In order to insure your lot location is ideal, there are some things to consider, and some questions to ask yourself:

 Do you want to live in a subdivision or planned development? Or would you prefer a unique, one-of-a-kind lot to build on?

 Do you want a large lot, or a small lot?

 Do you need a lot that will support a basement, slab, or crawlspace?

 What are the soil conditions and topography?

 How will you be spending your time when living in this home? (Are you retired, have small children, etc.)

 What kind of location do you need to support your lifestyle and the lifestyle of your family?

 How near to conveniences do you want to be? (These include shopping centers, hospitals, public transportation, recreational facilities, etc.)

 What school district would you prefer to be in?

 What are the crime rates in the areas you are looking? (Nothing kills resale value faster than moving in next door to a register pedophile, so check that kind of stuff out.)

 What kind of views do you want?

You might be asking how some of these questions are going to benefit you. So, let's look at why these questions are important. The first one is really key because if you buy a lot in a planned subdivision there are going to be some building covenants you will have to contend with. So, you basically need to ensure that the covenants allow you to build the home you want, when you want. Also, if you build in a planned development you are going to want to make sure your home is not much more valuable than the homes around you. This will really affect resale value. If all the homes around you are valued at 15 to 20% below the value of your home, you are not going to be in the type of neighborhood that attracts the buyer you want.

Isn't a bigger lot always better? Well, that is a matter of opinion. Many people enjoy the bigger lots because it allows for more yard space, and means that you don't have to be too careful about setbacks etc. A bigger lot means more money spent on the yard, more work to maintain the yard, which inevitably means more time. A smaller lot may cost less and involve significantly less maintenance.

Soil conditions affect a lot of things, for example, they determine if a drain field can be built, how easy or difficult excavation is going to be, whether or not you have good top soil for your landscaping, and if the drainage off your lot is going to be good, or take a lot of work. Topography is important as well. Generally a flat lot or one with a slight slope is best. You want to make sure that there is not a stream too close by as it makes setbacks in some areas prohibitive. Also, if you have a steep lot, or your topography is very uneven that makes things expensive and makes it difficult to build.

Most of the other questions are preference oriented, but that does not make them any less important. Start taking notes about what aspects of location are most important to you, and don't just let the price of the lot be your deciding factor on location. If you have your heart set on a rural setting, don't go for an urban lot. If the lot location does not fit your ideals, you won't enjoy your dream house nearly as much.

Saving money by buying a less desirable lot does not really save you anything. Curb appeal can affect the value of the home by up to 25%, so spend a little more for a better location and you will never regret it. Unless you want to live in the house forever, you will be able to sell faster, and for a higher price if you consider location. Also, in order to know what size of lot you need, and what type of neighborhood you want to build in (so homes around you are of comparable value), you need to know what type of home you are building.

Figure out what size of house you need, before you go lot shopping. You will then look for lots that fit your specifications, and are in the areas you want to live in.