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

9006 W Luke Avenue Glendale, AZ 85305

$559,500

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,725 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777178

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BEST HOUSE ON TOUR! Stunning, brand new on corner lot, lightly lived in, 4 bed/2 bath/2 car garage, fully furnished gem in the highly sought after StoneHaven community. Inside, feel the bright and welcoming atmosphere of the open concept, split floor plan. Everything in this house is brand new. Kitchen boasts a center island, granite countertops, deep/wide ss sink, gas stove, Frigidaire double doors top/freezer bottom refrig, W/I pantry, Whirlpool dishwasher and built in microwave. The LR has big screen TV, projector w/hide away screen and an electric fireplace. The primary suite has double sinks, granite countertops, W/I closet, W/I shower, private toilet and linen closets. Garage has a Nordic Track workout center, Echelon stationary bike, tankless Rheem hot water heater & is equipped w/EV charging plug. Full house sec syst included. Community offers a pool, walking/biking paths, parks, playgrounds etc. Minutes away from Westgate Entertainment Center, State Farm Stadium, shopping, restaurants etc.... This house is a must see; don't miss it. HAVE YOUR AGENT REACH OUT FOR INFORMATION ON $7500 IN PREFERRED LENDER CREDITS ON THIS HOME.

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7835 E Lakeview Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$559,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,946 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760616

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location, check; Views, check! 2 bed/2 bath golf home with 2023 roof located a short walk to the restaurant, Pro Shop and community amenities. Watch the golfers on Hole No. 1, wind down the day with views of community ponds, or sip coffee as the sun rises over the Superstition Mtns. The original owners created unique customizations including custom wood valences over several windows, built-in Mahogany china hutch in formal dining room, Mahogany shelving surrounding the family room's electric fireplace, oak plank flooring with accents, plantation shutters, unique attic feature, extended garage and many more. As you enter from the extended north-facing covered patio and through the stained-glass windowed front door, you're greeted by a vaulted living room which gives access to the central formal dining room with striking views of the golf course. The kitchen, which provides plenty of counter & cabinet space, is brightened from the south-facing golf course window. Entertain for any occasion, whether it's BBQing in the backyard, unwinding at the high-top table overlooking golf course, casual meal at the eat-in kitchen area, or a beautiful dinner in the formal dining room. The spacious primary bedroom with south-facing windows provides space for a king bed & multiple dressers including the private bathroom featuring dual sink vanity, private room with marble walk-in shower and stool as well as extra-large walk-in closet. Visiting guests will appreciate the privacy of the guest bedroom split from the primary bedroom and the guest bathroom featuring tub/shower combo is right next door. Just off the kitchen is the spacious laundry room featuring cabinets and counterspace for home office, craft or sewing room. The south-facing back covered patio features beautiful golf course views as well as the community ponds with color changing lighted water fountains. The extended double garage features cabinets and closet. Make this home your own and start enjoying the benefits of living on SVE's beautiful golf course. The saying there is something for everyone is true in this 55+ amenity-packed community. The community also has a public golf course, restaurant, pickleball courts, tennis courts, state-of-the-art gym, beautiful woodshop, library, computer club, stitcher's room, two swimming pools and a lap pool, two hot-tubs and Clubs for all interest and hobbies.

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9660 S Centennial Road Apache Junction, AZ 85120

New

$559,490

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,264 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786636

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Blossom Rock! The east valley's newest master planned community. With views of the Superstition Mountains and a wealth of amenities currently in the making including three community parks, dozens of neighborhood parks, a community school, miles of trails, beautiful lakes, and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces all meant to serve as the backdrop of the calendar of signature events and annual celebrations currently being created. A copy of the public report can be found on the AZ Dept of Real Estate's website.

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4069 W Nora Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

Open House

$559,465

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,762 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6723176

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful new build with no one behind you and views to the San Tan mountains. Gourmet kitchen layout, stainless steel appliances, 8' Interior doors.

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26191 S 228th Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$559,222

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,956 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6743326

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This home offers 1954 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, enclosed study, and 2 car garage. Professionally designed with gourmet kitchen includ GE appliances and refrigerator, upgraded plank tile flooring, and finishes through out. Our homes include 10 ft ceilings, 2x6 construction, and amazing warranty service. Make new friends in the highly desirable community of Harvest, offering 2 pools, catch and release fishing, parks, splash pads, and walking trails.

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28289 N 134th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

New

$559,179

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,821 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786784

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A soon to be complete single-story Copper with a Mid-Century Modern exterior elevation style. This 3-bedroom home plus a flex room offers 2 baths and a 2 car garage. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and stylish grey tone cabinetry and beautiful white quartz countertops. Throughout the home, find upgraded baseboards and wood-like tile. The home and community are at the base of a mountain and are near Vistancia. Home warranty included.

