#12 - Why Some Land Never Sells The Truth About Slope, Drainage & Elevation
This session focuses on the importance of understanding land sloping and topography when evaluating land deals. The speaker emphasizes how slopes can affect buildability, access, engineering costs, resale value, and exit strategy. Using real-life examples, tools like Land ID, and geographic insights, the speaker shows how to read contour lines, spot flood zones, and negotiate steep or sloped lots. The discussion ends with a live deal analysis and creative financing strategies like novation.
Chapter 1: Why Sloping Kills Deals (0:00 – 2:30)
Importance of avoiding sloping lots
Google Maps Street View used to quickly evaluate topography
Sloped lots complicate resale and buildability
Chapter 2: Understanding Topography & Road Building (2:30 – 5:00)
How roads and freeways are historically and practically designed around terrain
Higher elevation of highways helps prevent flooding
History of road design through easy travel routes
Chapter 3: Using Tools to Read the Land (5:00 – 12:00)
How to use Land ID and contour maps to assess terrain
Contour lines = slope; each mark is a 10ft change
Cities are often built in flatter areas for ease of development
Examples from Arkansas and Hollywood Hills to show extreme topography workarounds
Chapter 4: Negotiating Sloped Lots (12:00 – 17:00)
How slope adds cost: builders must use blocks/fill/footings
Use contour lines to negotiate pricing
Sloped lots may sit on the market longer
Big price differences between sloped vs. flat nearby lots
Chapter 5: Real Deal Example & Creative Terms (17:00 – 26:00)
Live discussion of a 4-lot deal in Palo Pinto County, TX
Owner asking $540K with $200K down
Strategy options: novation, seller finance, breaking it up
Opportunity to sell or remove RVs for quick cash
Advice to watch listing expiration and negotiate directly with seller
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