Southside AG said:
I want to buy land in Texas, hill country, Fredericksburg, TX, preferably. Would like +10 acres, and be able to run electric, water and septic/sewage. Ideally would be a weekend getaway but also a place I could store my travel trailer. Tips on how to find the best place without over paying?
I recently bought land in East Texas after a year of looking. My recommendation would be to get in the loop with agents, firms, etc that publish their list of available properties regularly. Set up the profile you're looking for and get candidates "pushed" to you via email. Know you're deal breakers ahead of time (adjacent chicken house or cattle feed lot, nearby mobile homes, etc... whatever kills it for you). Cull the poor ones quickly and go visit the ones that might work. Don't be in a hurry. The process will refine your list of what you really want, and educate you on the market. That way you'll know when the right one comes along, and you can jump on it with high confidence it's the right fit. Line up your finances ahead of time so you can move quickly if needed.
I did this for both my home lot I purchased in 2013 and this recent purchase in April. Worked well both times, and no regrets afterwards.