If you’ve been researching how to sell vacant land, you’ve probably come across dozens of “we buy land” companies. Some promise fast closings. Others send letters or postcards out of the blue.
It’s reasonable to wonder whether these companies are legitimate, or whether selling to one is a mistake.
The short answer is this: many land-buying companies are real businesses. Some are not. Knowing what to look for can help you slow down and make a confident decision.
Land buying companies are not automatically scams, but legitimacy varies widely. The difference usually shows up in how the buyer handles transparency, pressure, and the closing process.
If you’re comparing this option to selling land on your own, this step-by-step guide to selling land without a middleman explains how the process works and what you should evaluate before accepting any offer.
Why land buying companies exist
Vacant land is different from houses. It’s harder to finance, slower to sell, and often ignored by traditional real estate channels.
Land-buying companies fill that gap by purchasing land directly from owners. In exchange for speed and simplicity, they typically buy at a discount and resell later.
For some sellers, that tradeoff makes sense. For others, it doesn’t.
Land buying companies exist because vacant land is slow and difficult to sell through traditional channels. Speed and simplicity usually come at the cost of price.
Signs a land buying company is legitimate
A legitimate land-buying company should be comfortable slowing down and answering questions. Some green flags include:
- They clearly explain how the transaction will work
- They use a title company or real estate attorney to handle the closing
- They do not pressure you to sign immediately
- They are willing to share details about recent purchases
- They encourage you to do your own research
A real buyer understands that selling land is a major decision and does not rush the process.
Legitimate buyers are willing to slow the process down. Pressure and urgency are rarely signs of a strong offer.
Red flags to watch out for
Some warning signs should give you pause:
- Pressure to sign documents quickly
- Unwillingness to explain contract terms
- No third party involved in the closing
- Requests for upfront fees
- Vague answers about how or when you’ll be paid
If something feels off, it’s usually worth stepping back.
Most bad land deals do not fail quietly. They fail after pressure, confusion, or unanswered questions are ignored.
Why it’s smart to talk to more than one buyer
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is to speak with multiple land buyers.
Even legitimate companies value land differently. Comparing offers helps you understand whether a price is reasonable and gives you leverage if you choose to move forward.
You are never required to accept the first offer you receive.
How legitimate land transactions are handled
Land buying companies typically purchase properties remotely. This means the buyer may be located in a different state than you or the land itself.
A ‘remote closing’ is very common in selling vacant land.
To protect both parties, legitimate transactions are typically handled by:
- A title company or real estate attorney, most often used for higher-value purchases
- A licensed notary public, sometimes used for lower-value transactions
You should never sign documents transferring ownership unless funds are secured and the closing process is clearly explained.
If you’ve never sold land remotely before, this short video walks through how to stay safe when selling land to a buyer you haven’t met in person.
A simple way to protect yourself
Before accepting any offer, it helps to understand what your land might be worth and how different buyers evaluate it.
Seeing multiple perspectives gives you context and keeps you in control of the decision, whether you sell now, later, or not at all.
Legitimacy is less about the buyer’s claims and more about their behavior throughout the process.
Final thoughts
Land buying companies are not automatically scams, but they are not all created equal.
Taking your time, asking questions, and comparing options can help you avoid regret and choose the path that fits your situation.
