Comparing apples with zucchini
. . . no two properties are alike!

Buy a home in a subdivision, and you may have a choice of five different floorplans - probably no more. That makes it easy to compare homes and their prices. If you look at five different homes with the same or similar floor plans, it becomes easy to determine which are priced fairly - and which are not.

If you plan to buy land, however, you'll face a much different situation since no two tracts are alike. There are just too many variables to make comparisons possible. For example, you would need to compare price, tract size, elevations, topography, streams & springs (or the lack thereof), timber size, road frontage vs. right-of-way, and numerous other factors. Get the picture?

Oh sure, you can begin to make value judgements after seeing three, five, or ten properties - but still no two will compare equally. So - here's our suggestion:

1. Evaluate your financial commitment.

Decide how much you plan to spend on a property and whether you will require financing to achieve your objectives. Know how much cash you have available up front.

2. Evaluate your emotional commitment.

Before you begin looking at land, be certain you and other family members involved in decision making are fully committed to a land purchase. If not, wait until a solid decision to buy has been made before beginning your search.

3. Be prepared to act.

Because it is not possible to make comparisons, another method is required for decision making. With financial considerations and a firm commitment to buy in place, be prepared to act when you find a property which meets your expectations. If you miss the opportunity to tie up that perfect piece of heaven because you hesitated, you will not be able to go down the street and see another like it. In other words - be ready to say "YES!"