A little history: We live in a typical subdivision at the end of a cul de sac.
Several years ago we learned across the creek there was a 5.99 acre lot for sale - it was square with good road frontage - according to MLS it was on the market for almost 2 yrs before we learned of its existence. We didn't understand why it hadn't sold sooner so we didn't put much effort in to buying it. We later realized it would be a great investment. We contemplated it just a little too long and someone came along and bought it.
Across the street from the 5.99 acre lot was a 12 acre lot - it too was on the market forever - almost 3 yrs according to MLS. It was a flagpole lot with a narrow driveway - it had some potential - I admit we were a little sore that we didn't buy the 5.99 square lot. We contemplated it too - then a friend called out of the blue and said "We are about to be neighbors". He bought it and had a custom home built on it. After going over several times since - we are very glad we didn't buy it. Not a good fit for our likes, desires and needs.
After missing the two - We then began our quest to find the perfect lot. We started looking approx 1 hour from our home. We expanded to 2 hours. Ultimately we had approx 10 searches plugged in - some local/some not - some inexpensive/some not - our search included almost every variable on the planet within a 3 hour radius. We are grateful someone suggested we keep our project within 45 minutes to an hour max - they said "If it is too far of a drive - you will go a lot when it is new - then you'll stop going - the drive every Friday and return drive on Sunday will take it's toll."
We thought we had found the perfect lot - a 33 acre wooded lot. Unfortunately the Realtor representing the Seller was not giving the Offers from our Realtor to her Seller (illegal/unethical) - She wanted to collect the total of 6% commission from both her Seller and the Buyer too. It ended up selling for less than we offered. Oh well.
Long story short (or is it too late for that
) About two days after the other lot went in to "Escrow" - the perfect piece of land came on the market - approx 20 minute drive. We made nearly a full price offer and closed the end of June 2010. It is 31 acres, fully fenced, mostly cleared, it has water & electricity (none of the others had either) - it was SIGNIFICANTLY less expensive than any other lot we had previously considered. The Seller obviously had no idea what it was worth. We absolutely nailed it!! No way no how could we have found a better deal. Not ever. Let the fun begin...
