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Updated about 10 years ago, 10/27/2014

User Stats

63
Posts
21
Votes
Albert Yamoah
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Denton, TX
21
Votes |
63
Posts

Unfinished neighborhoods with vacant lots

Albert Yamoah
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Denton, TX
Posted

Currently, I live here in West Dallas (75212) in an unfinished neighborhood of tract homes. I'd like to know a few things about new home construction.

1.) Is it a sound strategy to build tract and/or spec homes for rent in unfinished neighborhoods?

2.) Where can I find the cost of building tract homes? I've found various sites that sell plans for these homes, now I'd like to find out the cost for labor and material to build them.

Thanks in advance for your input; I greatly appreciate it.

AY

User Stats

2,078
Posts
1,810
Votes
Hattie Dizmond
  • Investor
  • Dallas, TX
1,810
Votes |
2,078
Posts
Hattie Dizmond
  • Investor
  • Dallas, TX
Replied

@Albert Yamoah 

I would start with talking to a realtor to get a feel for available rentals in the area, which would help me determine whether there is additional demand.  Assuming there is even demand, I would find out what the 1) avg market rent is and 2) what level of finish out is expected to capture that rent.  If there is no demand, I wouldn't pursue that avenue any further at this time.

Once I've worked through that information, only then would I reach out to several contractors.  Based upon the finish level you would be targeting, they should be able to provide you with an avg cost/sq foot for new construction.

User Stats

7,620
Posts
4,154
Votes
Karen Margrave
Professional Services
Pro Member
  • Realtor, General Contractor, and Developer
  • Redding, CA & Bend OR
4,154
Votes |
7,620
Posts
Karen Margrave
Professional Services
Pro Member
  • Realtor, General Contractor, and Developer
  • Redding, CA & Bend OR
ModeratorReplied

@Albert Yamoah Hattie gave you some good advice on finding out what the market is for the area. There are many subdivisions throughout the country that have unfinished lots from when the market crashed. 

Also, find out if there are any CC&R's on the subdivision. Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions that govern the type of construction, size of houses, etc., as that can affect what you can or cannot do. 

  • Karen Margrave
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User Stats

63
Posts
21
Votes
Albert Yamoah
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Denton, TX
21
Votes |
63
Posts
Albert Yamoah
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Denton, TX
Replied

Wonderful advice and knowledge. Thanks so much, @Hattie Dizmond and @Karen Margrave; I greatly appreciate it.

User Stats

2,078
Posts
1,810
Votes
Hattie Dizmond
  • Investor
  • Dallas, TX
1,810
Votes |
2,078
Posts
Hattie Dizmond
  • Investor
  • Dallas, TX
Replied

@Albert Yamoah 

Always listen to @Karen Margrave !!! And, to expand on her comment specifically...check to see if there is a mandatory HOA for the subdivision. If there is, get yourself a copy of their restrictions. A lot of HOA's will prohibit &/or limit your ability to rent the property.