Green Valley Arizona Land Buyers

Purchasing raw, undeveloped land in Green Valley Arizona and the surrounding Southern Arizona areas presents it's own opportunities and challenges.  Some land parcels are located in platted subdivisions - with land sales by a salesperson representing the developer.  Other land parcels are located in unsubdivided areas with very few building restrictions.  

The land purchase process is very similar to purchasing a home, again, it's advisable to be represented by a LOCAL experienced Realtor that is knowledgeable about the area, advise you about local issues & guide you through the process.

The following is a checklist of helpful hints for consumers to help avoid some of the pitfalls of purchasing  raw and undeveloped land.  The State of Arizona Department of Real Estate provides additional information to buyers.

Raw Undeveloped Land

1. If in a subdivision, ask to see the Arizona Department of Real Estate Public Report before you sign anything.  The contents of the Report will tell you such things as:
   
   
   • Flooding and drainage disclosure
   • A description of adjacent land and uses
   • Who provides electricity, telephone, gas, water and sewage disposal
   • Common community and recreation facilities
   • Assurances for completion of improvements
   • Local services and facilities, including schools, shopping facilities, public transportation, medical facilities, fire protection, ambulance service, police protection and garbage services
   • Taxes and assessments
   • Property owners association details
   
   If you have any questions about the Public Report, you are welcome to call the Arizona Department of Real Estate, Development Services Division at 602.771.7750.  A Subdivision Representative will assist you with your questions.
   
   The cover sheet of the Public Report contains a disclaimer by the Department of Real Estate.  Read it carefully.  Most importantly, note that it states:
   

   "Not all of the information in this report has been verified by the Department; certain information has been accepted by the Department as true and accurate based on attestation of the subdivider and/or the subdivider's agents.  You should verify all facts before signing any documents."

   Pay particular attention to the source of utility services.  You may find that bringing utilities to the property will be an expensive proposition.  If the property you are considering is smaller than 160 acres, if there are more than five parcels in the subdivision, and if the developer cannot produce a Public Report, the subdivision is probably illegal.  If you buy the land without reading a Public Report, you may find there is no supply of water, or that it will cost tens of thousands of dollars to bring electric service to the property.  You may also find that you do not have permanent legal access to your property.
   
   
2. Ask to see the Arizona Department of Water Resources report for the property.  Determine that there is an assured or adequate water supply (depending on whether the property is in or outside of a Groundwater Active Management Area), and how much it will cost to have a well dug if necessary.
   
3. If purchasing raw land with the intent to develop it into smaller parcels, be aware that splitting the land into more than five parcels requires a Subdivision Public Report issued by the Arizona Department of Real Estate.  For more information about applying for the report and the cost, contact the Development Services Division at 602.771.7750.
   
   
4. If you have inspected the land and signed a purchase agreement or contract, you have 7 calendar days following the day on which you signed the agreement or contract to rescind the purchase in writing without cause.  The rescision notice must be received by the seller by midnight of the seventh calendar day.  The seller must clearly and conspicuously disclose your right to rescind the purchase.  Right of rescission does not apply to new or previously owned homes.
   
   
5. If you have not inspected the land before signing a purchase agreement or contract, you have 6 months in which to inspect the land, and at the time of the inspection you have the right to rescind the purchase.