From Dream to Dirt: A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Your First Piece of Land

You’ve been dreaming about owning land—maybe it’s a quiet place to build a home, a few acres for hunting, or a future farm. But when it comes to actually buying land, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Where do you start? What should you look for? And how do you pay for it?

At First South Farm Credit, we’ve helped thousands of first-time land buyers turn their dreams into reality. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get started with confidence.

Step 1: Define Your Vision

Before you start browsing listings, take a moment to think about what you really want. Are you looking for a weekend getaway? A place to build a home? A long-term investment? Knowing your goals will help you narrow your search and avoid wasting time on properties that don’t fit your needs. It’ll also help your lender understand how to structure your land financing.

Step 2: Understand Your Budget

Land prices can vary widely depending on location, size, and features. That’s why it’s important to know what you can afford before you fall in love with a property. Getting prequalified for a land loan is a great first step. It gives you a clear budget and shows sellers you’re serious. Our team can help you explore flexible financing options tailored to your goals.

Step 3: Choose the Right Location

Location matters—especially when it comes to rural land. Think about how close you want to be to town, schools, or major roads. Consider access to utilities like water and electricity, and check local zoning laws to make sure you can use the land the way you want.

Step 4: Walk the Land

Online listings are helpful, but nothing beats walking the property in person. You’ll get a better sense of the terrain, access points, and any potential issues like flooding or erosion. Bring a notebook, take photos, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If possible, walk the land with a real estate agent or land consultant who knows what to look for.

Step 5: Work with the Right Team

Buying land is a team effort. You’ll want a real estate agent who understands rural property, a lender who specializes in land loans, and possibly a surveyor or attorney depending on the property. At First South Farm Credit, we work closely with buyers and their agents to make the financing process smooth and stress-free.

Step 6: Make an Offer and Close

Once you’ve found the right property, it’s time to make an offer. Your agent will help you negotiate terms, and your lender will guide you through the loan process. Closing on land is usually simpler than buying a home, but there’s still paperwork involved. Expect to review the title, finalize your loan, and sign a purchase agreement.

Buying your first piece of land is a big step—but it’s also an exciting one. With the right plan and the right team, you can move from dreaming to doing.

If you’re ready to take the first step, we’re here to help. Our land loan experts can walk you through your options and help you find a financing solution that fits your goals.