Hill Country land has continued to appreciate in value even with the recent down economy. There is a lot of beautiful land for sale in the Texas Hill Country that will provide you and your family years of enjoyment. However, before you buy, make sure that pretty piece of Hill Country property will support your vision.

More and more people are moving to the Texas Hill Country and leaving the suburbs to live life in the country, but buying acreage is a little different than buying a house in the burbs. Whether it’s simply unimproved land or an existing home on a few acres, buyers need to investigate a number of things regarding the property that may not necessarily be an issue with a house in the city. Proper due diligence should assure buyers that the land they purchase is going to support the lifestyle they have envisioned.

Consider the services

Regardless if you’re looking to buy raw land or an existing home site, you need to know the availability of electricity, gas and water, as well as the costs associated in acquiring any of the basics if they aren’t on the property or adequate in their existing form. As real estate agents we help our clients ascertain the current situation and recommend avenues to getting the proper services needed such as: drilling a water well, installing septic or getting a power line dropped on the property.

Other services you will want to consider are things you may take for granted in the city such as the availability of:

• Garbage collection
• Internet Service
• Cell phone service
• Cable Television
• School bus service

A good buy on acreage could turn out to be not so good if you get blindsided with high costs running electricity, water, and other services to your home. You may be charged by the foot by the utility company to bring services from the nearest lines, which in some cases can be miles away. It is important to assess the depth of existing wells, the quality of their water, and the well and pumps condition.

Maintenance and insurance

The cost of acreage doesn't end with the purchase. It is important that a buyer plan for expenses on maintenance and improvements, as well as insurance. Fire protection, for example, is an important issue. Insurance rates could be affected depending on the abilities of the fire department that has jurisdiction in your area. Be sure to understand which insurers offer rural property insurance covering the house, outbuildings, ponds, and other features of the property.

Covenants and ordinances

Be aware of the possibility of protective covenants that govern the use of the land. Under this agreement it is decided what types of animals and structures are permissible and where they can be located, as well as who maintains the common areas, such as the shared driveways and fences. There may also be existing easements, such as road easements and road maintenance agreements to review and consider.

Zoning ordinances may also determine the use of the land. In most cases, a pond can't be created by simply damming up a creek. Similar to the protective covenant, there may be some mandate as to what types of animals you can have on the land and the location of your driveway. To fully understand the ordinances in your area, contact your realtor and the local zoning commission and they can help you or direct you to any other agencies or authorities that have jurisdiction.

Discovering that perfect piece of Hill Country property can provide a lifetime of enjoyment and legacy for your family. Give us a call and we can help you find your slice of paradise in the Texas Hill Country.