Check the parcel before the offer
One page. Run it on every parcel before you name a price. If you can't confirm a line, write "unknown" next to it. Don't guess.
Parcel: ____________________ County / State: ____________________ Date checked: __________
1. Who owns it
- Owner of record on the county tax or assessor site: ____________________
- Anyone else on the deed (estate, trust, spouse, siblings)? ____________________
- The person you're talking to can sign. If not, who else needs to?
2. Can you get to it legally
- Frontage on a public road, or a recorded easement on the deed or plat
- A road you can see on a satellite view does not count as access
- If you can't find either one, ask the seller first
3. Taxes
- Taxes current, or behind? Amount owed: __________
- Any tax sale or lien notice on the county site
4. Flood and wet ground
- Flood zone on FEMA's flood map: __________
- Looks wet, low or has a creek? Call the county about wetlands before you go further
5. What it can be used for
- Zoning: __________ Minimum lot size: __________
- Power nearby? Water or a well? Will the soil take a septic system? Call the county health department if you can't tell
6. What similar land actually sold for
- 3 closed sales nearby, similar size, last 12 to 24 months (sold prices, not asking prices)
- Price per acre range: __________ to __________
7. Title
- Liens, judgments or open questions you found: ____________________
- Before you close, a title company or closing attorney does the real title search
Unknowns to clear before an offer: ______________________________________
You can do this. Check the parcel first, then make the offer.