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

21816 E Saddle Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$629,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,500 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6708893

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The single-story Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a multi-sliding glass door in the great room, cozy breakfast nook, a large gourmet kitchen and a 2-car garage. The primary suite is adjacent, and boasts a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with a large walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms flank a full bath, and the nearby study.

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21881 E Saddle Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$629,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,500 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731553

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The single-story Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a great room with a multi-sliding glass door, a breakfast nook, a large gourmet kitchen and a 2-car garage. The primary suite is adjacent, and boasts a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with a large walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms flank a full bath, and the nearby study.

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23997 N 172nd Avenue Surprise, AZ 85387

$629,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,734 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6732038

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Estates at Asante, a beautiful community with surrounding views to enjoy! This community offers single story homes with floor plans you will love, like our beautiful Julia plan! This home sits on an oversized, cul de sac, corner lot with mountain views. Once you walk inside the Julia, the extended entry leads to an expansive gourmet kitchen with an extended Quartz center island and 42'' cabinets; a large Butlers Pantry with a wetbar, breakfast nook and great room with a 15ft center meet slider, for indoor and outdoor entertaining. In addition, there is a formal dining room with adjacent covered courtyard off to the side of the home accessible by the center meet doors! This home is set up with 3 bedrooms, 2 and half bathrooms, 3 car garage with additional storage. Welcome to the home of your dreams!

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25388 N 76th Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$629,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6704857

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. It also offers our Coastal Design Palette which includes Fairview White Painted 42'' Cabinets, Crisp Stria Quartz kitchen countertops, Zelige Cielo 4x4 kitchen backsplash, and 6x36 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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22884 E Lords Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$629,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,111 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6726730

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step into this delightful quick move-in home, featuring our Daisy floorplan with 3111 sqft, boasting 4 bedrooms, a den, a loft, and 3.5 bathrooms. The Daisy floorplan offers a spacious kitchen with a large island, pantry, and expansive dining and great room areas, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying quality family time. Embrace the elegance of our fine finishes, featuring 6 x 24 plank tile floors in the main living areas, plush carpeting in the bedrooms, stylish 42'''' gray shaker upper cabinets with sleek Black Bronze hardware, and stunning quartz kitchen countertops paired with a white 4 x 16 tile backsplash. The kitchen comes fully equipped with stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and white washer and dryer. Additionally, the kitchen is pre-wired for pendant lighting, allowing for easy customization, and features a painted grade mission railing and soft water loop. This home is truly a gem, with 8' doors throughout, a 4-panel slider in the great room, and a mission stair railing adding to its allure. It's just waiting for your personal touch to make it complete. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! Begin your journey to owning your dream home at Madera!

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2434 W Rowel Road Phoenix, AZ 85085

$629,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,964 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755330

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your NEW HOME at Aster in Union Park! This home offers 1,964 sq ft of living space with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. The primary bedroom has dual walk-in closets and a private deck. The Design features are the Elevated A package of upgrades including 42'' flagstone cabinets, quartz countertop, custom backsplash, large island, stainless steel gas range and tile flooring. HOA includes Union Park Amenities, front yard landscaping & maintenance along with concierge trash pickup. Union Park residents will enjoy the abundance of amenities that include, resort styled pool and lounge areas, a 5800 sq ft clubhouse, pickleball courts, basketball courts, 11 parks, playgrounds and walking paths. Easy access to 3 freeways within 10 minutes and 25 minutes to Airport.

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11506 E Utah Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$629,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,615 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728747

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to the Garnet at Destination at Gateway in Mesa, Arizona. This stunning single-story home boasts 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a den. With 10-foot ceilings and 8-foot doors, the space feels open and inviting. The gourmet kitchen features GE stainless steel appliances, a 36-inch gas cooktop, built-in wall oven and microwave, shaker cabinets with hardware, quartz countertops, and a tile backsplash. Enjoy 6x36'' wood-look tile in the main areas and upgraded carpet elsewhere. A 4-panel sliding glass door connects the great room to a covered patio. The primary bathroom includes a separate shower, soaking tub, dual sinks, and vanity. Bathrooms have upgraded vanity lighting with matte black faucets and fixtures.

