Photo Credit: Ralph Kayden
A concierge broker in the truest sense of the term, Dante DiSabato works tirelessly to ensure his clients’ satisfaction, bringing discipline and competitive spirit to real estate that’s perfectly in tune with getting the best for his customers. Over the course of his career specializing in the Naples, Florida, luxury market, he’s helped his clients buy and sell more than $250M in real estate, providing him with the keen experience of navigating a large volume of transactions. Haute Residence caught up with DiSabato to discuss buying land and what to look for if you are buying land to build new construction on.
Where should someone start searching if they are interested in buying land?
I think it all depends on your price point, but if I was advising a client in Naples, Fla., I would look west of 41 and south of Seagate Drive —what is called Olde Naples. This is some of the most expensive real estate in the country and values continue to increase year after year here. I encourage these areas due to long-term value.
Is it harder to buy land that has a home or structure on it already?
No. There are teardowns all the time. In fact, Naples saw a Gulf-front home sell for $48+ million last summer only for the new owner to tear it down a few weeks later in order to build their dream home. The only difference is that it could add a small window of time to demolish the preexisting home.
If a person is starting from scratch, what should they do first before hiring a team to build their dream property or home?
They should hire an architect to do a lot of study to make sure they can put the home they want on the property. Zoning changes. Regulations change. Restrictions change. Buyers need to be certain that they can create their vision on the property.
Photo Credit: Mathieu Cheze
Is there something to be cautious about for a first-time land buyer?
Make sure that the setbacks are correct, your building envelope is correct and you have the right exposure you are looking for on your property. You should also review the elevation to make sure you understand the height of your first finished floor will be.
What is the typical acreage for land right now if someone is looking to buy right now?
In this area we’re typically looking at around .43 acres in size. That allows you enough space to create a nice size home surrounded by lush landscaping. But, obviously, people can go bigger or smaller depending on their needs and budget.
