Tag: Real Estate

It’s Tax Season! Why Reinvesting Your Refund On Land Is a Smart Move

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If you’re fortunate enough to live in South Texas, you know spring is one of the best times of year to enjoy all the great things the region offers, including acres of sprawling land, limitless potential for creating a bright and happy future, and great outdoor amenities for hobbyists and nature lovers.

Since April is tax season, and as many Americans anticipate refunds, why not consider putting your hard-earned money to work for you and invest in land in beautiful and thriving Harlingen, TX? If you’re like most Texans, you’ve probably taken a road trip once or twice in your life and spotted great land opportunities, sometimes away from the hustle and bustle of the busy cities.

How many times have you dreamt of owning property to start living a life of leisure and comfort, away from many of the big city distractions? The Rio Grande Valley offers incredible land opportunities, and below we’ll discuss why investing your tax return on a land purchase could be one of the smartest moves you make.

Vacant Land Is One of the Most Overlooked Financial Strategies Around

While you’ve probably spent time dreaming about owning land, chances are if you haven’t already purchased, it’s probably because you have questions about the process.

Ask any financial expert and they’ll tell you vacant land is one of the most overlooked real estate investments in the world. Tracts of land actually have the potential to produce serious cash flow for their owners.

One of the top reasons to consider purchasing raw land is that if you don’t have plans to develop it immediately, there’s really nothing that needs to be done to it. Once you’ve found the property you’ve always wanted, you have time to map out your future and earning potential.

Whether you choose to buy and build on the lot for your family, or as an investment property to earn income down the road, the beauty of land buying is you always have control of your future.

Seller Financing Opens the Door to Unlimited Income Potential

For many, purchasing a home can be an overwhelming endeavor. And when it comes to buying land, many of those same buyers could be hesitant because of the ways traditional banks do business.

On the other hand, a less than strong credit history could be the only obstacle standing in the way of your future.

Seller financing is a great way to enter into the real estate market with easy and affordable terms that are an ideal solution for those who have poor or bad credit. Land experts can walk you through the seller finance process, and potential landowners also have the ability to have a say in negotiating the terms.

Harlingen, TX, Offers the Best of South Texas

It goes without saying that owning land is an exciting opportunity and one that can pave the way to the life you’ve always dreamt of.

If you have your heart set on enjoying great climate, friendly neighbors, and above-average schools for your kids, look no further than Harlingen, TX! With a population well under 100,000, Harlingen offers small-town charm with the appeal of big city conveniences.

The affordable cost of living and the sparse suburban feel means you can experience a sense of community, while still enjoying your privacy. How many places can you think of that allows you to experience the best of both worlds?

With a strong sense of culture and heritage, Harlingen is an ideal place to call home and raise a family. Just 20 miles away from the Gulf of Mexico, and a stone’s throw from Matamoros, living in Harlingen is a passport to the cuisine, the artisans, and the culture of Mexico.

Affordable Lots and the Trusted Land Experts at SRC Land

For more than 20 years, SRC Land has given people reason to dream. Offering affordable seller finance land opportunities, we make the process of land buying simple and reasonable for everyone, regardless of poor or bad credit.

Put Your Income Tax Refund To Smart Use and Invest In Quality, Affordable Land in Harlingen with SRC Land!

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Buying Land for the First Time? Here’s Where to Start.

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Thinking about the things you and your family need in a dream home should be centered on excitement and enthusiasm. If you find yourself stressing about things like nearby neighbors, HOA concerns, or even the amount of space you’ll need to grow your family, buying land will likely be the smartest solution.

Whether you’re looking at lots in Harlingen to build your next home, or want to secure the ideal property for future investment, the process of buying land is a great opportunity to reap big rewards now and in the future. But as with any major purchase, going into it well-informed can help you avoid headaches and hiccups in the process.

What New Land Buyers Need to Know Before Purchasing Land

Now that you’ve decided to buy land, it’s important to understand the scope of your project will depend on various factors. Establishing and sticking to a budget will likely help the process flow more easily, and if you’re buying land in order to build your home, you’ll need to consider all the working parts that will be involved to make your vision a reality.

Take into account the fees, permits, the cost of purchasing desired land, the cost to build your house, and the cost for making adjustments to the land to access water and utilities, if not already included in the lot. These costs will help give you a realistic sense of your budget.

In addition, you’ll want to find an area where zoning laws won’t pose a challenge to land buying for your dream home. Some areas may include restrictive zoning rules, including building size and what types of homes can be built on the site.

Then, you’ll want to look at the land’s soil and elevation to ensure it won’t prevent you from building, digging a well (if needed), or running electricity and natural gas. Lastly, making sure the land is free of environmental problems or liens on the property are concerns that may need to be addressed, so hiring professionals can help you assess the issues you may not be familiar with.

Finding the Right Land in Harlingen and the RGV Region

If you’re looking to settle down in an area that offers a range of amenities and continual growth, you’ve probably already concluded Harlingen has much to offer. Working with a trusted land expert can be a big help in your search for land for sale in Harlingen and neighboring communities.

