Real Estate Investing: How to Find Great Deals on Undeveloped Lots with Big Potential

Purchasing a plot of land can be one of the best investments to make. A landowner has great (but not unlimited) freedom in how to develop their plot, and land never expires so its potential is essentially infinite. That said, buying undeveloped or vacant land can be risky business, so read on to find tips on purchasing a plot.

Do Your Homework: Before You Get Onto The Land

Before anything else happens, figure out your priorities. Decide what you want the land for, what amenities and what location you want, what you’re looking for in terms of neighbors or local government, and, of course, know your budget. More specific questions will arise around taxes, fees,and permits for building, available utilities/water access but, first, just start with your ideal land plot and work backwards (and into reality) from there.

Do Your Due Diligence: On The Land Itself

Once you find a plot that fits your needs on paper, get out onto it. Walk the land with an eye on the topography (any unexpected hills or valleys? Is the ground solid/fertile/arable, depending on what you need?), neighboring properties, size and shape of the plot, and any other element that the walk brings to your senses (smell and hearing as well as sight). Ideally, do this walk in the fall, so there is no foliage hiding your view of the property and what’s around it.

Don’t Despair: It’s Costly, But There Are Deals Out There

Remember that developing the land will incur costs too. Budget for as many foreseeable costs as you can, including a land survey, well/utility installation, legal fees, land clearing, landscaping, road construction and others. That said there are places you can look at for deals on the initial land purchase, including property lots for sale (which are cheaper the farther they are from major cities, road access, and already-connected utilities) or bank-owned plots. For those, you can talk to your real estate agent about asking local banks for lists of their foreclosed properties, which tend to be cheaper as banks look to sell them off.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask: Reaching Out To Experts

Finally, talk to people. Ask locals about the neighborhood, previous uses of the land, potential surprises (like calm paths that turn into snowmobile trails in the winter). Connect with professionals in the local health department, zoning and building departments, accountancy and other areas of development for in-depth answers to your municipal questions.

But remember: while you will need to talk with many professionals in your due diligence, let me be your first point of contact – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

1715 W Satinwood Drive Phoenix, AZ 85045

$640,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,904 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6721969

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to the desirable Ahwatukee Foothills Club West! Step into this beautifully upgraded 5 bedroom home that immediately feels inviting, functional and spacious. Bedroom and full bathroom downstairs. Three separate living spaces including formal, family room and loft area. Open kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, gas range, and large island. 4 generously sized bedrooms and convenient laundry room upstairs. Primary bedroom with large closet & beautiful walk-in shower. Newer Pergo waterproof laminate flooring throughout! Enjoy the refreshing play pool with Baja shelf & table/umbrella stand, surrounded by travertine tile. Misters, pergola and artificial turf are a plus!. Great schools including highly accredited Kyrene Altadena! Transferable HVAC maintenance plan.

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20293 N 83rd Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

Open House

$640,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,634 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779384

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this STUNNING , recently updated home that combines modern elegance with comfort! As you step inside, you'll immediately notice the fresh, neutral paint and beautiful new flooring throughout downstairs. The spacious layout features a welcoming living area enhanced by ceiling fans and abundant natural light. The heart of the home is the impressive kitchen, complete with a large island, new white cabinets, new counter tops, stainless appliances, perfect for entertaining or casual meals. Adjacent to the kitchen, the inviting loft space offers additional room for relaxation or play. Retreat to the luxurious master suite, which boasts dual sinks in the bathroom for added convenience and privacy. Step outside to the large covered back patio, an ideal spot for outdoor gatherings or pe or peaceful mornings. The sparkling pool is a fantastic addition, perfect for cooling off on hot days and enjoying the sunshine. Don't miss the chance to make this beautifully updated property your own! MUST SEE!!!

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20461 W Briarwood Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

Open House

$640,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,514 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771287

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this stunning 2,514 sq ft home in the heart of the Verrado. Built in 2017, this beautifully updated property offers 3 bedrooms, a den, and 2 bathrooms. The spacious, open-concept floor plan features a gourmet kitchen with an oversized island, white staggered cabinets, and plenty of space for entertaining. The home has new carpet, fresh paint, and a backyard with newly planted trees, making it feel brand new. Outside, enjoy your private heated pool and built-in spa, perfect for year-round relaxation. A 3-car garage and owner's entry with extra storage add to the home's functionality. Located near several parks and Verrado's community pool, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in one of Buckeye's most sought after neighborhoods.

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12733 W Banyan Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$639,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,890 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6759547

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your Sun City West 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom oasis! Are you looking for 2 master suites, golf course lot, split floorplan & a fully updated home? We got all that for you and more! Enjoy coming home and entertaining in your gorgeous kitchen with an oversized island that is open to your dining room & family room. Soft close cabinetry. Dual sided fireplace compliment living spaces and give a gorgeous focal point. Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout home. Bathrooms have fantastic upgrades including stunning tile, cabinetry & fixtures. 2 car garage with attached cabinets. New roof. Dual pane windows. Come see all the home & community have to offer!