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12311 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$559,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,272 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782987

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

4 bedrooms and 3 baths, including one with private hallway and bath, perfect for family or guests. This high-end home stands apart in a class of its own with 10' ceilings, expansive living with an open concept and impressive windows that spill the beautiful Arizona sunshine onto the upgraded tile floors. The incredible Gourmet Kitchen has a classy look with shaker cabinets, gas cooktop with GE Stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, tiled backsplash and oversized islands gives you a culinary kitchen fit for a chef. The luxuries continue on the outside as the covered outdoor patio extends onto an oversized lot with tons of room for outdoor fun. The 16' slider opens to beautiful Arizona outdoor living. 2X6 CONSTRUCTION; EXTENDED NEW HOME WARRANTY.

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5752 N Luna Drive Eloy, AZ 85131

New

$559,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,009 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786684

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

. *This Designer Home* has just received special pricing to move fast! The home is complete and ready for an immediate move in, is one of our most popular floor plans. With a spacious Kitchen & raised height ceilings, you won't believe its only 2009sf; it is beautifully upgraded with well thought out finishing touches selected by our design team. Robson Ranch was voted one of the top 50 best master planned communities in the county by Where to Retire magazine. Robson Ranch is centrally located between Phoenix and Tucson and offers world-Class, resort-style amenities including: New Clubhouse w/Ballroom/Auditorium, Championship Golf, Heated Indoor and Outdoor Pools, 16 Pickleball Courts, Tennis, Fitness & Creative Arts Centers, Restaurant, Softball Fields, Dog Park & Much more.

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12406 W Cougar Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$559,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,864 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6701498

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the allure of this charming single-story sanctuary! Captivating front yard featuring a 2 car garage, enclosed patio, & manicures desert landscape with irrigation and accent lighting. Inside, the comfortable living/dining showcases bay windows. The spacious family room enjoys wood-look tile flooring, high ceilings, & arcadia door to the backyard, perfect for merging indoor & outdoor activities. End your gatherings in the centrally located formal dining room w/modern light fixtures. You'll love the meticulously designed kitchen that includes recessed lights, shaker cabinets, mosaic backsplash, granite counters, & skylights. Additional den, next to the family room, ideal for a game or crafting room. The bonus room can be used as a guest bedroom or office. The main bedroom boasts tile floors, bay windows, a sitting area, walk-in closet, & lavish ensuite. Be dazzled by the large outstanding backyard and enjoy the relaxing covered patio, extended seating areas, delightful landscaping, paver pathways, stone features, iron fencing & wonderful views of the 18th hole of Stardust Golf Course. This gem won't last for long!

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116 N 3rd Street Tombstone, AZ 85638

$559,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,404 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6746565

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

INVESTORS WELCOME!! THIS HOME HAS 3 - 1 BEDROOM UNITS FULLY FURNISHED FOR SHORT OR LONG TERM RENTAL OR PERSONAL LIVING PURPOSES. VERY COMFORTABLE RANCH STYLE HOME IN ''THE TOWN TOO TOUGH TO DIE''! QUIET STREET, WALK 3 BLOCKS TO ALL THE FUN IN ALLEN STREET! COVERED RV PARKING IS AN ADDITIONAL BONUS OR INCOME PRODUCING BENEFIT! OFF STREET PARKING AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS. WATCH THE BIRDS & ANIMAL PARADE JUST A STONE'S THROW FROM THE GORGEOUS GAZEBO WITH ''FIRE PIT/GRILL'' IN THE BACK YARD. LOWER LIVING SPACE COMES WITH ACCESS TO A MINE AND POSSIBLE GHOST.

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43154 N Outer Banks Drive Anthem, AZ 85086

$559,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,153 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753584

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this stunning Tuscan-style home, featuring 3 bedrooms plus a den and breathtaking mountain views. Designed with elegance and comfort in mind, this residence offers a formal living room and dining room, perfect for entertaining, while the spacious great-room provides a welcoming space for everyday family living. The home showcases luxurious travertine flooring throughout, complemented by granite countertops and a travertine and marble backsplash in the kitchen, creating a seamless blend of style and sophistication. You'll love the location of this home as it is close to dining, shopping and entertainment not to mention the community pools, parks and clubhouse that are waiting just for you.

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2417 W Gambit Trail Phoenix, AZ 85085

$559,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,045 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758138

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

AMAZING REMODELED HOME! MOVE IN TODAY! 4BD/2.5BA Brand New flooring throughout the entire home! Brand new, stainless steel appliances! New AC, New, fresh interior paint. Priced to Sell! This one won't last!

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