When you can't find your dream home on the market, the next best thing for you to do is to build it. However, to build a home, you have to buy the land first, and for some people, this step is one of the more challenging parts of the process. If you've never purchased land before, there are some measures you can take to make the process easier. 

1. Have a Plan

It's crucial that you have a plan in place for the property before you buy land. Since your plan is to build a home, at least have a rough draft of the blueprint that details the size and layout of the home. If you buy the land and design the home later, you will be restricted to the confines of the property. 

After all, if your goal is to build your dream home, you don't want to be bound by a property that is not the right size. If you have a builder, ask him or her to visit the property with you so that they can analyze the property as well. 

2. Research the Neighborhood

If you're a first-time homebuyer, you might not be fully aware of the impact that your neighbors' homes will have on yours. In terms of value, it doesn't matter how great your home is — if the houses around yours have a low value, they will lower the value of your property. To ensure you are in a neighborhood with comparable homes, it's a good idea to research any residential properties in the area. 

While researching the neighborhood, it's also a good idea to check the zoning guidelines around the land. For instance, if the lots across the street from you are zoned for commercial use, you have to ask yourself if you want to live right across the street from several busy businesses. 

3. Schedule an Environmental Test

It's equally important to have an environmental test performed on the property, especially if you are buying land that has never been developed before. An environmental test involves analyzing soil samples from the property to look for signs of contamination and to identify the type of soil, which will help determine both what can and cannot be built on the property.

The testing also involves verifying that any water sources on the property are not polluted. You would much rather find out this information before you buy rather than after the building process has begun. 

In some areas, land buying is just as competitive as the housing market. Partnering with a real estate professional who can help you locate the property and facilitate the buying process can help ensure that you get the land that you want.

For more information on land for sale, contact a real estate agent.