[Gary in ohio]

Want to buy land but have no idea what questions to ask of realtor and/or owner-seller. Anyone have guidelines on what to ask when making this type of purchase?

What do I look for in the soil? Is there good or bad soil?

Have it tested.

Some "land for sale" ads state that the land is is 'ideal for hunter'. Does that mean it is not ideal for living?

Usually this indicates there is lots of woods and you would have to clear it for living. May also mean there is not mineral or water rights.

What does "power at road" mean? If "power is at road" how is it accessed? What should I ask about septic? Heating? Water? Sewer?

Power is nearby, You have get it to your lot. If your buying land, there is most likely no septic. You have to ask, Can you even get an approved well or septic system. This will need to be valided with the local agency. Dont accept anyone elses word. There was a local parcel of land that a house was built on but they didnt get approval for a septic system. Now they find the land will not perk and they have a 200K home on the land and not legal water or sewage. They had to invest in a $30k pump based septic system and delivered water. Not going to be easy to overcome these problem when reselling.

What do I need to know about "right of way" onto property?

Find out who and what has a right of way. Also make sure you have water and mineral rights to the land. You may find you cant put a well on the property if you dont have water rights.

If I find a property with stream, lake or river on/near property, what questions should I ask?

Find out the 100, 50,25 and 10 year flood plans. Where does the water go, your state or federal waterways people can usually answer these questions.

I plan to buy the land first and put a cabin or trailer on it. Some ads say "building site." If it does NOT say building site does it mean it is not suitable for building?

Building right will usually mean there is some flat cleared land.

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