Ford Focus Forum banner

Buying Land in MA

1.3K views 32 replies 8 participants last post by  UglyFocus  
#1 ·
What should I consider? I want to build a small house (building or buying it's all a hassle and expensive) on some land that I buy later. I'm thinking Plymouth as my girl works there and I've seen that there is plenty of open space that I could possibly purchase.

Any ideas as to what purchasing land would entail? I'm just saving up now and don't plan to talk to a realtor or w/e just yet. Just wanted to get some tips and do a bit of research to start.
 
#2 ·
Buy an existing place - the market is down right now so buying and building doesn't make sense economically or environmentally.

When buying a house (land is fine too but you're looking for a house, right?) look at your needs, then find out your budget, then look for a place. location is more important than the structure (to a point) but soil type and position on topography have to be considered. look at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm

select your area, then read up on your soil type and its functions.


 
#6 ·
I just saw the ad in passing while I was driving. I doubt that it has more square footage than my apartment. No idea on the land though.

When I am ready to buy I'll be pretty stoked. Hopefully a 1/2 acre or more but you can't get much when you're basically right in the city.
 
#11 ·
even still.. Thats a LOT of mortgage to afford. lol. IMO, if you don't NEED that big of a house, don't buy one that big.

On the other hand, the market is of course WAY down, so maybe investing in a bigger house now will pay off come time to sell.
 
#12 ·
Dont forget taxes, cost of heating / cooling / etc to add into the note. What downpayment are you looking at? Can you do 25% of 320k? If not, add in PMI. Plus insurance. Insurance / Taxes / PMI on a 320k note (if escrowed) can be like 800 or so a month.

So take that into consideration when budgeting. And trust me, the mortage carrier doesn't care if something pops up - you pay that note. So make sure you're comfortable with it before jumping in.

That said, rates are stupid low right now so i'd be seriously shopping right now if i was looking.
 
#13 ·
sounds like its a 1/2 acre i couldnt see it being 300k for that many rooms if it had more then a 1/2 acre unless its been on the market a while, when buying a house make sure you look into if its had any fires, flooding, roof damage, chimney damage(if it has one)termite damage, heating system (if propane or any other kind of fuel source check the furnace or if coal/wood check the piping for creosote build up, to make sure its in working order, electrical system (if the house is over 100yrs old pass on it the electrical wiring will give you nightmares) Also check to see if the sewer is a septic or city, also water see if its got a well or not. If its more then an acre for that many rooms be doubly sure to check every nook and cranny.
 
#14 ·
^^???

WTF does lot size have to do with rooms?

and 300k near him isn't that much - remember - location dicates price more than anything. there are places in MA / CT that go for 500k for a starter home (2 bed / 1 bath / 0.1 ac)
 
#22 ·
Who needs MA move to Colchester instead! We haz car shos in duh sommurr tyme! (insert adorable kitten picture here)

Trust me, I live in Springfield and MA sucks! bad roads (tho not as bad as RI) lots of cops who think theyre judge dredd (yes i made that ref "I AM THE LAWW") and lots of taxes

I vote colch
 
#28 · (Edited by Moderator)
First of all where is Colchester?
http://colchestervt.gov/
http://www.colchester.gov.uk/
http://www.colchesterct.gov/pages/index

Also, I'm in Boston because of the options that I've got towards jobs.
Colcehster, CT! were the 57th best small town in the country. You could get a job at S&S worldwide! or you could get a job at The Sub base, or hartford/ manchester/ norwich/ newlondon are all within 30 mins. Prov is only an hour away... Cobrawannabe and I are from there just think we could start a Colchester FOCUS CLUB :D

Actually, I wont lie... i just want you to move closer so i could mooch your massive dvd collection! Do you have Zombie Strippers by any chance? (thats the make it or break it for me)
 
#26 ·
Ugh. Your right. Hate it here. that acronym should be IOO ;)

Today i had somebody passed me and 3 other cars on the wrong side of the road, AS I WAS SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION. Didn't even look speeding into traffic coming on both sides. WTF. He also decided to uses the left hand turn only lanes at intersections as opportunities to pass the cars in front of him. I know it was a guy because apparently he was trying to get to someplace by me, but didn't know the shortcut i knew haha totally pointed and laughed at that douche. But springfield man, this town is so depressing
 
#27 ·
come on springfield isnt all that bad all depends were in springfield you are.. only 18 murders since the 1st of the year lol... if you want the gf is a realtor not like the old school realtors that call you every day lol.. she can set you up so you see all the land that comes up for sale were you wanna buy..