Known for its vast open spaces and endless outdoor activities, North Idaho has a charm unique to the Gem State. It is an outdoorsman’s paradise with many recreational activities and natural attractions the entire family can enjoy.
The Idaho Panhandle, locally known as North Idaho, is one of the most pristine and untouched locations in the United States. Located in the northernmost region of the Gem State, nestled in between Washington, Montana, and British Columbia, North Idaho is a tapestry of big lakes, winding rivers, and spectacular mountain ranges.
However, North Idaho is more than just a place to visit when you want a touch of the rugged outdoors and a sense of adventure. The area offers plenty of real estate opportunities. In fact, the Idaho Panhandle has become the country’s hottest emerging real estate market. Investments in undeveloped land, in particular, have grown with buyers coming from within and outside the state.
If you are interested in land for sale in North Idaho, you have come to the right place. This resource takes you through everything you need to know about investing in land for sale within the Gem State. See Content at a Glance below for the scope of this article.
CONTENT AT A GLANCE
- Purchasing Land in North Idaho
- Flexibility
- Lower prices
- Quiet, stress-free living
- Types of Land in North Idaho
- Residential Land
- Commercial Land
- Farmland
- Determine your non-negotiables
- Set a budget
- Find the right real estate partners
- Explore financing options
- Vet land investment options
- Inspect the land
- Close the deal
What to Consider Before You Buy Land for Sale in North Idaho
- Zoning
- Utilities
- Size
- Slope
- Location
- Access
Working with the Best Realtors in North Idaho
North Idaho: A Snapshot
North Idaho boasts stunning natural attractions. There are close to 2,000 miles of rivers and streams as well as 140 lakes throughout the area. Significant among them are Lake Coeur d’Alene, one of the biggest in the state and Kootenai River, the largest in Idaho flowing from Montana to Canada.
Residents of the region’s 10 counties enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Summer sees hiking, river rafting, kayaking, and fishing as a few recreational favorites. Winter turns North Idaho into a wonderland for skiing, snow tubing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling.
The sights, the plethora of recreational activities, and the low cost of living are just some of the reasons investing in land in the Idaho Panhandle is worth it. Think of building the home of your dreams on a piece of land surrounded by rolling hills, spectacular mountain views, cedar forests, scenic ponds, farmland, or unobstructed views of the Palouse, said to be the most picturesque area in state of Idaho.
Purchasing Land in North Idaho
Buying undeveloped land is for the bold, the brave, and those who begin with the end in mind. While there is comfort and safety in purchasing an existing home, the biggest payoffs happen only to those who stray out of comfort zones.
Thus, rural land presents tremendous opportunities for those who follow their vision, while accruing the solid benefits of their decision.
- Flexibility
Zoning regulations in metropolitan areas limit the type of development permissible within their jurisdiction. Buying undeveloped land in a rural area allows greater flexibility and development options. - Lower prices
Buying rural land costs less than purchasing properties in urban locations. For reference, a home in a metropolitan area in Idaho is three times cheaper than properties with the same specifications in California. Choosing to buy a piece of real estate in North Idaho means that you get more bang for your buck. - Quiet, stress-free living
Did you know that people who live in rural areas are healthier than those in the city? Despite a city dweller’s access to fitness clubs and organic health stores, folks living away from metropolitan areas tend to be more active and healthier. Experts attribute this to the expanse of green spaces around them and the ability to spend more time in nature.
Land for Sale in North Idaho
North Idaho occupies more than 21,012 square miles. It is home to the state’s 10 northernmost counties and accounts for 25% of Idaho’s total area. When it comes to buying land in the region, there is no shortage of options for you and your family. You are sure to find the North Idaho land of your dreams with the help of the right team of real estate professionals.
Types of Land for Sale in North Idaho
When it comes to buying land in North Idaho, it is vital to determine what you hope to get out of the purchase. Your reason will inform the type of land that is best suited to short-term needs and long-term goals.
In North Idaho, the options below are available:
- Residential Land
North Idaho offers lots from under an acre and up to build custom houses. Check out a multi-family zoned acre lot adjacent to a charter school and close to recreation centers. Or a residential subdivision with affordable lots boasting great views. Browse lots and land here. - Commercial Land
If you are looking for something that accommodates your business, commercial land is available across North Idaho. Finding the perfect lot depends on the type of business you are running. A half-an-acre corner parcel sits within a nearby business park and retail establishments. Browse lots and land for more commercial land opportunities, including warehousing and storage locations. - Farmland
Because of its wide-open spaces, North Idaho presents an abundance of farm and cropland options. More than 10 acres of easily accessible agricultural land with a potential home site already marked off await takers. A 60-acre farmland with an existing homestead is also on offer. Browse lots and land for sale for more farmland opportunities.
How to Buy Undeveloped Land in the Idaho Panhandle
There are plenty of benefits that come with buying undeveloped land in North Idaho. This option is for families who want to forge their own path when it comes to homeownership. Rural land allows you the opportunity to build your home on a piece of land that can be turned into a ranch, a farm, pastureland, or a recreational facility for hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Rural land in the Idaho Panhandle is relatively affordable, to boot. You get more bang for your buck than if you buy property in the city center.
