A buyer's checklist for evaluating an SD acreage — water, access, soils, taxes, and zoning.
If you are buying land for the first time, these are the five questions we always have buyers answer before they bid.
Water
Is there a well? How deep, what yield, when was it last tested?
Access
Is the legal access deeded or by easement? Is the road township-maintained year round?
Soils
Pull the NRCS soil map. Productivity index matters whether you farm it or not — it sets resale value.
Taxes
Ag-classed land taxes very differently than rural residential. Confirm classification with the county.
Zoning & building eligibility
Just because it is rural does not mean you can build. Always confirm with the county planning office before you close.
