If you’re thinking, “I need to sell my land,” you couldn’t have picked a better time. In the past seven months, we’ve seen a 50% increase in rural land sales.
Why? In a time of extreme and unprecedented change, more Americans are determined to carve out more space for themselves, take up farming, and experience life off the grid.
That being said, high demand doesn’t always turn into a quick, smooth sale. Selling vacant land is far different from selling a developed property, and it takes both skill and know-how.
Read on to find out how can sell land the hard way and how you can sell your land the fast way.
How to Sell My Land the Hard Way
When you’re selling a home, you’re dealing with people and families who are looking for the perfect, move-in-ready home.
Marketing is more clear cut and you don’t have to leave much up to the imagination when you hold a showing or open house.
Selling land is very different.
We’re talking about different buyers, different marketing, and different pricing.
Read on to learn more about what you’ll need to do to sell your land the hard way.
Understand Your Buyer
So there may be plenty of Americans looking to get off the grid nowadays, but you’re unlikely to run into this particular kind of buyer.
The reality is that land tends to go to developers who are looking to establish more real estate assets of their own.
Dealing with a commercial or residential developer can be a little bit different than dealing with a homeowner.
Appealing to sentimental value won’t necessarily work because developers aren’t interested in living on the property, themselves.
For them, it’s strictly business.
Make the Land Look Marketing-Ready
You’d stage a house but can you stage vacant land?
In a way, yes.
Make sure that you go around your land and clear out any trash or junk.
If there are any specific focal points on the property, consider pulling up weeds and cutting back overgrowth.
Some land sellers even plant wildflowers to make the land look more enticing, although this is more of a time investment than you may be able to afford.
Take pictures at the optimal time.
For most landowners, this is likely the golden hour, an unspecified time of day around sunset or sunrise that gives everything a golden glow.
The golden hour is a favorite for serious photographers because it provides unique natural lighting.
Price Wisely
Pricing vacant lots of land isn’t always easy.
Ideally, you want to compare your lot to similar lots around you that have sold in the recent past.
The problem is that there are far fewer vacant lots for sale and the ones that have sold may be vastly different from your own.
The other aspect of pricing vacant land that makes it difficult is not knowing who you’re pricing it for.
A buyer looking to develop a high-end planned community, for example, is probably willing to pay a hefty price for the right lot of land.
A buyer looking to develop a single-family home and a self-sustaining homestead, on the other hand, isn’t going to drop nearly as much dough.
There are a few ways that you can approach this particular issue.
The first is to open up a bidding war. This can generate competitive offers but you’re also running the risk of losing the sale or drawing it out.
The second and third option is to either price high and hope for the right buyer to come along or price low to sell quickly.
Remember that whatever your asking price is, buyers will negotiate down, not up.
If you price your land too low, you may sell yourself short.
Should I Work with an Agent?
Home sellers work with real estate agents all the time.
Should you hire an agent to help you sell your vacant land?
Working with an agent is always an option, but don’t pick any random agent who sells homes.
Shop around and find one or two that you know have explicitly sold vacant land before.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and find out what an agent brings to the table before agreeing to work with them.
Remember that agents need to get paid. They may take some of the pressure off of you, but they’ll also take a portion of your proceeds.
How to Sell My Land the Fast Way
This sounds like a lot, right?
Some lucky sellers may find that selling their land is an open and shut process.
When you find the perfect buyer, you’re in the clear.
If you want to make sure that you find the perfect buyer right away, let us help you.
All we need to know is some key information about the property, like location and acreage.
From there, we connect you to 12 land buyers so that you get multiple offers right away.
We also pay your closing costs, back taxes, and liens–and don’t charge you realtor fees.
We’ll do the research, set the price, and put your land in front of the right buyers.
You avoid the hassle of marketing, negotiating, and handling closing costs.
Our way isn’t just the fast way–it’s the relaxed way.
Start Selling Land Today
After reading this, you may have gone from, “I want to sell my land,” to, “I hope it’s not difficult to sell my land.”
If you work with our team at Sell the Land Now, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you get real cash offers.
We can have your land off your hands in a matter of weeks.
To get started, fill out our online form and tell us what you can about your property.
Tips for Selling Land Like a Pro
While the original steps lay out the core strategies, there’s a lot more you can do to refine your approach, maximize value, and streamline the process. Here are some additional considerations that could be the difference between a drawn-out sale and a swift, satisfying deal.
Leverage Local Insights
Understanding local market trends can provide a competitive edge. For instance:
- Zoning Laws: Familiarize yourself with local zoning restrictions and share this information with potential buyers. Highlight if your land is zoned for residential, commercial, or agricultural use, as this can significantly influence its value.
- Neighborhood Potential: If nearby developments or infrastructure projects are underway, use these as selling points. Buyers often appreciate the potential for future growth.
Highlight Land Use Possibilities
Beyond just marketing the physical land, showcase its potential:
- Custom Development: Mention whether the land could accommodate unique building projects like tiny homes, modular housing, or eco-friendly structures.
- Recreational Use: Highlight opportunities for camping, hunting, or ATV trails if applicable.
- Sustainability Features: If the land is suitable for solar panels, wind turbines, or rainwater collection systems, these can be big draws for environmentally-conscious buyers.
Create a Virtual Experience
Many buyers may not be local, so consider creating a virtual experience for your land:
- Drone Footage: Invest in high-quality aerial footage to provide an expansive view of the property.
- Interactive Maps: Use tools like Google Earth or specialized GIS mapping to showcase property boundaries and nearby landmarks.
- Virtual Tours: A narrated walkthrough video highlighting key features can make your listing stand out online.
Creative Pricing Strategies
If you’re struggling to settle on the right price, consider these approaches to make your property more appealing while preserving value:
- Tiered Pricing: Offer a discount for buyers willing to close quickly or waive certain contingencies.
- Lease-to-Own Options: For buyers who may not have immediate financing, this approach could widen your pool of interested parties.
- Market Comparisons: Provide potential buyers with a breakdown of similar listings in the area to justify your pricing, demonstrating transparency and trustworthiness.
Build Buyer Confidence with Transparency
Buyers appreciate sellers who are upfront about the property. Provide:
- Survey Data: Even if not required, having a recent survey can reassure buyers about property boundaries and potential uses.
- Utility Information: Detail existing connections or the process for adding utilities like water, electricity, and internet.
- Environmental Reports: If available, share soil tests, flood zone designations, or any prior use history. These details show that you’ve done your due diligence.
Expand Your Buyer Network
If traditional advertising isn’t yielding results, consider tapping into niche markets:
- Agricultural Buyers: If your property is suitable for farming or ranching, connect with local agricultural communities or co-ops.
- Investors: Real estate investors are always looking for land they can hold for appreciation or develop for profit.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Market your land to camping and hunting communities if it offers recreational value.
Final Touches Before Selling
To ensure a seamless transaction:
- Double-Check Documentation: Ensure all legal documents are accurate and up to date, including property deeds and disclosure forms.
- Plan for Negotiation: Be prepared to answer buyer questions and respond to offers quickly. Set a minimum acceptable price ahead of time to avoid on-the-spot decisions.
- Communicate Clearly: Whether negotiating directly or through a platform, provide prompt responses and stay organized to maintain buyer interest.
Why Selling Vacant Land Can Be Rewarding
Selling vacant land might seem complex, but it offers flexibility that developed property often lacks. Whether you choose to go the traditional route or work with professional buyers, understanding your property’s unique value is key to a successful sale.
By combining these advanced tips with the original guide, you can take your land sale from basic to exceptional. If you’re ready to take the fast, hassle-free route, our team at SellTheLandNow.com is here to help.