Perhaps the title of this essay should be, “How to Find an Honest Real Estate Agent.”

Are there plenty of good, honest real estate agents in Western North Carolina? Yes. Actually, I’d say that’s the norm. However, if you’re building in WNC, please beware.

Why? Not All Land Is the Same

We’ve talked about this before on Build WNC, but it needs repeating. All land is not the same. And as Red Tree Builder’s Brandon Bryant mentioned before, just because one lot is cheaper doesn’t mean it’s betterto build on. The truth is, you may have to put $250,000 and up into prepping the land before you can even start building. That’s a lot of money to stick in the ground.

So, What’s This Have To Do With Real Estate Agents?

Talk to any builder or architect and they’ll tell you horror stories of lots being sold and agents telling buyers you can easily build on the lot. Or worse, they throw out square footage costs for building.

Even if you’re buying the land and sitting on it for years, it’s worth your time and money to consult a builder. Get the land checked out. If not, it’s useless for building today and down the road.

Here’s What You Do

Like everything else, do your research. Ask around and find real estate agents that specialize in lots and have a great reputation. If you have a builder you would like to work with, most are more than happy to recommend an agent and assist you with finding good lots.

In the end, if it’s too good to be true it probably is. Finding good lots can be difficult in the mountains due to topography and other factors, but you have to be educated as a buyer. Know what you’re getting into and ask the right questions.

It’ll save you money and headaches down the road.