Owning land has been a dream of many people. I often receive calls asking about a specific parcel I have advertised. I ask the following questions to learn how to best help them find the property they are looking for, and assist them in purchasing it.

1. What are your plans for the land: are you thinking of building a home, having a garden, growing grapes, raising animals, or using it for recreation, etc.?
2. Have you thought about areas in the county you would like to know more about or live in?
3. What are the key features you are looking for on the land? View, seclusion, existing paved or gravel access, power, water features, springs, developed water, creeks, rock outcrops, redwood trees, oak trees, fir trees, range land, level or hill land, etc.
4. Location:  How far would you consider driving to the nearest town, a major city, school, hospital?
5. What is the maximum amount you want to spend?
6. Will you need financing?
7. How much of a down payment will you have to invest?
8. Have you been pre-qualified by a lender?
9. Will you need owner financing?

If the buyer does not have a lender, I recommend a few lenders. Submitting an offer from a buyer who has been pre-qualified by a lender will often make the difference in having the offer accepted.

This is the beginning of the process when a buyer is ready to work with an agent.

My next blog will be “How to find the right agent.”

Cindy Lindgren, The Mendocino County Landlady

