You can't build a house without land. That has proven to be problem number 1. I searched EVERYWHERE from a cheap piece of land. We had a chunk in savings that we were willing to spend on some land. But the problem would then be that we wouldn't have that money to actually build... See the problem!
My job is moving buildings at the beginning of the year and we wanted to make sure that I am within an hour commute as I will continue working (fingers crossed I get the promotion/pay raise I have put in for!) We called on every affordable piece of land we could come across. There was nothing within the immediate valley. I finally called a man from an ad on KSL. He had property in 3 different areas surrounding the valley. Our ideal area is currently zoned so you can only buy 50+ acres of land that will not be buildable for 7-10 years, the second area has 1 acre lots for a pretty penny, there are no animal rights and utilities are not to the lot. The third area is a little further away, it would mean about a 45 min- hour commute. The had lots ranging from 2-5 acres for a great price.
They also offered seller financing which wasn't what we had originally planned on seeing as we wanted to do this totally debt free. But there are no banks involved and no fee to pay the lot off early. We drove out to look at the lot. It's 2.64 acres in a gorgeous valley up the canyon. We fell in love! We are planning to sign the paperwork this week and make the bit of earth OURS!
There are a few drawbacks. I will update with a post on the cost and problems we are running into soon!
I'm so excited to read about your plans. It will be so fun and rewarding doing it all your own and at the end saying "We did this"! I look forward to watching your progress and seeing it start to come to life in my next visits up that way.
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