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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6841 N 15th Place Phoenix, AZ 85014

$575,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,125 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783194

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. THIS 3 BEDROOM 3 BATH HOME IS READY FOR YOUR PERSONAL TOUCHES. INTERIOR FRESHLY PAINTED, TILE IN ALL ROOMS EXCEPT ROOM OFF OF LAUNDRY, PROPERTY HAS GREAT VEIWS OF THE MOUNTAINS. LARGE FENCED BACKYARD WITH COVERED PATIO, STORAGE, AND MATURE TREES. CLOSE TO SHOPPING, DINING AND ENTERTAINING AS WELL AS EASY ACCESS TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

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18720 E Via Laguna -- Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,799 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6744613

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come enjoy resort style living in this sunny, turn key 3 bed/2 bath home nestled into a very quiet street in the active adult, golf community of Rio Verde. Incredible views of green fairways on Quail Run and the majestic Mazatzal Mountains from your very private North facing back patio. Plenty of room for outdoor entertaining on the extended, fenced in patio area. Wood burning fireplace to take the chill off a cool desert night. Eat in kitchen with separate dining area. Community lap and social pool, tennis and pickleball courts, billiards room, two clubhouse restaurants and our new community café/bodega next to the post office as a fun meet up place for breakfast and coffee. golf membership information upon request.

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39920 N River Bend Road Phoenix, AZ 85086

$575,000

5 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,168 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747304

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your search is over!! LEASE TO OWN OR SELLER FINANCING with 0% DOWN and NO BANK QUALIFING!! This Beautiful 4 bedroom + office and loft RECENTLY REMODELED home is available in the much sought after community of Anthem. The kitchen has all new stainless steel appliances and new quartz counter tops. The primary suite has a large walk in closet, spa like bathroom with dual sinks with new quartz countertops and fixtures. The other three spacious bedrooms have new plush carpet and paint. The backyard is fully landscaped in an easy maintenance desert theme including a beautiful large custom fireplace feature. This truly is a MUST SEE! (please see documents for a complete list of remodeled features and Seller Financing Details) The backyard is fully landscaped in an easy maintenance desert theme including a beautiful large custom fireplace. This truly is a MUST SEE! (please see documents for a complete list of remodeled features and Seller Financing Details)

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1411 N Overfield Road Casa Grande, AZ 85194

$575,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,000 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765465

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Home on approx 1/2 acre $575,000, Home with 1 acre pasture, $650,000 LOT SPLIT IN ESCROW Seller will provide water from well located on the adjacent property.

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3616 E Ludlow Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,426 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748475

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss out on this large corner lot home with a huge 33,000 gallon diving pool, pavers, synthetic grass, and a built in BBQ in the backyard. Inside you'll find a lovingly cared for, fully remodeled home with tons of upgrades including custom white shaker cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms. Kitchen has Quartz countertops, matching stainless steel appliances with stainless steel undermount sink. Barn door from dining room leads to a large laundry room with more than enough space to serve as a craft room or home office. Both bathrooms have beautifully tiled showers and entire home is tiled throughout for easy maintenance and upkeep. All doors and windows have been upgraded to dual pane for great energy efficiency. Great central location right off of the 51 and 101 Freeways.

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2930 W Laredo Lane Phoenix, AZ 85085

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,788 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784835

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Meticulously maintained home with extensive builder updates in a gated community. The owner selected timeless, soft-grey custom upgraded cabinetry (48'' in upper cabinets) with gorgeous granite and coordinating glass back splash, charming farm sink, range (ALSO PLUMBED FOR GAS) and stainless steel appliances. The open floor plan flows perfectly and has a living room/den positioned toward the front which is perfect flex space. Split master floorpan with a spacious walk-in closet, dual sinks and natural light. Upgraded flooring, window coverings, custom paint, crown molding. The backyard has a covered patio and artificial turf for the ultimate in low maintenance. Newest home in the subdivision and more current finishes. This home is spectacular.

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18997 N 74th Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$575,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,058 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754498

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your dream home in the serene Arrowhead neighborhood, where this stunning single-story gem awaits. With four spacious bedrooms and two elegantly upgraded bathrooms, this residence offers both comfort and style. The interior features hardwood floors and a gourmet kitchen with painted cabinets, a sleek stainless steel sink, and high-end stainless steel appliances with quartz countertops. Large windows throughout ensure abundant natural light. Step outside to your private oasis, complete with a newly resurfaced sparkling pool and meticulously landscaped gardens perfect for relaxation and entertaining. Additional upgrades include an epoxy-coated garage floor and a recently replaced water heater. Nestled near picturesque mountain trails for hiking and convenient shopping malls.

