD or PID before you get attached. An assessment that runs with the land doesn't show up as a utility cost, it shows up as a tax line you didn't budget for 15 years out.

If those three come back clean, then I'll spend real time on layout and comps.

Iliya Muzychuk · Answer

Utilities / Location / ZoningI avoid land that is out of the city and doesn't have strong market fundamentals.Utilities could cost a fortune, sewer especially. Zoning always can have upside if you read it right. Always look at GIS for utilities and zoning, almost every big city right now has their public information available.

Brooke Adams · Answer

Makes sense- same general filter.

Utilities first. If sewer’s far or messy, I’m usually out unless the rest is really strong. Location is just about exit speed/liquidity. If it’s not a moving pocket, I don’t spend much time on it.Zoning is nice, but I don’t lean on it early. Too many deals look good there and don’t pencil in reality. GIS is usually enough for a first pass, most of it gets cut pretty quick there anyway.

How do you quickly evaluate if a lot is worth building on?

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