Learning how to sell land is tough, but doable. If you have a vacant property that you just want gone, this is the guide that you need to read.
Do you think you’re sitting on a gold mine? If you own vacant land, anything is possible!
The thought of discovering gold may inspire you to order a set of prospector’s tools, but realistically, most landowners won’t find a gold mine. Instead, selling vacant land could add a considerable amount of cash to your bank account.
Not sure where to start?
Read our short guide on how to sell land. You’ll find tips to help you with pricing land and attracting the right buyers.
How to Sell Land: The First Step
Even if you need to sell your acreage fast, you’ll want to make sure you do your due diligence.
Prospective buyers will have questions, and your expert answers may drive a better offer and a quicker sale.
Research the zoning laws before you list your land. Zoning laws, also called ordinances, regulate how a buyer can use a piece of land.
The most common land classifications include:
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Residential
- Agricultural
Some lots sit in a combination or mixed-use zone.
For example, you may own land zoned for both commercial and residential. Zoning laws will dictate what types of businesses your buyer can operate.
In addition to understanding land use regulations, you’ll need to know about any deed restrictions or liens on the property.
Tip: Before you list your land for sale, make sure you include the correct parcel number.
Secrets to Pricing Land
To ensure a fast sale, you want to list your land at a fair price.
If you’ve ever sold a home, you’re familiar with the pricing process.
You’ll follow something similar when pricing land.
Start by comparing your piece of land with others for sale in your area.
Start your search with land listed in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). You can find MLS listings on your local real agent’s website.
Search for land with similar zoning to yours, then narrow down your list to properties in the same area and of the same size as yours.
Next, make a list of the attributes of your piece of land.
Attributes include things like access to major roads, utility services, and for land zoned for residential use, access to shopping and healthcare. You might not find exact matches, but you should be able to find several similarities to the land you want to sell.
Since the real estate market fluctuates, limit your search to land listed and sold within the last six months.
A quick way to get a feel for the price you can expect a buyer to offer for your property is to contact a business that buys land for cash. You’ll get a quick answer since most cash buyers respond within 24-48 hours.
Curb Appeal Matters
One thing that helps sell a home is curb appeal. Did you know curb appeal isn’t reserved solely for selling a house?
Look at your land through a buyer’s eyes.
Many people interested in buying vacant land have a hard time looking past broken fences, dilapidated outbuildings, and overgrown weeds and trees.
Cleaning up your piece of land helps prospective buyers see the property’s potential.
Another way you can make your land more appealing is to have a professional photographer take your listing photos.
Most buyers won’t give a second look to a listing with blurry images taken with a cell phone.
The images you include in your marketing materials tell the story of your property.
Use a combination of ground and aerial photos. Don’t forget to capture scenic views and other land features.
Don’t hesitate to show off your land!
Sell It for Cash
Whether your motivation for selling a lot is to get out from under the burden of paying property taxes or you need the money to invest elsewhere, you may find selling your property for cash an attractive option.
A cash transaction comes with multiple advantages, including:
- Fast closing
- Less paperwork
- Fewer fees
- Cash at closing
Selling land using a realtor often means waiting 3-6 months or longer for your sale to close.
Traditional real estate transactions also require working with a title company, which can add another 30 days to the process.
You may still need the title company, but you can bypass many of the other time-consuming steps involved when working with an agent.
If you’re in a hurry, consider accepting a cash offer!
Documents Used When Selling Vacant Land
When you sell vacant land, you may not see as much paperwork as you would if you were selling a home or commercial building, but you’ll still sign at least two documents.
First, you’ll sign a purchase agreement. It’s a legal document your buyer signs when they make an offer on your land.
Purchase agreements include:
- Purchase price
- Amount of initial down payment
- Terms of sale
A purchase agreement should also show that the offer is for a land contract.
You’ll also sign a land contract, which contains some of the same information as the purchase agreement.
The land contract also includes the address and the full legal description of the property.
Depending on the location of your property, you may need other documents.
The individual or company handling the closing will make sure you understand each piece of paper you sign.
Do You Have Land to Sell?
We hope our quick guide helps you if you have land to sell. At an average price of $12,000 an acre, you could be sitting on a gold mine. The offers you receive will hinge on location, the attributes of your lot, and the current real estate market.
Unlocking the Potential of Your Vacant Land: A Comprehensive Selling Guide
Selling land, whether to cash in on an asset or free yourself from ongoing property taxes, is both an opportunity and a challenge. From setting the right price to making your land irresistible to buyers, a strategic approach can make all the difference. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and highlight key considerations to help you maximize your land’s value and sell with confidence.
