If you have land for sale in Arizona, the selling process is somewhat similar to those in other states. Although if you wish to sell your land in Arizona without a broker or real estate agent there are some unique aspects of which you will need to be aware.
You will need the following five ‘things’ to sell land in Arizona on your own:
- A Purchase and Sale Agreement
- A Title Company
- A Clear Title
- A Deed
- Land Disclosure Form
What about a survey? Do I need one?
Technically, a survey is not needed to sell vacant land in Arizona.
However, if your land is at a price point…say more than $50,000…your buyers will likely need financing. And, most banks and credit unions require a survey of the property in order to offer a loan.
This is a good example on why you may want to sell to a cash buyer.
Land buying companies won’t need a survey because they don’t need the bank’s money. This means they can complete the purchase of your Arizona land much faster than a buyer who has to wait on the bank.
If you are selling your land for more than $50,000 then consider investing in a survey.
The cost of a survey varies on the complexity and size of your land. But, generally, be prepared to spend $1,000 – $5,000 to perform a new boundary survey.
1. Make sure your Purchase and Sale Agreement stipulates the following:
- The precise land address or failing that, the physical description
- The property owner’s name and mailing address
- The buyer’s name and mailing address
- The purchase price of the property
- The intended closing date
The first document to be signed before the sales process begins is the buyer and seller’s Purchase and Sale agreement.
A fully executed Purchase and Sale Agreement allows the title company to start its process.
When no agent is involved, the title company acts as the de facto agent, serving as an intermediary between both parties.
In Arizona this is quite normal as title companies typically handle real estate transactions.
2. A Title Company
A title company will check the property’s title to ensure that there are no previous liens against it, such as mortgages or other ownership rights. This process is known as making sure the land is “unencumbered.”
If there are encumbrances, these will have to be satisfied before the land sale can proceed.
Once this is done, the title company will prepare both sides for the closing.
They will provide the relevant documents, such as the loan details and agreement (if there is one) and the settlement sheet detailing the lien pay-offs.
In this respect, it is the title company’s job to protect both buyers and sellers when making sure the seller can sell the property and that the correct documentation has been executed to allow that to proceed.
3. A Clear Title
This is the term used to refer to a property being free of encumbrances such as liens.
4. A Deed
A deed and a title are often confused with one another. A deed is a document that is signed by the seller (grantor), transferring the property rights to the buyer (grantee).
In Arizona, there are three main types of deed:
• A General Warranty Deed
• A Special Warranty Deed
• A Quitclaim Deed
Arizona also recognizes two other types of deed:
• Beneficiary Deed
• Life Estate Deed Form
In most cases, a General Warranty deed will suffice.
Arizona is one of only nine community property states.
As a community property state, Arizona law treats a married couple as a single economic unit.
Any property purchased during a marriage – even if only one spouse’s name is on the contract – is considered to be owned by both spouses.
5. Land Disclosure Form
A land/property disclosure form is a document that allows the seller to disclose the physical conditions of a property or its past use.
If a seller is unaware of these they can state that on the form without penalty. In the case of a land sale, where there is no physical building, this would mainly refer to any previous environmental uses or issues on the land.
The Bottom Line to Sell Arizona Land
Private land is a precious commodity in Arizona. Only 18.1% of the state’s land belongs to private owners. The federal government owns 42.1%. State trust land comprises 12.7% of the land, and the remaining 27.1% belongs to Native tribes. The majority of land sales are done by Arizona State Land Department.
According to Land.com, Arizona ranks ninth in the country for the combined land and rural property currently available for sale in the state. Farms and ranches are in demand, with a value of around $7 billion covering 500,000 acres.
Land that can easily access electricity, water, plumbing, and internet service is the most valuable. Scenic views are also important as is road access. This means that land is quite pricey in Arizona and to execute a sale, you’ll need all your ducks in a row with the correct documents — that goes for both the buyers and sellers.
If you want to sell your land in Arizona quickly, simply fill out our form and we’ll send your information to 12 individual Arizona land buyers.
