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For many homeowners, the thought of having a little bit of land and privacy is very appealing. Finding acreage properties can be very difficult, however. Of course, buying a parcel of land and custom building your dream home is always an option as well. There are many things to consider when buying vacant land. The checklist below will help you navigate an acreage land purchase. Of course, make sure you consult a professional and do your homework before signing on the dotted line.1. Investigate the location of the land for concerns such as landfills, noisy highways, industrial or agricultural use. These things could affect your property value.2. Check maps prepared by FEMA to ensure the property is not in a floodplain.3. Is the land in conservation or protected resource areas that could affect use?4. Are utilities in the area that are available? How close to the potential homesite? Running utilities can be costly so have a good understanding of what is necessary.5. Double-check the zoning of the land. This may need to be adjusted for a residential building if it's currently being used for another purpose.6. Check county records to verify if there are covenants, easements, and/or restrictions for the property.7. Research what land was used for and if the potential for hazardous materials could be an issue. 8. Inquire about endangered animals or plants on the land. These things cannot be moved or disturbed so have a good understanding of the property and what is living there.