If you live in Wake County, NC, and surrounding areas, there are thousands of talented Realtors in your area, but not all Realtors specialize in farm and land. Here is the #1 thing you should do before buying land: please interview licensed brokers and make sure they have the skills and are partnered with those who have the answers you will need to make your transaction successful.
No one knows everything about buying land in NC, and I will never say I am even close. But, I do pride myself on being direct, doing my homework, and furthering my education in the field.
Homesteads, horse properties, farms, and land in North Carolina have become my true passion.
That doesn’t mean I don’t also enjoy or have the skills for selling single-family homes.
Quite the contrary. All my time spent crawling through attics and crawlspaces, walking homes with inspectors, and studying the craft has taught me to appreciate not just the beauty of a house, but also the fundamentals and the foundation it’s built on.
I spend my days researching, meeting with professionals, and walking the land because I’m always looking to grow my expertise. Land is unique, and the soil can make a huge difference. So when you’re ready to build, remodel, renovate, or develop, I’d be honored to put my hand up for an interview. And remember: the land you choose can make or break the value of where you lay your hat!
So, how should you go about buying land in Wake County and surrounding areas? Start here:
What should you do before buying land in NC?
There are several steps to the process that you’ll want to initiate before beginning the process of buying land in the Tar Heel State.
1. Get clear on your budget
Are you planning to pay cash, or will you need financing? If you’re paying cash, be prepared to show proof of funds, as it indicates to sellers whether to take your offer seriously.
If you’re financing, know that buying land is different from buying a house. Not all lenders handle land loans, and terms can vary quite a bit. You’ll want to find a lender who understands land purchases and can walk you through your options. There are also special loan programs available for certain buyers, so it’s worth asking about those, too.
How much do you have to put down on land in North Carolina?
Most land loans in NC require at least 15–25% down, with raw land closer to 30–35%.
2. Start thinking about your vision
Getting your budget and vision aligned early sets you up for a much smoother process when it’s time to make an offer. Are you buying to build right away? Holding it as an investment? Using it for farming or recreation? Your plans will influence the kind of land and loan that make the most sense for you.
3. Do your homework on the land itself
This is a big one. Not every piece of land is suitable for what you want to do, so make sure you (and your agent) dig into the details:
- Zoning and restrictions: Can you legally do what you’re planning?
- Soil quality and perc tests: Essential if you’ll need a septic system.
- Utilities: Are water, power, or internet already available?
- Access and easements: Do you have legal, physical access to the property?
- Flood zones or wetlands: These can limit how or where you can build.
4. Line up the right team
Having the right professionals on your side makes a huge difference. A real estate broker who specializes in land (hi, that’s me!), an experienced lender, and, depending on the property, a surveyor, soil scientist, or real estate attorney can all save you time and money.
5. Verify boundaries & plan for carrying costs
If the property hasn’t been surveyed recently, it’s smart to get a survey done so you know exactly what you’re buying. No surprises later! And if you’re not building right away, don’t forget to budget for property taxes, insurance (if applicable), and basic maintenance while you hold the land.
If you’re ready to get started or just want to talk through your options, I’d be happy to help!
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