One of the first steps for you to sell your vacant land is to gather basic information about the property you want to sell. Makes sense, right?
A Parcel Number is a number (sometimes with some letters) that is assigned to your property by the local government that is in charge of real estate taxes in your property’s area.
The most important piece of information you can know about the property you want to sell is the Parcel Number.
Different states use different terms for Parcel Number. Sometimes a Parcel Number is called an Assessor’s Parcel Number, Property ID Number and so on. For now…we’re just going to call it Parcel Number.
Every property you can think of has a Parcel Number. The place you live has a Parcel Number. The McDonald’s down the road has a Parcel Number. And, the vacant land you want to sell also has a Parcel Number.
A Parcel Number allows everyone – you, the person who wants to buy your land, the real estate agent, the title company, attorney – to know exactly what vacant land you are looking to sell.
If you want to sell your vacant land you should know your property’s Parcel Number. Here’s how to find it…
Step 1 – Find Out What County (or Township) Your Land is Located In
The job of keeping track of who owns what property and collecting taxes on that property is handled by local county governments.
These states – Ohio, Michigan, New Jersey – have local townships which handle property taxes. You’ll need to know exactly what government entity is in charge of assessing the value of your property.
If you’re not sure what county your property is located in then simply do an internet search for the closest city or town and then add the term “county.”
For example, let’s say you inherited a piece of vacant land in Hudson, Florida. A quick internet search for “husdon florida county” will tell you that Hudson Florida is located in Pasco County.
Step 2 – Do a Web Search for “(The County) Property Assessor” or “(County) Property Records”
Most counties nowadays make it easy to search online for your vacant land’s information. Each county has an office called Property Assessor. The job of the Property Assessor is to determine a dollar value for every property located within the county. Local governments use this value to determine the amount of property tax. Some states use the term Property Appraiser instead of Property Assessor.
Step 3 – On the website, look for a “Search Records” or “Find Property” button
Once you have found the county’s Property Assessor’s website look for a “Property Search” feature on the website. You’ll need to know some basic information about your vacant land in order to search for the property – things like owner name or street address.
Once you’ve identified your vacant land property on the Property Assessor’s website you should find a good amount of information about the property. Look for a Parcel Number – write that number down.
Other information that you may be able to find on the Property Assessor’s website includes –
- The number of acres / size of the property
- Who owns the property (not made public in California)
- The assessed value
- A map of the property
Why Your Property’s Parcel Number Matters
Before diving into the process of finding your Parcel Number, it’s essential to understand why this number is so important. The Parcel Number is the unique identifier that distinguishes your property from all others in the same jurisdiction. It’s the key to unlocking information about your land, such as tax history, zoning details, and ownership records. For potential buyers, the Parcel Number provides the clarity they need to proceed with confidence in the transaction.
Beyond the Parcel Number: Other Key Details to Gather
While the Parcel Number is critical, you may also want to gather additional details to make the selling process smoother. Many Property Assessor websites also offer insights that can help you market your land more effectively.
Land Zoning Information
Zoning details clarify how the land can be used, whether for residential, commercial, agricultural, or recreational purposes. Having this information upfront can help you attract the right type of buyer and set realistic expectations for the sale.
Tax Records
Tax history provides a snapshot of the property’s financial background. Prospective buyers often want to know whether taxes are up to date or if there are any outstanding obligations tied to the land.
Utility Access
If your property has access to utilities like water, electricity, or sewage, note this information. It’s often a significant selling point, especially for buyers planning to develop the land.
Tips for Navigating County Websites
Finding your Parcel Number online can be straightforward, but each county website has its quirks. Here are some tips to streamline the process:
- Use Advanced Search Options
Many Property Assessor websites allow for advanced searches using multiple criteria, such as owner name, street address, or even subdivision name. If one search method doesn’t yield results, try another. - Explore Interactive Maps
Some counties offer interactive GIS (Geographic Information System) maps that allow you to click directly on a parcel to access its details. These maps often provide visual context, showing property boundaries and nearby landmarks. - Take Note of Format Variations
Parcel Numbers can vary in format across jurisdictions. For instance, some counties use numeric sequences, while others include alphanumeric codes. Be sure to copy the number exactly as it appears to avoid confusion later.
What to Do If You Can’t Find Your Parcel Number Online
In some cases, the information you need may not be readily available online. If this happens, don’t panic—there are alternative methods to locate your Parcel Number.
Visit the Property Assessor’s Office
Most counties maintain physical records that you can access in person. Bring any documentation you have, such as a deed or tax bill, to expedite the process.
Check Recent Property Tax Bills
If you or the previous owner received tax bills for the property, the Parcel Number is typically included on these statements. This can be a quick and easy way to find it without using online tools.
Contact a Title Company
Title companies specialize in property searches and can often locate a Parcel Number for you. While this service may come with a fee, it can save time and effort if you’re struggling to find the information independently.
Preparing to Use Your Parcel Number in the Sale Process
Once you have your Parcel Number, consider how you’ll use it throughout the sale process. Here are a few key applications:
- Marketing Your Property: Include the Parcel Number in your online listings to make it easier for serious buyers to find and research your land.
- Facilitating Buyer Research: Provide the Parcel Number to interested buyers so they can verify details like zoning, taxes, and location.
- Closing the Deal: Title companies and real estate attorneys will use the Parcel Number to prepare legal documents and ensure a smooth transaction.
The Bottom Line: Make Your Sale Smoother with the Right Information
Having your Parcel Number is just the beginning. Gathering additional details about your property and understanding how to use this information can make the selling process faster and more efficient. Whether you’re selling land online or working with local buyers, being well-prepared puts you in a strong position to close the deal successfully.
If you’re ready to move forward, contact our team today. We specialize in helping landowners connect with serious buyers quickly and efficiently. Let us take the hassle out of selling your vacant land!