Might be a stupid question... (quick)

[David L.]

I always see land for sale really cheap in the rural areas of nowhere and always wondered how much it would cost to develop out in the middle of the desert. 

Anyway, what does it mean when the ad refers to a water meter or electrical meter? The context would be a 15 acre lot of land and it says "Water meter paid" No mention of electrical. So is that a fee that you pay the city or the power/water department and if so, how much does it cost to ACTUALLY get water to the place?

What about a cost of a septic tank for drainage either an outhouse or an RV? Looking at some homestead housing options

[Jenna Y.]

I am in the area right now. 

Having a water + electrical meter is GOLD on raw land. If you are buying say 5 acres of vacant land for $20k, getting electrical and power out there could cost just as much, if not more.

- ELECTRICAL: you can call SCE and if you provide an address they can give you an estimated costs. This could range from using a pre-existing power pole, to needing multiple poles installed for you. You would pay the install costs. Of course, solar is always an option too. 

- WATER: For water, same deal - it could be as simple as tapping into water lines already run down the street. Or it could be needing to install new water lines. You pay by feet. It's my understanding that you can no longer drill wells, and I believe you can no longer install a new water tank for u-haul water (having water trucked in) - existing water tanks are grandfathered in. Check with the County of San Bernadino to confirm well/water tank status. 

There are multiple water companies in the area - call around to find the correct one for your property and they will also be able to provided you an estimated cost.

- DEVELOPING - Heads up - You CANNOT just live on raw land with an RV. You CAN however live in your RV if you have an active building permit.

- SEPTIC - Not 100% sure on costs, but putting in a new septic runs about $6k in the area - call around to local septic companies and ask.  

Good to find a property you like and do the whole run-through, so you get a sense of the actual costs of developing on raw property.