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There is little of
the speculative in such a choice, but we shall have to pay something
extra for our assurances.
In a well built-up town, however, we are likely to find a more eligible
natural site at less cost if we are not too insistent upon being close to
the railway station. The best sites in the older sections are already
occupied or are held at a premium. If we have an eye for location and
the courage of our convictions, we may chance upon an excellent lot
that can be had for a comparatively small price because of its
detachment. It may be so situated that the approach is through the
choicest part of the village, affording us much of the charm of suburban
life without additional cost. Provided sewer, water, light, sidewalks,
and paving are in, a little greater distance from the center may be well
repaid by the beauty of the site, and after the family becomes
accustomed to it the distance is scarcely noticed. Where there are
telephones and local delivery of mail and groceries, occasions for going
uptown are not frequent.

SIZE OF LOT
The lot should have at least 50 foot frontage; and be from 150 to 200
feet in depth. Many subdivisions are now platted without alleys, which
are not desirable unless scrupulously maintained. The site should, if
practicable, be on a plateau or elevation that gives an outlook, or at
least make natural drainage certain. A lot below street level means
expensive filling to be done.

POSITION

There can be little question as to the special desirability of an east
frontage. With this exposure the morning sunlight falls upon the living
room when least in use, while the afternoon glare finds the principal
work of the kitchen accomplished. The indispensable veranda on the
east and south is also usable for a maximum portion of the day, while
the more solid side of the structure, being opposed to the prevailing
winter winds, makes the heating problem easier.
[Illustration: A unique arrangement of the porch.]

OUTLOOK AND INLOOK
Though we should not pay too much premium for an east front, it is
always most salable, and the difference will come back if we should
dispose of the property later. Outlook and protection against being shut
in should be assured. Our own property may be "gilt edge," but if the
man across the way has backed up a barn or chicken yard in front of us
our joy in life will be considerably lessened. Our home is both to look
at and to look out from, and we do more of the latter than of the former.
There are only two ways to make sure of not being shut in, unless the
adjacent lots are already improved. These are to buy enough ground to
give space on either side, or to secure a corner. Sometimes a corner at a
higher price is the cheaper in the end.
Certainly it is advisable, even though our own house be not high-priced,
to discover if there is a building restriction to prevent the erection of
cheap structures near by. This is regulated usually by a stipulation in
the deeds from the original subdivider. Without this guaranty even a
high price for lots does not insure that some fellow who has put most of
his money into the ground may not put up a woodshed next door and
live in it until he can build a house. We shall not find it amiss either, to
know something of the character of the owners of the adjoining
property, for if they are real-estate men there is a probability of their
putting up houses built to sell. Non-resident owner may be expected to
allow their vacant lots to remain unkempt and to object to all
improvement assessments.

TREES
Trees on the lot are a valuable asset, though dislike for sacrificing them,
if carried too far, may result in shutting out the sunlight that is more
essential than shade to health. Cottonwood, willows, and even the
pretty catalpa are to be shunned in the interest of tidiness. On a 50- or
even 100-foot lot we cannot have many trees without overshadowing
the house. A few away from the building, not crowded together, will
give more satisfaction than a grove and be less a detriment to health.
Ordinarily grass will not grow to advantage where there is much shade;
and a beautiful lawn, though open to the sunlight, is not only more
attractive but much more serviceable than ground in heavy shadow and
covered with sparse grass.

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
Prices of vacant property in different sections vary so greatly that one
cannot safely approximate the cost of a building lot. It is safe to say,
though, that if values