Must‑Haves vs Wants: Build a Lot Buyer Scorecard That Saves You Money
Must‑Haves vs Wants: Build a Lot Buyer Scorecard That Saves You Money
Most lot buyers think they’re shopping for land. In reality, you’re shopping for a future lifestyle plus a build budget. That’s why the smartest move you can make is building a Lot Buyer Scorecard before you ever step onto a property.
When you do this, you stop reacting to pretty views and start making confident, fast decisions.
Step 1: Write your “Non‑Negotiables” (Must‑Haves)
These are the requirements your lot must meet to support the home you want to build.
Here are common Hill Country must‑haves (steal these and edit):
- Location: school district, city vs. county living, commute tolerance
- Minimum acreage or lot size
- Topography that supports your plan (ex: single‑story vs. multi‑level)
- Utilities you require: water, electric, internet (at the lot)
- HOA/ARB rules that allow your build style (materials, roof type, fencing, etc.)
- Room for what matters: garage size, shop, pool, guest casita
Pro tip: Write must‑haves as “pass/fail.” If the lot fails one, you move on.
Step 2: Write your “Preferences” (Wants & Dreams)
These are features you’d love but can compromise on:
- Cul‑de‑sac, corner lot, greenbelt
- Sunset view vs sunrise view
- More trees vs open space
- Larger buffer from neighbors
- Extra space for future additions
Step 3: Assign weights (so your emotions don’t make the decision)
Create a 100‑point scorecard:
- Access & roads (25 points)
- Utilities (25 points)
- Buildability/topography/drainage (25 points)
- Rules/restrictions (15 points)
- “Lifestyle features” (10 points)
Why this works: it forces you to price in the things that make lots expensive after you buy them.
Step 4: Use this scorecard on every tour
Bring this exact checklist and grade each lot (0–5) for each category:
Access & Roads
- Is the road public, private, or HOA‑maintained?
- Any low‑water crossings or seasonal access concerns?
- Will the driveway grade be reasonable?
Utilities
- Water: city/co‑op/well? What’s the tap fee or well reality?
- Electric: where is the nearest line/pole? Extension cost?
- Septic: feasible and enough room for drain field?
- Internet/cell: can you work from this lot?
Buildability
- Build envelope: do setbacks/easements still fit your floorplan?
- Slope: can you build your preferred layout without major retaining walls?
- Drainage: does water flow away from the future home site?
- Soil/rock: is limestone likely to increase excavation/foundation cost?
Rules & Restrictions
- Deed restrictions / HOA / ARB: are your plans allowed?
- Outbuildings/shops, fencing, animals, short‑term rentals… allowed or restricted?
A “good” scorecard outcome
You don’t need a perfect 100. You need a lot that:
- passes your must‑haves,
- scores high on access/utilities/buildability,
- and keeps site costs predictable.
Want a second set of eyes before you buy land?
Text or call Kyle Ritter at (830) 998-4412 or email [email protected].
If you send me the address/MLS link + your rough build plan (single‑story vs. two‑story, sqft, shop/pool/casita), I’ll help you spot red flags around access, utilities, restrictions, drainage, and site costs.
Bonus: I’ll send you my Lot Fit Checklist so you can tour lots like a builder.
Disclaimer: This article is for general education only and isn’t legal, engineering, or lender advice. Always verify restrictions, utilities, flood status, and build feasibility with the appropriate professionals and the local jurisdiction.