Starting Strong: Prepare to Sell Like a Pro
Before listing your land, lay the groundwork for a successful sale by understanding its unique appeal and market position.
Understand Zoning and Usage Regulations
Zoning laws define how land can be used, shaping its appeal to potential buyers. Research your property’s classification—residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use—and ensure you’re familiar with any restrictions, permits, or development opportunities.
Check for Encumbrances
Unpaid taxes, liens, or easements can stall or derail a sale. Contact your local assessor or title company to confirm your property’s status and resolve any issues before engaging buyers. Transparency builds trust and speeds up negotiations.
Setting the Right Price: A Balancing Act
Accurate pricing is critical for attracting serious buyers and securing a sale.
Assess Comparable Sales
Study recent sales of similar parcels in your area. Look for properties with matching zoning, size, and access to utilities or amenities. If your property is unique, adjust your pricing to reflect its standout features, such as location, topography, or development potential.
Factor in Market Trends
Real estate markets fluctuate. Monitor local demand and economic conditions to position your property competitively. If land sales are booming, you might have room to price higher. In slower markets, a competitive price can entice buyers.
Consider a Cash Sale
Selling for cash can expedite the process and reduce complications. Cash buyers often expect discounts but offer speed and simplicity in return.
Make Your Land Irresistible: Curb Appeal for Vacant Properties
Even vacant land needs to shine. Simple improvements can make a significant difference in how buyers perceive its value.
Clean Up the Space
Remove debris, mow overgrown grass, and trim any unsightly vegetation. Clear pathways to make it easier for buyers to explore the property.
Highlight Key Features
Identify and enhance your property’s unique selling points. Scenic views, natural water sources, or prime building locations can all be emphasized to captivate buyers.
Invest in Professional Photography
High-quality photos can set your listing apart. Aerial drone shots and panoramic views can showcase the scale and potential of your land.
Streamline the Sale with Essential Documents
Selling land requires some paperwork, but preparation ensures a smoother process.
Key Documents to Gather
- Deed: Confirms your ownership of the property.
- Survey: Provides precise boundaries and land details.
- Zoning Information: Clarifies allowed uses.
- Parcel Number: Identifies your land in local government records.
Understand Purchase Agreements
This document outlines the terms of the sale, including price, contingencies, and closing details. Be prepared to review and negotiate these terms with your buyer.
Marketing Your Land: Where and How to List
Reaching the right buyers requires a targeted marketing strategy.
Leverage Free and Paid Platforms
List your property on platforms like Zillow, Craigslist, and Land-Listings.com. These websites cater to land buyers and allow you to showcase your property’s unique features.
Utilize Social Media
Facebook Marketplace and local community groups can connect you with potential buyers in your area. Respond promptly to inquiries and provide clear, detailed answers.
Tap Into Specialized Buyers
Consider selling directly to land investment companies or cash buyers. These professionals can offer fast transactions and handle much of the legwork for you.
Why Cash Buyers May Be Your Best Bet
Selling land for cash offers several advantages, especially if you need to sell quickly or avoid complex negotiations.
Speed and Simplicity
Cash transactions bypass many traditional hurdles, such as mortgage approvals or lengthy inspections. Closing can often occur within days or weeks.
Reduced Costs
Cash buyers typically handle closing costs and other expenses, allowing you to keep more of the sale proceeds.
Fewer Contingencies
Cash buyers often purchase land “as-is,” reducing the likelihood of delays caused by repairs, surveys, or legal disputes.
Closing the Deal: Final Steps for a Smooth Transaction
When you’ve found a buyer, it’s time to finalize the sale.
Coordinate with a Title Company
A title company will verify the property’s legal status, prepare the deed, and ensure all financial obligations are met. This step protects both parties and ensures a legitimate transfer of ownership.
Negotiate Closing Terms
Decide who will cover closing costs and ensure all agreements are documented. If selling to a cash buyer, these details are often prearranged, streamlining the process.
Ready to Sell? Let Us Help You
Selling land doesn’t have to be a daunting process. Whether you’re targeting cash buyers or traditional purchasers, the right preparation and strategy can transform your property into a desirable asset. If you’re ready to make the process even simpler, consider partnering with Sell the Land Now.
Our platform connects you with multiple cash buyers and handles the legwork, from research to closing. Let us help you sell your land quickly, efficiently, and hassle-free. Fill out our online form today to get started!