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1438 W Coral Reef Drive Gilbert, AZ 85233

$639,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,289 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6726941

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

PREMIUM WATERFRONT W/EXPANSIVE LAKESIDE VIEWS! One of the best lots; wth extended & private dock to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, evening boat cruises or morning kayak trips, fishing too, and steps from the community pool! Inside, dramatic soaring ceilings greet you. Kitchen w/updated cabinets, , stainless-steel appliances, RO system. Convenient half bath downstairs and under-stair storage. Your oversized main suite features multiple upgrades & Balcony w/ Lake views 2 other upstairs bedrooms have balconies, PLUS loft Acts as a perfect bonus room. ,2 new HVAC, . Abundant community amenities & events. Bike to Downtown Gilbert. COME LIVE THE SWEET LIFE

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37565 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$639,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,240 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6699191

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to luxury, Maricopa! It's time we embrace the magnificence of new home construction previously seen in Scottsdale and the East Valley. Introducing the captivating Sedona floorplan, offering both a flexible activity room and a media room to suit your lifestyle. Your expansive gourmet kitchen is adorned with stacked cabinetry, buffet-style lowers, a gas cooktop, and double ovens. Retreat to your indulgent Ultra Spa Shower, entertain on the patio, or access your recreational gear from the THREE CAR GARAGE! Ready for immediate Move-In! ^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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18956 W Ocotillo Road Waddell, AZ 85355

$639,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,561 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739341

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's the very popular Cinnabar floor plan with 4 bedrooms + study, 3.5 baths and a 3 car tandem garage. Multi slide door off the great room. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. 8' gate on garage side of home. Kitchen upgrades includes - stainless steel gas appliance package with 30'' cooktop and canopy hood. Sonoma Linen-off white cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers. DT White Ice G238 granite countertop with enhanced kitchen island, undermount single bowl kitchen sink. Flooring includes 7x 24 plank tile in all areas of the home except beds/baths. 5'' baseboards throughout and 3 1/4'' door casings. Dual sink at bath 2, soft water loop, garage service door that leads out to the backyard and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!

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18938 W Ocotillo Road Waddell, AZ 85355

$639,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,561 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739870

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's the very popular Cinnabar with 4 bedrooms + study, formal dining, 2.5 baths. This home is stunning with a multi slide door off the great room that leads out to the covered patio. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Stainless steel gas appliance package with 30'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave and hood. Barnett maple Boulder-gray cabinets with 42 kitchen uppers. Pull out trash drawer with two bins. Stainless steel undermount single bowl sink. AZT Hana Sky quartz countertops in kitchen and owner's bath. Upgrade flooring includes DT Broxburn Gray 6x24 plank tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms and closets. 5'' baseboards and 3 1/4'' baseboards. Dual sinks at bath 2 and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!

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7593 W Smoketree Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$639,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767735

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new community in North Peoria! This stunning single story home offers 2,150 sq ft of functional living space. It features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, den, and a 3-car tandem garage. The open concept kitchen is perfect for entertaining and features a large Island, walk-in pantry and stainless steel appliances with gas range. It also offers our Timeless Palette which includes white painted 42'' cabinets, ivory quartz kitchen countertops, arctic white kitchen backsplash, and 6x24 wood looking plank tile in all the common areas. The great room offers a 4-panel center sliding glass door so you can step out into your covered patio to enjoy indoor/outdoor living in your backyard with friends and family. Great location close to dining, freeways, parks, and entertainment!

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37520 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$639,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,240 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6695735

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Rancho Mirage 23 offers new single-family luxury homes in the fast-growing city of Maricopa, with access to neighborhood parks, walking paths and a community fishing lake. This incredible single-story home features 3,240 square feet, a tandem 3-car garage and 10' ceilings. The kitchen is decked out with stacked cabinetry, gourmet appliances and quartz countertops. The split floorplan is perfect for a family with 3 of the bedrooms adjacent to the Activity Room. Ready for immediate move-in! ^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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37627 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$639,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,240 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6704039

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Introducing luxury living, Maricopa! Step into the allure of this Sedona floorplan, offering both a versatile activity room and a convenient home office. Your expansive gourmet kitchen boasts stacked cabinetry, buffet-style lowers, a gas cooktop, and double ovens for culinary perfection. Unwind in your luxurious freestanding tub, entertain on the patio, or store your belongings in the spacious THREE CAR GARAGE! Discover why K. Hovnanian stands as the epitome of Lasting Value in homebuilding. Don't miss your chance to move into this home now! Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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913 W Juanita Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85233

$639,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,232 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787659

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A wonderful family home in an extremely desirable Gilbert's Cooper Ranch family friendly neighborhood! The conveniences of Gilbert's excellent schools, restaurants, shopping, entertainment and access to freeways are unmatched and close by - Open, bright and light with tile throughout - Soaring ceilngs in the living areas - A private office/den downstairs - 4 Bed/3 BA/3 Car Garage - Large and private mature backyard with a patio - Landscaped, lush and green yards - Awesome curb appeal!

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