Summary

1. Define Priorities – Schools, neighborhood, lot size, shopping, commute, and tax rates.

2. Research Market Trends – Prices rising/falling? Compare recent sales. Request a CMA from your realtor.

3. Check Future Development – Review city/county 10-year plans and zoning maps for nearby commercial or residential changes.

4. Floodplain Status – Use FEMA’s mapping tool; consider insurance costs and land usability.

5. Noise & Traffic – Visit at different times; check airport flight paths and city road expansion plans.

6. HOA Rules & Fees – Review covenants, maintenance standards, and talk to neighbors about their experience.

7. Easements & Infrastructure Changes – Confirm with city planning about future roadwork, sewer lines, and easements.

 

More 

When choosing a location for a new build, start by deciding what’s most important to you—schools, being in a specific neighborhood, owning land, proximity to shopping, or commute time to work, HOA.  Selecting an area first will also help you understand local tax rates and restriction.

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Research current and future real estate trends in that area. Are prices rising, falling, or stable? Compare recent sales to avoid overpaying, and consider the potential for future appreciation. Online real estate sites can give you a general sense of the market, while your realtor can provide a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA). The best CMAs also show the percentage above or below list price that homes actually sold for.

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Check with the city on future development plans. Most planning departments publish a 10-year plan that includes zoning information—commercial, residential, or mixed use. This is often available online or by calling the city or county’s planning or zoning department.

Determine if the property is in or near a floodplain. While homes can be built in a floodplain special requirements apply, and insurance rates are often higher. Use FEMA’s Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning tool to see if the property is in a hazard zone

Visit the property at different times of day and week. Listen for traffic, airplane noise, or other disturbances. Airport traffic maps can show you current and planned flight paths, and city records can reveal upcoming expansions. I’ve passed on properties due to airport noise and once regretted buying during COVID when traffic seemed light—only to discover that once school resumed, it became unbearable.

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Check if there’s a Homeowners Association (HOA). Review the fees, what they cover, and the covenants. Look around the neighborhood—are common areas well-maintained? Talk to neighbors; they’re often happy to share honest opinions, especially if they’re unhappy. Read the HOA rules carefully to avoid surprises. I once bought a property and was immediately told my garage and fence had to be re-stained—because the shade of brown wasn’t correct!

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Finally, check with the city on easements and future infrastructure changes. Will roads be widened, sewers expanded, or new paving added? City planning departments typically publish these projects online—look them up before committing.