Land development companies like SRC Land in Harlingen will offer a range of options for you to choose from, while helping you each step of the way in determining what tracts of land will make the most financial sense for you and your family.

Land experts such as SRC Land make the buying process simple by offering financing options to fit your needs and budget. You’ll also have the chance to take advantage of seller-financing options if your credit history is less than perfect.

Securing a Land Mortgage

If you’re not in a position to purchase your land with cash, financing will offer the next best solution. Be advised that not all land development companies are created equal and you may be turned away. If you have experienced challenges in trying to secure financing from traditional lenders, seller-financing services can simplify the land buying process.

Seller-finance terms take away the worry of looking to a bank loan to fund your goals, and it also adds in quite a few additional benefits. For instance, you’d be able to save some money on closing expenses, have a say on the conditions of the loan, and pass on the necessity to qualify with a loan underwriter.

With all kinds of lots in Harlingen, Texas, SRC Land has no problem in helping you find exactly what you’re looking for, all at a price you can afford.

SRC Land offers new land buyers affordable lots in Harlingen. Learn more about our easy seller-financing options and how you can be on your way to owning your dream property today!

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Take the Guesswork Out of Buying Agricultural Land With These 10 Easy Tips

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Finding the ideal agricultural land for sale in Harlingen can seem tough. There’s a lot that goes into starting up your next farm or ranch, so researching what you need to start operations and what particular qualities various properties have before finding the one that aligns with your goals is key.

Luckily, SRC Land has 10 tips to ensure that the agricultural property you pick is right for you and whatever business goals you wish to meet.

1. Look into the Land’s Previous Usage

The land’s previous use could influence your decision to purchase the property. Land that’s been unused for decades may not have enough nutrients left for your crops. In addition, an area that was used for industrial purposes could have toxic chemicals residing in the dirt and water.
Research the land’s previous purpose so you can avoid threats and focus on finding property with healthy soil.

2. Test the Soil’s Acidity and Nutrients

Before buying farmland, make sure that the soil has the right nutrients and acidity to grow your preferred crops. If you realize that the farmland for sale doesn’t have the nutrients and acidity required for your crops, then you’ll spend time and money amending the soil before planting.

3. Pay Attention to the Farmland’s Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil protects plants from diseases including stalk rot, root rot, blight, and molds. Standing water also causes breeding grounds from problematic insects like mosquitoes, aphids, and beetles that eat leaves.

If you wish to begin farming immediately, buy farmland for sale that already drains quickly.

4. Analyze the Agricultural Land’s Topology

Most farmers avoid land with steep hills since water can wash away nutrients down the incline. Make sure that the agricultural farmland’s topography matches your crops’ needs.

5. Research Access to Resources

Some agricultural land can be found in the middle or outskirts of densely populated cities. Most farmland, though, is in rural regions. Based on the agricultural land’s location, you may not have access to essential resources such as water, electricity, and natural gas.

In certain scenarios, you can extend water and sewage lines to your farm or ranch by contacting your county’s Planning and Zoning Department. For electricity, search for your county’s preferred power company. The project could be pricey, though.

6. Know Whether the Existing Infrastructure Matches Your Standards

Agricultural land requires more than healthy soil. You need a farm infrastructure that helps you grow and sell crops. The most important kinds of infrastructure include:

  • Roads
  • Buildings
  • Irrigation
  • Electricity

Farmland roads have to accommodate heavy machinery like tractors, rollers, and cultivators along with trucks. Buildings, on the other hand, should offer a secure place to store your equipment and crops. You may need to build buildings like grain silos, packing facilities, and refrigerated sheds to sustain the freshness of your produce.

Irrigation infrastructure could involve drip irrigation systems that run along rows of crops or overhead systems that sprinkle crops automatically. Before investing in farmland, make sure it has an efficient irrigation system that’ll give your crops the right amounts of water.

Additionally, bear in mind that electricity becomes scarce when you travel deeper into a farm’s acreage.

7. Determine How Easily You Can Get to the Farmland

When you look at a map, the farmland for sale might appear to have a location just off a major highway or interstate when, in actuality, you may have to drive miles of country road to get from the interstate’s exit to property.

You may not mind driving an hour from your farmland to the closest major road; however, the issue is that you’ll need to haul heavy equipment and crops a long way numerous times a year. The duration and cost of driving your car 50 miles are significantly lower than the time and expense of hauling a 6,000-pound tractor down the same route.

8. Estimate the Distance to Distributors, Retailers, And Markets

You’ll also have to take into account the distance to distributors, retailers, and markets that purchase your crops.

Look for agricultural land that puts you within a fair distance of distributors and retailers. A centralized location that grants easy access to many of the area’s cities and towns could save your farm a lot of money.

9. Check the Area’s Cell Phone Reception

Today’s farmers need smartphones to stay connected with their employees, clients, and distributors. A region lacking good cell phone reception will make it challenging for you to contact the people who help your business succeed.