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23043 E Lords Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$629,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,568 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757137

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new phase!. Our beautiful Juniper plan is conveniently located to all that Queen Creek has to offer. Minutes from the brand new Costco, Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek Market Place and the Queen Creek Olive Mill. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

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7444 W Quail Track Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

Open House

$629,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,989 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755375

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ahh the smell of new-October completion! Experience the charm of Aloravita, nestled within the scenic mountains of Peoria. This community boasts breathtaking views and is conveniently located minutes away from shopping, dining, hiking trails and more! Our popular 'Amherst' floorplan features 3 full bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 Car-Garage and a private yard with views! Designer selected finish includes White Cabinetry, Quartz Kitchen Countertops, Wood Like Tile Throughout, and Plush Carpet in all the bedrooms. This beautiful home will have it all including 8' doors, Gourmet Gas Kitchen, Smudge Proof Stainless Steel Appliances, Blinds, Pre-Plumb for Soft Water, and Smart Home Technology. Photos of similar spec home to show layout, options may vary**

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27476 N 125th Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$629,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,885 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765803

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in Trilogy at Vistancia, Peoria's premier 55+ community. Situated on a professionally desert-landscaped 14,205 sq ft corner lot, the home has been meticulously maintained and highly upgraded. Upon entry, you'll be welcomed into an open kitchen and great room featuring freshly painted cabinets, custom epoxy countertops, an oversized island, a pantry, a stainless-steel appliance package, and a wine fridge. The family and dining rooms showcase modern light fixtures, a fireplace, built-in surround sound, and large windows that provide plenty of natural light. The split floor plan includes an oversized den, perfect for a home office or man cave, and the primary suite, complete with a spacious walk-in closet, dual sinks, a walk-in tile shower... ...and a private toilet closet. Additional features and upgrades include a private patio with a water feature, interior laundry, a heated and cooled garage with LED lighting and custom storage shelves, a tankless water heater, and a 3-zone wireless Honeywell HVAC control system. Reach out for the full list of upgrades. This home has so much more to offerdon't miss your opportunity to own this gem! Get your private tour today and experience it for yourself.

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16111 E Kingstree Boulevard Unit 3 Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$629,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,139 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761289

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover a rare fully-renovated gem in the heart of Fountain Hills! This stunning single-level, end-unit patio home is part of an exclusive enclave with only six units, offering a serene and private living experience. With breathtaking mountain views, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom property combines luxury with tranquility. Enter through a private courtyard into an expansive great room featuring a cozy fireplace, perfect for relaxing evenings. The formal dining room seamlessly flows to both the back and side patios through elegant sliding doors, ideal for indoor-outdoor living. The split floor plan provides privacy for the spacious master suite, which boasts a spa-like bath with a double-sink vanity, separate tub and shower, a large walk-in closet, and direct access to your private enclosed backyard oasis. Enjoy the community amenities, including a relaxing hot tub and pool, surrounded by the natural beauty of Fountain Hills. This vibrant community offers something for everyone, from the iconic Fountain and the winter concert series in the park to scenic walking trails, a farmers market, and dining options that will delight your family and guests. Experience the perfect blend of luxury and lifestyle in this meticulously remodeled home. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity!

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18228 N 60th Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$629,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,362 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6778436

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

***RARE FIND*** RV Garage with LIFT Plus a 3 Car Garage, Large Lot, Pool & NO HOA!!! Don't miss out on this fantastic tri-level home with excellent location at Sunset Vista! Showcasing great curb appeal, RV gate, and a no-fuss landscape. PLUS! A detached RV garage with a lift and split AC unit! The interior boasts vaulted ceilings, wood-look floors, carpet in the right places, and plantation shutters. Discover bright living and dining rooms. Continue into the impeccable kitchen to find track lighting, ample wood cabinets, tile backsplash, granite counters, SS appliances, and an island. The lovely breakfast room overlooks the spacious family room, outfitted with a wood burning fireplace, wet bar, and backyard access, promoting easy entertaining. The owner's suite has a lavish ensuite featuring high-end details, including a granite vanity, freestanding tub, and a walk-in shower with a double wall-mounted shower panel. Outside, the side yard hosts a workshop with epoxy floor. The backyard offers a cozy covered deck, multiple covered patios, fire pit, artificial lawn, a fenced pool with grotto/waterfall, and a hot tub under the pergola. This beauty has it all! Run, don't walk to see this gem!

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