Finding the right piece of land involves more than choosing a location and acreage. Every property has its own characteristics, opportunities, and potential limitations that deserve careful consideration.
Whether you’re purchasing hunting property, timberland, a farm, or a rural homesite, I help buyers evaluate important factors such as access, topography, utilities, restrictions, and intended uses.
As a landowner, investor, and licensed general contractor, I bring practical experience to the buying process. My goal is to help you identify suitable properties, make informed decisions, and navigate the transaction with confidence.
Serving land buyers throughout Georgia, with a particular focus on Middle Georgia, the Piedmont, and the Coastal Plain.
Buying land involves considerations that can be quite different from purchasing a home. Having an experienced land agent representing your interests can help you identify suitable properties, evaluate potential concerns, and navigate the purchasing process.
I assist buyers with property searches, including on-market and potential off-market opportunities, evaluating property characteristics, negotiating purchase terms, and coordinating due diligence.
Depending on the property, this may involve reviewing access, easements, deed restrictions, utilities, zoning, soil suitability, timber, and potential uses. I also help coordinate with surveyors, soil scientists, foresters, attorneys, and other professionals when their expertise is needed.
My objective is to help you make an informed purchase and understand both the opportunities and limitations of the property before closing.
No. I do not practice dual agency, which involves representing both the buyer and seller in the same transaction.
I believe buyers and sellers are best served by having representation focused on their respective interests, particularly when negotiating price, contract terms, and due diligence matters.
If a potential dual agency situation arises, I will explain the available representation options before proceeding.
Yes. Before actively viewing properties, I recommend having your financing arranged or a clear understanding of your available purchasing funds.
If you plan to finance your purchase, speaking with a lender beforehand can help establish your budget, down payment requirements, and available loan options. Cash buyers should be prepared to provide proof of funds when appropriate.
Having your financing or funds established allows us to focus on properties within your budget and puts you in a stronger position when you’re ready to make an offer.
My goal is to make the property search productive and ensure we’re prepared to move forward when the right opportunity becomes available.
Financing land can be different from financing a traditional home. Local banks and lenders specializing in rural property, including Farm Credit institutions, offer financing for farms, timberland, hunting properties, and undeveloped acreage.
Loan terms, interest rates, and down payment requirements vary depending on the lender, property characteristics, intended use, and buyer qualifications. Seller financing may also be available on certain properties.
Qualified agricultural buyers may have additional financing options through USDA Farm Service Agency programs.
I recommend speaking with a lender experienced in land financing before beginning your property search. Understanding your financing options and purchasing budget will help us identify suitable properties and make the buying process more efficient.
We’ll begin with a conversation about what you’re looking for in a property, including location, acreage, intended use, budget, financing, and your anticipated purchase timeline.
I’ll explain my approach to buyer representation, the services I provide, and how compensation is handled. If we decide to work together, we’ll review and execute the appropriate Buyer Brokerage Agreement, outlining our responsibilities and expectations.
From there, I’ll help identify suitable properties, coordinate showings, evaluate potential opportunities, and guide you through the purchasing process.
Not necessarily. In many transactions, the seller or listing brokerage may agree to pay some or all of the buyer’s agent compensation.
Real estate commissions are negotiable, and the amount and source of compensation are discussed before entering into a Buyer Brokerage Agreement.
If the seller or listing brokerage does not cover the full agreed compensation, the buyer may be responsible for the difference, depending on the terms of the agreement.
I explain these arrangements upfront so you understand any potential costs before moving forward.
Proper due diligence is one of the most important parts of purchasing land. Before closing, buyers should understand the property’s characteristics, legal restrictions, and suitability for their intended use.
Depending on the property, important considerations may include:
Access: Legal and physical access, road frontage, and easements.
Boundaries: Surveys, acreage, encroachments, and property lines.
Utilities: Availability and cost of electricity, water, and other services.
Soils and Septic: Soil suitability for septic systems, agriculture, or construction.
Restrictions: Zoning, deed restrictions, covenants, and permitted uses.
Environmental Conditions: Floodplains, wetlands, drainage, and other potential limitations.
Timber and Property Rights: Timber value, existing leases, mineral rights, and other ownership considerations.
Not every property requires the same level of investigation. I help buyers identify important concerns and coordinate with qualified professionals when specialized evaluations are necessary.
The goal is to understand what you’re purchasing and make an informed decision before your due diligence period expires.
Not every piece of vacant land is suitable for residential construction. Before purchasing property for a homesite, it’s important to evaluate the land’s physical characteristics, legal restrictions, and development requirements.
Important considerations include:
Zoning and Restrictions: Whether residential construction is permitted and whether minimum acreage or building requirements apply.
Soil Suitability: Whether the property can accommodate an approved septic system if public sewer is unavailable.
Access: Whether the property has adequate legal and physical access.
Utilities: Availability and anticipated costs of electricity, water, and other necessary services.
Site Conditions: Topography, drainage, floodplains, wetlands, and the amount of clearing or grading required.
My construction background allows me to help buyers recognize potential development challenges and evaluate the practical considerations of building on rural property.
When necessary, I also recommend consulting local permitting authorities, soil professionals, surveyors, and other qualified specialists before completing a purchase.
The goal is to determine whether the property can reasonably accommodate your plans before making a long-term investment.
Whether you’re considering selling your property or searching for the right piece of land, I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss your plans.
Contact David Mathis today to get started.