How to Spot Red Flags in a Land Deal Before Money Goes Hard

ASK:

I found what looks like the perfect site. How do I know if there are hidden risks before I make it official?

ANSWER:

Every piece of land tells a story, and some chapters can get very expensive.

Developers fall in love with a location, but land rarely comes “shovel-ready.” Zoning mismatches, utility limitations, easements, and title restrictions can turn a dream project into a nightmare.

At I&D Consulting, our job is to find those red flags before your deposits go hard so that you have more options available saving you time and money.

The Big Four Red Flags

Zoning Doesn’t Match the Vision
If your intended use isn’t permitted, you’ll need rezoning or a conditional use permit. Both add time, risk, and politics.
Utility Access Isn’t Guaranteed
No easement, no power. Always confirm water, sewer, and electrical service availability, and verify capacity with providers.
Title and Easement Issues
Undisclosed easements or encumbrances can restrict building footprints or access. Always run full ALTA surveys and title reviews.
Environmental or Floodplain Constraints
Wetlands, protected trees, or FEMA flood zones can destroy yield and add mitigation costs.

How We Vet Deals Quickly

We run land feasibility screen that covers:

Zoning + General Plan alignment
Utility access and offsite cost exposure
Environmental constraints
Political climate

Our report outlines the process, defines the project risks and provides a timeline, giving you a clear “go,” “pause,” or “walk away” signal.

Why It Matters

Catching one red flag early can save hundreds of thousands in redesign or delay. Developers who ignore due diligence end up spending equity solving problems they could have avoided for a few thousand dollars.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Zoning, utilities, and easements are the top red flag categories.
Feasibility screens save time, money, and stress.
Always identify risks before deposits go hard.