How Fast Can You (Really) Get Cash For Your Vacant Land?

How fast can you really expect to get cash for your vacant land?

Let’s walk through three example timelines ‘from contract to cash’…

Same day – If you’re selling a lower priced property…under $3,000 for example
14-30 days – If you’re working with an experienced buyer like a professional land investor
30+ days – If you’re selling with a real estate agent and the buyer needs financing

How to Get Cash the Same Day You Agree to Sell Your Land

It’s perfectly legal for you to sell your vacant land to a buyer without any outside help from an attorney, title company or real estate agent.

You, the seller, and the buyer could meet at property, sign some paperwork, exchange the money and be done with it.

However…this sort of ‘cash on delivery’ real estate transaction carries a lot of risk for the buyer.

What if the seller isn’t the true and rightful owner of the property?
What if there’s a mortgage or lien against the property?
What if there’s an error on the deed the seller signed?

That’s why getting cash for your vacant land on the same day you agree on a sales price can be tough.

The buyer doesn’t have enough time to verify every little detail about the property and the seller’s legal right to sell the property.

Because of this risk, these ‘cash for deed’ transactions tend to be for vacant land that’s purchased under $3,000.

Can you get cash for your vacant land without meeting the buyer in person?

Yes! A tactic used by professional land buyers is to hire a mobile notary.

A mobile notary will act on behalf of the buyer.

You sign the deed and the notary gives you a cashier’s check.

How to Get Cash in 14-30 Days of Agreeing to Sell Your Land

A fast and easy way to sell your vacant land is to work with an experienced land investor.

A land investor can get you cash for your vacant land much faster than working with a real estate agent.

Benefits of selling your land to an experience land investor…

Can buy your vacant land site unseen
Will not require a survey
Can skip the bank and pay cash
We buy land

All of these things help speed up the selling process and get you the proceeds from the sale quicker.

Typically, when selling vacant land to an experienced land investor, you can expect to receive the proceeds from the sale within two to four weeks of signing a Purchase Agreement.

Most of the time a land investor will require a title company or real estate attorney to perform a title search to verify your legal right to sell the property.

And it’s this middleman – the title company or attorney – that causes the 2-3 weeks delay between ‘we have a deal’ and ‘I have my money.’

Land investors buy land from sellers who are looking to sell their vacant land fast.

These sellers aren’t looking to sell their vacant land for top dollar.

But rather, don’t want to go through the hassle of getting their vacant ‘market ready.’

This would include taking appealing photos of the property and clearing the property of debris.

How Long Will it Take to Get Cash For Your Land if You Sell With a Real Estate Agent?

The traditional way of selling real estate involves hiring an agent to market the property for you.

Real estate agents aren’t always the best bet to sell land…especially land that has a market value of under $50,000.

Another factor that slows down the ‘contract to cash’ timeline is the buyer’s ability to pay cash.

If your buyer needs traditional bank financing to buy your vacant land expect to…

Wait to have the property surveyed – this can take several weeks in certain areas
Wait to have the property appraised
Wait to have the bank approve the loan

Typically, a bank will take 30+ days to process and approve a loan application for vacant land.

How Fast Can You Find a Buyer for Your Vacant Land?

But, first things first!

Before you can start the transaction to sell your land you need to find a buyer.

Check out some of our other articles on how to find a buyer for your vacant land…

And, hey, since you’re already here…why not fill out our form and contact 12 experienced land buyers right now.

Get Cash for Your Vacant Land Without the Guesswork

When it comes to selling vacant land, timing can be everything. While the original timelines provide a general idea of how long the process might take, there are several ways to further streamline the process and increase your chances of closing the deal quickly.

Let’s explore some additional insights to help you better understand the factors influencing speed and how you can get the most out of your land sale.

Same-Day Cash: What to Expect and How to Prepare

For transactions where you’re aiming to close the deal the same day, preparation is key. While these quick sales are generally for properties priced under $3,000, having all your documents in order can speed up the process significantly.

Key Considerations for Same-Day Cash Sales:

Proof of Ownership: Be ready to show clear proof that you are the legal owner of the property. This can include title deeds or any documents establishing your rights to sell.
Transparent Communication: Providing potential buyers with upfront details about the property’s condition, taxes, or any existing liens can reduce hesitation and build trust.
Using a Mobile Notary: If meeting the buyer in person isn’t feasible, arrange for a mobile notary. This service adds credibility to the transaction and ensures you get paid immediately with a cashier’s check.

Pro Tip: Be cautious of lowball offers in same-day cash deals. While convenience is a factor, understanding your land’s baseline value will help you negotiate better terms.

Accelerating the 14-30 Day Timeline

When working with experienced land investors, the process is naturally faster because they are equipped to bypass many traditional obstacles. However, there are additional steps you can take to ensure the transaction stays on track.

How to Work Efficiently with Land Investors:

Simplify Negotiations: Have a clear asking price in mind and avoid prolonged back-and-forth. Land investors often appreciate directness and may be more likely to close quickly if they feel the terms are fair.
Provide Documentation Early: If you can share details like property surveys, tax records, and zoning information upfront, you’ll eliminate unnecessary delays.
Be Flexible on Terms: While cash offers are standard with investors, consider discussing other terms, such as closing date flexibility, to keep the deal progressing smoothly.

Why Land Investors Are Ideal for Speedy Sales: Land investors are professionals who are ready to take on properties as-is. They don’t require you to stage the property or clean it up, saving you both time and effort.

Overcoming Delays in Traditional Real Estate Sales

For properties with higher market values or unique attributes, working with a real estate agent may still be the preferred route. However, to minimize delays, it’s essential to anticipate common roadblocks and address them proactively.

Streamline the Real Estate Process by:

Hiring the Right Agent: Choose an agent with experience in selling vacant land, as their marketing strategies and networks will be better suited to your property type.
Preparing for Appraisals: If your land needs to be appraised, gather any historical or environmental data that could expedite the process.
Understanding Buyer Needs: If a buyer is relying on bank financing, inquire early about their lender’s requirements for surveys, appraisals, and other documents. This will help you stay ahead of potential delays.

Considerations for Selling Through an Agent: While this route may take 30+ days, it can sometimes yield higher offers if your land appeals to specific buyer needs, such as development opportunities or recreational use.

Finding the Right Buyer Faster

Before any transaction begins, you first need to find a buyer who’s interested in your property. The good news is that there are numerous ways to connect with serious buyers without wasting time.

Advanced Strategies for Attracting Buyers:

Leverage Online Platforms: In addition to popular websites like Facebook Marketplace and Zillow, consider niche platforms specifically for land sales, such as LandWatch or LandHub.
Market to Local Communities: If your land is suitable for farming or outdoor recreation, target local farming co-ops or hunting clubs to find specialized buyers.
Highlight Unique Features: If your land has attributes like waterfront access, utility hookups, or proximity to popular landmarks, make these features prominent in your listing.

Pro Tip: Creating a detailed, visually appealing listing can significantly increase buyer interest. Use high-quality photos and concise descriptions to stand out.

Wrapping Up: Tailoring the Process to Your Goals

Ultimately, how quickly you get cash for your vacant land depends on the approach you take and the type of buyer you’re targeting. By understanding your options and staying prepared, you can move through the process with confidence and ease.

If speed is your top priority, working with experienced land investors may be the best route. They specialize in quick, hassle-free transactions and often handle many of the logistical details for you.

Ready to Sell Your Land Without the Wait?

If the idea of navigating appraisals, surveys, and buyer negotiations feels overwhelming, we’re here to help. At SellTheLandNow.com, we connect you with experienced land buyers who are ready to make cash offers.