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23038 E Twilight Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,243 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763396

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your New Home in the prestigious master-planned lake community of Harvest Queen Creek! This beautiful property has over $40k in builder & seller upgrades! It features an open floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a versatile flex space perfect for a playroom, office, or teen retreat. The Great Room is highlighted by a builder-upgraded kitchen, complete with a gas range, an oversized island, and tasteful Roman shade window coverings. Modern light fixtures and ceiling fans add elegance and comfort throughout the space. Expansive 12-foot sliding doors open to an extended covered patio, overlooking one of the largest lots in Hacienda at Harvest, spanning 8,281 square feet. The Primary Suite offers privacy with a split-floor layout, featuring a spacious walk-in shower and a walk-in closet. Both secondary bedroom include walk-in closets and share a full bathroom. The home's exterior has an upgraded paver driveway, walkway, and entrance, leading to a 3-car tandem garage equipped with a commercial-grade, non-slip floor, backed by a lifetime warranty. As part of the Harvest community, you'll enjoy access to a variety of amenities, including a heated pool, children's playground, and scenic walking and biking paths around the catch & release lake. The home is within walking distance to Schnepf Elementary and is conveniently located near shopping, dining, and fun seasonal events. This property is a blank canvas, ready for you to transform into your dream indoor-outdoor oasis. Refrigerator, Washer, and Dryer are included! The Seller is willing to install rocks at backyard for the right Buyer.

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35314 N 31st Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85086

$575,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,258 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760137

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wow, beautiful 4 bedroom Tramonto home, Updated with granite counters, sinks and faucets. Large private rear yard. 2+ car garage with storage. Newer carpet and paint. Wait to you see the newly completed master bathroom remodeled. Total renovation with massive shower. Tramonto offers community pools, tennis parks and miles of walking trails. Easy walk to highly rated grade and middle school. Near shopping and restaurants . True sense of community. Area becoming a technology center with Taiwan Chip factory near by. Vacant and easy to show

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10910 E Oro Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$575,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,922 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766561

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the perfect retirement lifestyle in this inviting 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a den, located in a sought-after 55+ community in Mesa, AZ. Designed with comfort and ease in mind, this home offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere ideal for those looking to enjoy their retirement years. This active adult community boasts incredible amenities, including a 27-hole executive golf course, perfect for both seasoned players and those just looking to enjoy a leisurely game. You'll also have access to top-tier recreational facilities, with clubs and activities tailored to your interests—whether it's Pickleball, Tennis, or Softball, there's something for everyone. Enjoy a vibrant social life, meet new friends, and participate in a variety of clubs and programs that keep your retirement to the fullest. This is more than just a homeit's your gateway to a fulfilling and active retirement!

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20502 N Date Palm Way Surprise, AZ 85387

$575,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,266 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779625

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence, complete with a charming detached casita. This home has been well maintained, owned by original owners since its construction in 2004. Step inside the home to find a gourmet kitchen, featuring built-in wall ovens, a cozy breakfast nook, and a formal dining room. The spacious laundry offers cabinets for ample storage. You will love the 3 stall garage with cabinets. Located less than a mile from the Cimarron Clubhouse and Golf Course. The Grand has many amenities for residents to enjoy, including multiple pools, 4 golf courses, 2 clubhouses, tennis and pickleball courts, an indoor walking path, fishing lakes, and scenic biking and walking trails. Close to shopping, dining and Spring Training! Ask about the golf cart!

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5921 S Tobin -- Mesa, AZ 85212

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,832 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762561

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located within the thriving community of Encore at Eastmark, this 1832 sq. ft split floor plan with 3 bed, 2 bath, extended 2 car garage, and great room is immaculate! Beautiful upgrades include: extensive wood plank tile, grey cabinetry, granite countertops, eat-in kitchen with a large island, stainless steel appliances with a gas range, walk-in pantry, tiled master shower and more! The backyard is private with low maintenance landscaping, a covered patio connected to the paved and turf yard. The 55 plus community features a 15,000 sq. ft clubhouse with a state-of-the-art fitness center, cardio room, fitness and dance studio, classroom, arts and crafts studio, library, internet café, billiards area, and a resort style pool with spa.

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