Check out the location and see how well your mobile device functions there. If you get poor reception, speak with your carrier about adding nearby cell towers, or if there’s no other alternative, you may want to choose a different property that already comes with good reception.

10. Research Whether Someone Owns Mineral or Gas Rights

Buying agricultural property doesn’t mean you own everything beneath the surface. Someone else could own mineral and gas rights.

For instance, if the previous owner owns the coal, natural gas, or other mineral rights on your property and you only have surface rights–that is, the property that your home is on–then they could have the right to enter your land and start mining in only as much of an area that they need to get the job done. You could check to see who owns the surface and/or mineral rights at your local County Clerk’s Office.

A ton of research goes into discovering ranch or farmland that meets your specific needs. Land real estate transactions require specialized expertise and experience, especially when it comes to finding the right farmland for sale.

Before investing in farm real estate, find a qualified seller-financing specialist at SRC Land to help you pinpoint the greatest opportunities for your purchase without pouring extra time and money into it.

Let SRC Land Be Your Helping Hand in Finding Your Dream Agricultural Property

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5 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Properties

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Land is a valuable asset, and finding ways to increase its value when you’re looking to sell may be one of the smartest things you’ll do aside from the initial investment.

S.R. Campbell began doing business in land development in 1978, and for more than 20 years, SRC Land has made the dream of owning land possible for anyone and everyone interested. We’re here to help. With beautiful lots for sale in Harlingen, our experience and standards help our customers find everything they need to fulfill their home-living experience.

If you want to take advantage of the hot market, you’ll want to check out some of our expert tips on how to increase its value. Harlingen is a booming community, and growth trends and economic forecasts predict continued prosperity and opportunity on the horizon.

Here is helpful advice on increasing your property’s value and making it more appealing to prospective buyers.

1. Improve Your Property’s Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is an important aspect that doesn’t simply apply to homes. Improving your land’s appearance is a surefire way to increase the value, and improving curb appeal is an endeavor that can be done with or without the help of a landscaping company. Depending on the size of the property, many landowners are able to complete these tasks in the course of a short period of time.

Take a walk around the property and make a list of things that need to be done or removed to improve the landscape of the property. This includes simple actions including:

  • Removing junk and garbage on premises
  • Clearing overgrown foliage and weeds
  • Pruning trees
  • Clearing brush
  • Disposing of toxic chemicals or environmental hazards
  • Sealing unused/unsafe wells or water sources

Consider installing fencing as an investment to increase the property’s value. Prospective buyers appreciate the opportunity to purchase land requiring minimal effort to improve upon. Unattractive land with no emphasis on landscape translates to land sitting on the market too long, or invites buyers to present lower offers.

2. Improve or Offer Access

Consider the perspective of a buyer when a property doesn’t offer easy road access. Many times, a property may fulfill most of the needs of a prospective buyer, but difficult access to the land may be what ultimately becomes a dealbreaker.

If a formal agreement doesn’t exist, a landowner may consider talking to neighbors about applying for a legal easement. The process of creating an easement and road maintenance agreement is inexpensive; however, it’s important to consult with a title company and a real estate agent to verify the legal validity of the agreement.

Asphalt or concrete driveways are great options for improving access; if cost is a factor, a more affordable alternative would be to use gravel. These improvements increase the value of the property dramatically, and prospective buyers won’t easily overlook these benefits.

3. Consider Installing Drainage

Drainage issues are a concern for anyone looking to purchase raw land. Land with ineffective drainage or property where standing water remains following heavy rains are some of the least appealing properties to prospective buyers.

In fact, these issues are a significant reason why values plummet. Fortunately, issues associated with poor or non-existent drainage can be fixed easily with the installation of underground drain tiles.

The tiles are an affordable solution at just under $1,000 per acre and work to disperse the water, as a result making a property more attractive by allowing improvements needed for farming, grazing, and building.

4. Run Utilities

Running utility lines to a property ensures a significant increase to the land’s value. If a seller has the budget for improvements, running utility lines is a significant way of making a property more appealing. An ideal choice for buyers are properties with utilities, and the process is easier than you may expect.

Properties within city limits may connect lines on the street and landowners may then pay for hookup fees. For those whose property is located in a rural area, the process may require a bit more time, including planning and money. Other alternatives include solar or wind power. Property owners would benefit from running utilities as the investment will equate to adding 10-20% to your land value.

5. Trees and Added Land Value

Prospective buyers are interested in a property based on potential. If a property is on a spot that offers great views but is obstructed by trees, landowners would benefit in considering removing the trees to improve views.

A forest service office in your area can provide a list of forester consultants that can explain legalities and tax issues, and assistance with timber sale which would mean extra money for you.
As well, if your land offers access to unattractive views, planting fast-growing trees makes a property more salable, and helps reduce noise including that of traffic. The important thing to remember is that landowners can find many ways to improve their land value. With proper planning and strategy, earning potential can be increased and your financial future can look even more promising.

The First Step to Increasing Property Value, However, Begins With Becoming a Landowner!

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