Land & Ranches
10 Things to Check Before Buying Texas Acreage
Land is bought on paper as much as on foot. Here is the paper.
The checklist
- Water — well depth, quality, production and what neighbors report
- Septic — existing system condition, or soil suitability for a new one
- Utilities — electric service distance, provider and cost to bring power in
- Legal access — recorded easements versus a handshake road
- Road frontage and road condition, especially after heavy rain
- Mineral rights — what conveys, what has been severed, and existing leases
- Floodplain and drainage across the tract
- Deed restrictions and any subdivision or use limitations
- Agricultural or wildlife valuation status and what maintains it
- Fencing, improvements, and the condition of anything you're paying for
One more thing that isn't on most lists
Drive it twice — once in dry weather and once after rain — and time the trip to the nearest hospital, airport, grocery store and your children's front door. Distance feels very different at year five than it does on the first visit.
Surveyors, environmental consultants, well drillers, septic installers, title attorneys and CPAs each answer part of this list. Fred coordinates the process and makes sure nothing gets skipped.
This article is general education, not legal, tax, insurance, financial or engineering advice. Please confirm details with qualified professionals and the appropriate local authorities before making a decision.