Put this lesson to work
Use what you learned to review current opportunities, or ask a property-specific question before you make a decision.
Congratulations—you've reached the final lesson.
You've learned more about vacant land than many first-time buyers know before making an offer. This lesson brings the course together into one practical checklist.
The purpose of due diligence is not to make buying land feel complicated. It is to help you understand the property well enough to make a confident decision based on your own goals.
Your final due diligence checklist
✓
Property access
Confirm both physical and legal access.
Confirm both physical and legal access.
✓
Easements
Review recorded access, utility and other easements.
Review recorded access, utility and other easements.
✓
Property boundaries
Understand the maps, monuments and survey information available.
Understand the maps, monuments and survey information available.
✓
Zoning and allowed uses
Verify the current rules for your intended use.
Verify the current rules for your intended use.
✓
Utilities
Confirm power, water, sewer, septic, internet and other services.
Confirm power, water, sewer, septic, internet and other services.
✓
Water availability
Review public service or well information.
Review public service or well information.
✓
Septic requirements
Review soil tests, permits, designs and reserve-area needs when applicable.
Review soil tests, permits, designs and reserve-area needs when applicable.
✓
Flood information
Check mapped flood zones and site drainage when applicable.
Check mapped flood zones and site drainage when applicable.
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Building requirements
Investigate them if you plan to build.
Investigate them if you plan to build.
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Development costs
Estimate them if improvements are part of your plan.
Estimate them if improvements are part of your plan.
✓
Property taxes
Understand current taxes and possible future assessments.
Understand current taxes and possible future assessments.
✓
HOA and CC&Rs
Review them when the property is subject to them.
Review them when the property is subject to them.
✓
Title report
Read the preliminary report and ask about anything unclear.
Read the preliminary report and ask about anything unclear.
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Escrow instructions
Make sure they reflect the agreed transaction.
Make sure they reflect the agreed transaction.
✓
Financing terms
Understand the down payment, payment, interest, amortization and balloon.
Understand the down payment, payment, interest, amortization and balloon.
✓
Your long-term goals
Make sure the property fits what you want it to do for you.
Make sure the property fits what you want it to do for you.
Not every item applies to every property or every buyer. A buyer planning to build soon may need detailed construction information. A buyer purchasing for recreation or long-term investment may focus on a different set of priorities.
No property is perfect
Every property has strengths and limitations. One parcel may have incredible views but require a longer driveway. Another may have utilities nearby but be farther from town.
The goal is not to find a perfect property. The goal is to find the property that is right for your plans.
Ken's Tip
Don't let the due diligence process intimidate you. You don't have to become an expert in everything—you simply need to ask good questions and gather enough information to make a confident decision.
That's exactly why I created Land University.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to investigate every item on the checklist?
Not necessarily. Every property is different, and your due diligence should reflect your plans for the property.
What if I still have questions?
That's perfectly normal. Land purchases often involve unique situations, and asking questions is one of the best ways to make an informed decision.
Should I visit the property before buying?
Whenever possible, yes. Walking the property can help you better understand its terrain, access, surroundings and overall character.
Can professionals help with due diligence?
Absolutely. Depending on your plans, real estate professionals, escrow officers, title companies, contractors, surveyors, engineers and local planning departments can all provide valuable information.
What's the most important thing to remember?
Take your time, ask questions and make sure the property fits your goals.
Final thoughts
Congratulations on completing Land University!
Whether you're looking for a place to build, a recreational property to enjoy or a long-term investment for the future, I hope these lessons have helped make the land-buying process easier to understand.
Owning land isn't just about buying real estate—it's about creating opportunities. I wish you the very best as you begin your own land-ownership journey.
From My Experience
Everything in Land University is based on what I've learned over many years of buying, selling, developing and researching land in Northern California.
My goal is to help you understand the questions to ask and the issues to investigate before buying land. Every property is different, laws change and city and county requirements can vary.
I'm not an attorney, licensed land surveyor, engineer or government official. These lessons are practical education based on my experience, not legal, engineering, surveying or tax advice.
Please verify important information with the appropriate city or county departments and consult an attorney, licensed surveyor, engineer, CPA or other qualified professional when needed.
— Ken Grisham
🎓 Congratulations!
You've completed Land University. Put what you've learned to work by exploring the land currently available through ReddingLand.com.
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