To make sure you end up with the type of land that best fits your needs, below are a few steps that you need to take to ensure you get the best deal:
- Research the market
Prices of rural properties increased over the course of 2020-2021, with more families choosing to retreat to the countryside for more space. Needless to say, prices have followed suit. Moreover, list prices do not always reflect the selling price. It is best to research comparable prices and align with an experienced Realtor before shopping for land. - Learn from your surroundings
Visit the property you hope to buy. Pay attention to building and zoning restrictions and the neighboring lots. Take note of the surroundings. Is there a livestock operation, a noisy highway, or an industrial farm complex nearby? Assess their potential to disrupt or benefit the intended purpose of your property, whether as a commercial enterprise, farmland, or a homestead. - Determine your non-negotiables
After you take external factors into consideration, it is time to make a list of your non-negotiables. During this step, assess what you want to use the land for. If you are looking for farmland, you might want ample acreage. If, on the other hand, you intend to erect a custom home, other habitable structures, or a barn to shelter livestock, utilities might be non-negotiable. - Set a budget
Even if rural properties are more affordable than buying a single-family home close to the city center or in a well-developed residential neighborhood, it is still essential to set a budget. Knowing how much you can spend makes it easier for you to decide on the property to buy. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of developing the property to suit your ends. Doing so provides you a clearer picture of your total investment. - Find the right real estate partners
Sifting through lot listings can be challenging for the uninitiated. How do you differentiate between two parcels of land of the same size? How do you go about subdividing a piece of property? Is this allowed in the first place? If list prices don’t reflect the selling price, how will you know if you’re in for a price adjustment? To navigate these and other tricky situations, you need to partner with a real estate professional knowledgeable about the area to get the best deal. The right Realtor can also tap into their network to find unlisted properties for you. Finding a professional that can champion your priorities is crucial when it comes to investing in land. - Explore financing options
Unless you pay in cash, check your financing options. For the most part, your choices will be similar to the lending facilities available for housing loans. Buyers of land can turn to: - Seller financing. The seller agrees to extend enough credit to enable the buyer to purchase the property, with a promissory note indicating the terms of the loan. Or, both agree to a land contract, in which both parties share in the ownership of the property until such time that the buyer pays in full and gets the deed.
- Local banks or credit unions. It is better to turn to local financial institutions than national credit chains when it comes to rural properties. Local financing institutions often have more knowledge of the area and offer better terms for the buyer if they intend to develop the rural land. Provide lenders with specs and plans for the land so that they can assess the feasibility of the loan you’re applying for.
- USDA Loan. The United States Department of Agriculture offers several financing options with ideal interest rates and federal aid for buyers who purchase undeveloped land.
- Vet land investment options
Buying land can make or unmake your future. It is essential to take your time and listen to your Realtor’s expert advice before making an offer. Purchasing land is even more of a commitment than choosing a home. Developing raw land takes plenty of time and resources. Therefore, you have to make sure that it is the right property for you.
What to Consider Before You Buy Land for Sale in North Idaho
In North Idaho, the dream of owning your own land can be achieved easily. But you’ll need to consider several factors during your search. Below are a few things to think about before making an offer:
- Zoning
It is crucial to know the zoning restrictions of the land you want, as well as its surrounding areas. It determines what you can or can’t do with the property. Find out if there are additional limitations like the kind of structures that can be built on the property, their maximum number, and their size requirements.
- Utilities
Utilities are vital especially if you intend to homestead, build a production facility, or erect a commercial building. Find out where the neighbors draw power and water. The selling price may be low, but costs add up if you intend to install sewer lines, generate your own electricity or hook up to the local grid, and so on, to make the property habitable. In North Idaho, connecting a home to the main line costs around $10,000 for every 300 feet of pole and cable construction.
- Size
The size of the property you choose should correspond to its purpose. If you intend to use the property to build your house, you don’t necessarily need massive amounts of land. But if you intend to turn it into a farm, know that small family farms in Idaho encompass at least 200 acres.
- Slope
Properties on a slope are often listed at a more affordable price than plots on flatter ground. While the price tag of sloped properties might be tempting, the cost and difficulty of developing the property will more than make up for what you bought on the cheap. If you don’t have the capacity to spring for the additional costs it takes to build a structurally sound home on sloped property, steer clear.
- Location
Like any piece of real estate, location is vital when vetting land for sale in North Idaho. Location determines how the property gains or loses value or its rate of appreciation. Think about the lifestyle that you want for your family. If you’ve always dreamed of a rural lifestyle in a remote area, then choosing a plot of land that is less desirable to other buyers might give you an advantage.
- Access
Access is one of the factors that most people do not consider when purchasing properties in more populated areas. However, access can make or break your decision to buy a piece of rural land. Roads can be unpaved or non-existent. You’ll need to consider easements or rights-of-way if your land happens to be accessible only through another person’s private property – a convenience that may not extend to your heirs or another person should you decide to sell your property in the future. Weighing these and other factors is crucial to making your decision.
Working with the Best Realtors in North Idaho
There is no better way to realize the property of your dreams than to build it yourself. Buying land in North Idaho with the best Realtor in the area brings you closer to fulfilling your dream.
Top Realtor, Kathi Nygaard, specializes in North Idaho real estate. With years of experience, she knows the area like the back of her hand. Trust her expertise to access the best listings to serve your needs!
Kathi is known to go above and beyond for her clients. Her skill and professionalism can make the difficult decision of choosing the right property easier for you and your family. She is honest, hands-on, and truly wants the best for her clients.
Here’s what one client had to say about working with Kathi:
To know more about Kathi’s services, feel free to give her a call at 208.875.0345 or email idahosbestproperties@gmail.com. You can also send her message here.
Don’t delay! The possibilities in North Idaho await you!