Selling Arizona Land: A Comprehensive Guide
Selling land in Arizona independently can be straightforward if you’re equipped with the right knowledge and resources. While the steps are similar to those in other states, Arizona’s distinct legal, environmental, and economic landscape presents unique considerations. This guide walks you through what you need to know to successfully sell your land in Arizona without involving a broker or real estate agent.
Do You Need a Survey for Arizona Land Sales?
One of the common questions sellers face is whether a survey is necessary. While not legally required for all transactions in Arizona, a survey becomes crucial in certain situations, especially for properties priced above $50,000.
Why Surveys Matter for Higher-Value Land Sales:
- Loan Requirements: Most financial institutions require a recent survey before approving loans for land purchases.
- Cash Buyers: Selling to a cash buyer can bypass the need for a survey, expediting the sales process.
- Proactive Measures: If you anticipate selling to a buyer who might need financing, investing in a survey can save time and reassure prospective buyers.
Survey Costs: The price for a boundary survey depends on the property size, location, and terrain. Typically, it ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, with larger or more complex parcels commanding higher fees.
Essential Documents for Selling Arizona Land
Whether selling to an investor, cash buyer, or traditional buyer, you’ll need the following key documents to proceed with the transaction.
The Purchase and Sale Agreement
The first step in the sales process is drafting a Purchase and Sale Agreement, which formalizes the terms between the buyer and seller. This document should include:
- A precise address or detailed geographical description of the land.
- The seller’s and buyer’s full names and mailing addresses.
- The agreed-upon purchase price.
- The intended closing date.
Once signed, the agreement provides the title company with the authority to begin its work, acting as a neutral intermediary. This ensures that the transaction progresses smoothly and aligns with legal requirements.
The Role of the Title Company
Title companies play a crucial role in Arizona land sales. Their primary responsibility is to verify the property’s title and ensure it’s free of encumbrances, such as liens or claims from third parties.
Key services provided by title companies include:
- Title Searches: Confirming ownership and identifying any outstanding issues that may impede the sale.
- Document Preparation: Facilitating paperwork for both parties and ensuring compliance with Arizona law.
- Closing Coordination: Overseeing the financial and legal aspects of the transaction, including lien pay-offs and settlements.
By partnering with a reputable title company, you protect yourself and the buyer, ensuring a secure and transparent process.
Understanding Deeds in Arizona
A deed transfers property ownership from the seller (grantor) to the buyer (grantee). Arizona offers several types of deeds, each suited to specific situations:
- General Warranty Deed: Provides the buyer with the highest level of protection by guaranteeing a clear title.
- Special Warranty Deed: Limits the seller’s guarantee to their period of ownership.
- Quitclaim Deed: Offers no warranties and transfers the property as-is.
Special circumstances, such as community property laws, must also be considered in Arizona. Married couples, for instance, are treated as a single economic unit, meaning land acquired during the marriage is jointly owned.
Land Disclosure Form
A Land Disclosure Form allows sellers to disclose any known physical conditions or past uses of the property. While Arizona law permits sellers to state “unknown” if they’re unaware of specific issues, transparency is critical for building buyer trust.
Unique to Arizona is the requirement to disclose whether the land was previously used as a methamphetamine laboratory and if it was remediated according to state standards. Even for vacant land, this disclosure can apply.
Selling Arizona Land: Tips for Success
Arizona’s real estate market offers a variety of opportunities, with rural properties and land for farming or ranching in high demand. To make your land stand out:
- Highlight features such as access to utilities, scenic views, and road connectivity.
- For properties near urban centers, emphasize potential for development or zoning advantages.
- Prepare all necessary documentation ahead of time to avoid delays and ensure buyer confidence.
The Bottom Line
Selling land in Arizona independently is achievable with the right preparation. From understanding when to invest in a survey to ensuring all legal documents are in order, being proactive can streamline the process and increase your chances of a successful sale.
If you’re looking to sell your land quickly and efficiently, consider connecting with trusted land buyers. By filling out our simple form, you’ll gain access to 12 professional Arizona land buyers ready to make competitive offers.