Knutson Realty | Buying Land
How to Buy Land
Start with the home you hope to build, then find a lot that supports it. Compare locations, review the property documents, ask a builder to assess the site, and understand the purchase terms before you commit.
Buying land involves more than choosing a view or a lot size. This guide walks through the decisions in a useful order so you can identify questions early and bring the right people into the conversation.
01 | Your plans
Decide What You Need From the Land
Before comparing listings, picture how you want to use the property. Think about the home’s general size and layout, garage orientation, outdoor space, and any other improvements you may want. You do not need a finished house plan, but you do need enough direction to recognize a lot that fits.
Make two lists: what you need and what you would simply like to have. A preferred location may matter more than a larger yard. A walk-out design may require a different lot than a patio home. Put those priorities in order before an attractive listing changes the conversation.
Share your ideas with a builder early. A builder can look at a potential lot with your home in mind and point out questions about placement, slope, access, and site work. We can help you identify lots to consider, while your chosen builder evaluates the home you want to construct.
02 | The property
Compare the Lot, Not Just the Listing
Walk the property if you can. Notice its shape, slope, road access, and surroundings. Imagine where the house, driveway, and yard might go. A lot’s stated size does not tell you how much of that space will work for your particular plan.
Bring these questions to a visit
- Where could the home and driveway go?
- Does the lot’s slope affect the design you want?
- What services are available to this exact lot?
- Are there documents that limit what you can build?
- What work remains before construction can begin?
Record answers for each property rather than relying on memory. Two lots in the same development can have different features and different implications for your home. Ask for the details of the exact lot you are considering.
03 | The documents
Read the Property Documents
Ask for the applicable plat, covenants, and other available property information. A plat shows the lot’s recorded layout and can help you identify details to discuss with your builder. Covenants may set rules for homes and other uses within a development.
Check that every document matches the development, addition, block, and lot you are reviewing. A document for a nearby lot or another addition may not answer your question. If you find a restriction or a term you do not understand, ask about it before you settle on a design.
Review how access, utilities, and any easements relate to your proposed home. An easement is a recorded right to use part of a property for a specific purpose, such as utilities. Your builder and the appropriate property professionals can help you decide which details need closer review.
04 | The full project
Ask What Building on the Lot Will Require
The land purchase is one part of the project. Excavation, utility connections, driveway work, and grading around the house may also need to be considered. Which items apply depends on the lot and the home you choose.
Ask what work has already been completed in the development and what work remains for your individual home. Then have your builder explain what is included in the building proposal and what still needs investigation. Do not assume that a utility being available means the connection work is included in a house estimate.
If you are comparing lots, ask the builder to review both. A lower land price alone may not tell you which property better suits your complete project. The useful comparison is the lot, the proposed home, and the work required to bring them together.
05 | Bismarck-Mandan
Check the Details for This Bismarck-Mandan Lot
Lots around Bismarck and Mandan come in different settings, from established neighborhoods to larger residential properties. The right questions depend on where a property is and how it is served. Ask which local office handles the proposed build and which approvals your builder expects to need.
Check the wastewater arrangement for the particular lot. For example, some properties identified on our residential lots for sale page are listed with a centralized Bioclere system. That description should not be assumed to apply to another lot, even in the same area.
Weather and seasons also affect when site work can be performed. Ask your builder about the likely sequence for your property and home. Keep the timing discussion specific to the project rather than relying on a general promise about when construction can start.
06 | Your next steps
Move From a Promising Lot to a Purchase
A purchase agreement should reflect the terms you and the seller accept. Review it carefully with your real estate and legal advisers as appropriate. If a detail matters to your decision, raise it while there is still time to address it.
Good questions to ask
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose a builder before buying land?
You do not need to finalize every part of your home first. Speaking with a builder while you compare lots can help you catch issues with placement, access, or site work before you purchase.
Can I choose my own builder?
Yes. Our residential lots page says buyers are not required to use a preferred builder. Check the documents and requirements for the specific lot with the builder you choose.
Are utilities already connected to a lot?
Availability and connection work are separate questions. Ask which services are available to the exact lot, where the connection points are, and what your builder’s proposal includes.
What should I read before buying?
Request the applicable plat, covenants, lot details, and purchase documents. Make sure they refer to the property you are considering, and get answers to any question that could affect your plans.
For a broader look at planning a home project, read our guide to buying land to build a house. When you are ready to compare actual properties, explore the residential lots we currently list and bring your questions to our team.
Ready to talk through a lot?
Let’s Review Your Options
Tell us what you hope to build, and we can help you identify the lots we list that may fit your plans. Call 701-712-8700.
Call 701-712-8700