rehab or enhancement on empty land, in a wooded area,

Member since 2023 · 111 posts · 35 votes

Hello! I'm looking for advice and experience on fixing and flipping empty land. What rehab or enhancement can be done to increase its value quickly? Thank you for any tips or insights you can share!

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Andrew W.Pro Member

Investor · CT · Member since 2023 · 30 posts · 9 votes

Depending on the location of the land and local building requirements there are some things that you might benefit from doing, although they likely wouldn't significantly increase the value. I live in CT and many of the properties do not have public water or sewer. Here, you could potentially increase value by performing the required testing (soil, percolation, deep hole, wetlands, etc.). You could also get the property approved for septic and well. This allows a potential developer to acquire and build relatively quickly or at least know up front what they can do with the property. I have also seen land where the owner has developed plans and gotten approval for building whatever the property is zoned for. This allows a small developer to step into a development that is shovel ready. Depending on the location and zoning, there may be things that you could do from a zoning perspective. From your picture, this probably wouldn't be applicable, but I am referring to changing zoning approval for example from single family to multi-family, commercial to mixed use, etc. Personally, I don't think clearing adds much value as this is relatively cheap and easy to do so the increase in value would be minimal.

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David Ramirez
Investor · Tampa, FL · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
2y
It depends on the area and what the small developers are looking for. I've never flipped empty land, but I do have friends who focus only on new constructions. They prefer to acquire land with utilities already in place and find that having it cleared also adds value.
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Edgar U.
Real Estate Agent · VA · Member since 2008 · 420 posts · 175 votes
2y
I don't do any rehabs or enhancement to my empty wooded land flips.
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Jack Schwartz
OP
Member since 2023 · 111 posts · 35 votes
2y
Thanks, Edgar,
Why Wouldn't enhancing the land, possibly by staging the curbside and enhancing its visual appeal, make it more enticing to potential buyers?
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Henry ClarkPro Member
Developer · Member since 2020 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
2y
Use the lookup on our post. Silver Spring Subdivision.
people like:
walkout basement potential
Trees
Boulders
Water
Views.
Leave as many existing trees as possible. You might rent a skidsteer mower and mow the weeds and brush to make the property look cleaner.
If the property is big enough split.

If you have pictures show here.
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Jack Schwartz
OP
Member since 2023 · 111 posts · 35 votes
2y
Here you go, this is one of my properties, that I want to sell as is, or partner up with an investor,
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Edgar U.
Real Estate Agent · VA · Member since 2008 · 420 posts · 175 votes
2y
@Jack Schwartz, I wouldn't do anything to make it more enticing to sell on this. However, look into the utility easement and find out how much of it is on your land. I sell land like this all day everyday, and will just keep it as is. If you want to cut the grass, totally up to you but that wouldn't deter buyers as much as the electrical easement I see on the pictures.
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Andrew W.Pro Member
Investor · CT · Member since 2023 · 30 posts · 9 votes
2y
Depending on the location of the land and local building requirements there are some things that you might benefit from doing, although they likely wouldn't significantly increase the value. I live in CT and many of the properties do not have public water or sewer. Here, you could potentially increase value by performing the required testing (soil, percolation, deep hole, wetlands, etc.). You could also get the property approved for septic and well. This allows a potential developer to acquire and build relatively quickly or at least know up front what they can do with the property. I have also seen land where the owner has developed plans and gotten approval for building whatever the property is zoned for. This allows a small developer to step into a development that is shovel ready. Depending on the location and zoning, there may be things that you could do from a zoning perspective. From your picture, this probably wouldn't be applicable, but I am referring to changing zoning approval for example from single family to multi-family, commercial to mixed use, etc. Personally, I don't think clearing adds much value as this is relatively cheap and easy to do so the increase in value would be minimal.
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Jack Schwartz
OP
Member since 2023 · 111 posts · 35 votes
2y
Yes, You're right, There is a utility easement in place that does not allow you to build within the easement zone, but there are 4 acres free of easement to build according to town code,
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Edgar U.
Real Estate Agent · VA · Member since 2008 · 420 posts · 175 votes
2y
I like it, as others have mentioend many ways to improve on it. I wouldn't do anything to it though, I've sold land much "uglier" then this without doing anything to it. Let me know if you need any help!
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Jack Schwartz
OP
Member since 2023 · 111 posts · 35 votes
2y
Thanks, Andrew, for your excellent input, Your insights have got me thinking about the potential of this property. (Since there is a beautiful gated development right across the street) I agree that conducting soil testing would be a wise decision to ensure the property's suitability for development. Furthermore, Investing in engineering plans and securing necessary approvals for shovel-ready construction will skyrocket its value. as the zoning code allows multi-family, commercial, and mixed-use developments, and more, making it a unique opportunity in the neighborhood.

I would love for someone interested in purchasing this property, with the vision to develop it, and I would have the opportunity to serve as a managing partner in the project.

Best regards,
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