3 Reasons You May Need Land Consulting in Hawthorne, NY

July 13, 2022 Halstead Media Group

Are you selling your home? Planning on developing all or some of your land for residential or commercial use? Are you planning a landscape renovation or an addition prior to selling? You may benefit from land consulting services. Here are three reasons you may need land consulting in Hawthorne, NY.

First, what is a land consultant? A land consultant is a company that offers expertise in situations that are not always clear such as timberland valuation, agricultural land management, and investment analysis.

Although many real estate transactions are straightforward, many are not. Here are some examples.

1. Land Development

If you’re considering developing a parcel for residential or commercial use, it makes sense to work with a qualified land consultant. The primary function of a land consultant is to prepare feasibility and concept studies to ensure the highest and best use of land for residential and commercial projects.

Services can include concept layout and optimizing land use; financial analysis of a project’s profitability; cost benefit analysis and budgeting; permitting; engineering (erosion control, drainage, sewer and water lines, highway entrances, and grading); and surveying (both topographical and boundary). Combined, these services will give you the most comprehensive look at the property’s potential for the intended uses.

Many properties that are considered for development are also slated for subdivision. A land consultant can assist with surveys and platting as required by local rules and procedures.

The land consultant can also stake out the architectural or engineering design, including preliminary staking for vegetation clearing and any changes that need to be made to the topography of the land; layout of storm and sanitary sewer and water systems; and road and bridge layout as needed.

If the site is near a body of water, a land consultant can determine whether the property lies within a designated flood hazard area; an elevation certificate will be needed. This will directly affect whether any lenders will require mandatory flood insurance for a mortgage loan.

Especially important for commercial development projects, land consultants may determine the economic viability of a project. They will look at the property from a real estate developer’s point of view and assist with the design, permitting, and construction processes.

2. Pre-sale Addition or Landscape Renovation

Rather than move, many homeowners are building additions to their existing homes. Some sellers are also adding on prior to selling the home to increase its value. On a mature landscape, this can pose challenges. There could be uncertainty with regard to easements or setbacks, or even conservation easements that might prevent the addition. While conservation easements can reduce a home’s tax burden, they also severely restrict what can be done with the land.

A major pre-sale landscape renovation could also benefit from the services of a qualified land consultant who will look at the project from a return-on-investment perspective.

And if you’re not selling and just want to improve the land, a land consultant can help determine whether your vision for the land is economically feasible or whether other options should be explored.

3. Landscape Liabilities

Do you know your property’s liabilities if you plan on selling? For example, an inground pool is not an asset for everyone. A detached garage can reduce resale value. A vintage barn on the property may be attractive for some, and a safety hazard for others. Other liabilities include property line disputes, land title problems, easement disputes, incorrect information, tax liabilities, and water, mineral, and timber rights. A landscape consultant can advise you on which liabilities need to be addressed before the property goes on the market.