Buying land isn’t quite the same as buying a home — and if you’re dreaming of wide-open spaces, hobby farming, building your own place, or even investing in acreage, there are a few extra steps and details to consider.
Here’s a guide to help you buy land with confidence — whether you’re planning to build a homestead or just want a place to escape the noise.
🗺️ 1. Know Your Why
Start with your goals. Are you hoping to build a home someday? Raise animals? Use it for hunting, camping, or riding? Or just invest and let it sit?
Your "why" will shape what to look for — things like access, zoning, soil quality, and utilities all matter depending on how you plan to use the land.
🧾 2. Understand the Zoning & Restrictions
Not all land is created equal. Before you fall in love with a property, make sure it's zoned for what you want to do. Rural land may be agricultural, residential, recreational — or a mix. Also check for:
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Building restrictions
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Setbacks
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Wetland or conservation areas
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Covenants or easements
🚜 3. Walk the Land (and Walk It Again)
You can’t fully understand a property from a photo or a plat map. Walk it, drive around the area, check out slope, tree cover, drainage, and where the sun hits. Bonus tip: Visit after it rains to see how water flows and if there are any muddy or flooded spots.
💧 4. Know Your Utilities
Unlike developed lots, raw land may not have electric, water, or septic systems in place. You’ll want to ask:
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Is electric nearby or on-site?
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Will you need to drill a well?
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Has the land passed a perk test for septic?
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How much will it cost to run services?
📍 5. Ask the Right Questions
Every piece of land has a story. Ask questions like:
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Who maintains the road?
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Are there any easements or shared access agreements?
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Are there old foundations, buried tanks, or debris?
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Has the land ever been tilled, logged, or used commercially?
💰 6. Financing May Be Different
Land loans are different from home loans — they often require a higher down payment and may have shorter terms. Some buyers pay cash, others use a local bank or lender experienced in rural or agricultural lending.
🐴 7. Work with an Agent Who Understands Country Property
This one matters more than you think. Rural land comes with its own set of challenges — from boundary line confusion to access issues and utility logistics. Having someone who knows what to look for (and what to avoid) can save you from a major headache down the road.
Ready to Start Your Search?
Buying land can be one of the most rewarding investments you make — whether it's for peace and quiet, self-sufficiency, or future plans. I help buyers all over Minnesota find the right property to match their vision, whether that’s 2 acres or 200.
Let’s talk about your goals and what to look for.
🌾 From fence lines to future home sites — I’m here to help.
