How To Sell Land By Owner in 5 (kinda) Easy Steps

Here at SellTheLandNow.com, our network of experienced land investors have sold thousands of vacant land properties by owner.

We’ve used this experience to prepare our ‘How to Sell Land By Owner’ guide.

In this guide you’ll learn the 5 steps the pros use to sell vacant land by owner…

Try the ‘We Buy Land’ Websites
Place a For Sale Sign and Take Photos
Get Your Property on the Internet
Sign a Vacant Land Purchase Agreement
Hire a Title Company or Real Estate Attorney

As the saying goes…”time is money.” Selling vacant land without a real estate agent can suck up a good amount of your time.

But, selling land on your own saves you thousands of dollars – maybe even tens of thousands – in real estate agent commissions.

And hiring a right real estate agent isn’t a guarantee that your vacant land will sell. We listed the reasons why not to hire a real estate agent to sell vacant land in this article.

Selling land by owner can be a smart move if you’re willing to put in the legwork.

Step 1 – Try the ‘We Buy Land’ Websites

Start the process by seeing if a professional land buyer would want to buy your vacant land property – and for how much. By ‘shopping’ your vacant land to vacant land investors you…

Could sell your property quickly without the hassle of selling land on your own
Get a ‘bottom end’ price on what your land will actually sell for

A quick internet search for ‘we buy land’ will give you the names of dozens of land buying companies.

Save some time and fill out our We Buy Land form and contact 12 land buyers all at once!

A big plus for some vacant land owners is that a professional land buyer makes the process of selling land by owner quick and easy.

You won’t need to market your property, negotiate with prospective buyers and work through the legal paperwork.

Investors can make the process of selling your land quick and easy.

Other vacant land owners look to get every dollar they can from the sale of their vacant land.

By getting real, cash offers for your vacant land you will have a ‘baseline price’ to work with.

Offers from the ‘We Buy Land’ guys aren’t top dollar. But, you will get an idea of what your land is worth.

Check out our article on how to determine a price for your vacant land.

The biggest factor in selling land by owner is the price you’re willing to accept. We buy land.

Step 2 – Place a For Sale Sign, Take Photos

So you have a cash offer for your vacant land from an investor and you’ve determined your vacant land’s asking price…here’s what’s next…

You’ll need to visit your vacant land to take quality marketing photos and place a For Sale sign on the property. This is pretty easy to do if your vacant land is physically close to you.

Do I really need to place a For Sale sign on my property?

Yes! Take it from the pros – get a For Sale sign on your vacant land you want to sell no matter what. Here’s why…

You’ll let the neighboring property owner know that you are selling your vacant land. Neighboring property owners are some of the most likely people to buy your vacant land.
It will help prospective buyers who want to ‘walk your property’ know where your vacant land actually is. This is extremely helpful if your vacant land doesn’t have a mailing address.

If you’re unable to travel to your vacant land then we recommend hiring a person to take the photos and place the sign for you.

Craigslist is our land buyers go-to website to find someone looking to take on the job.

Here are a few tips on hiring someone off of Craigslist to take photos and place a For Sale sign…

Post your Craigslist ad under the “Gig Offered” section
Be as specific as possible when describing what photos you want
Instruct the photographer to capture at least 5 photos
Photos should include the road and the property in the shot
Be specific on the type of For Sale sign
Get a photo of the sign placed on the property – this will help buyers locate your vacant land you want to sell
Get a photo closeup of the sign – so someone could read your phone number on the photo

Here’s an example Craigslist ad our land buyers use to sell land by owner…

I’m looking for someone to take ‘marketing’ pictures of an empty lot and put a For Sale sign.
Your camera phone will be fine…as long as the pictures look good. Please be sure that all pictures are horizontal / landscape (not vertical).
Please no pictures with your car in the background or your shadow. Looking to have about 3-5 quality pictures I can use in online ads to help sell the property.
The property is located is near the corner of 36th Ave and 145th St in Summerfield. Let’s chat on the phone first and then I will send all the details.
You’ll need to go to Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Lowes or Walmart and purchase a METAL FRAME For Sale Sign. See the picture in this ad. This should cost about $20. And, if needed, purchase a big black marker to write on the sign.
The property is located off a DIRT ROAD.
Pay is $50. Plus, I will reimburse you for the For Sale sign and marker.

How to Sell Land By Owner - A For Sale Sign on the Property is a Must — A For Sale By Owner sign is a must-have.

Step 3 – Get Your Vacant Land Property on the Internet

For selling land by owner, marketing your property on the internet is a no-brainer. With the internet, you have ability to sell your land to anyone in the world. Think about the people who maybe moving in to your property’s area from another town or even another state.

Here’s the list of the top three websites our land buyers use to sell land by owner…

Zillow – it’s free and is used by people actively looking to buy vacant land
Facebook Marketplace – if you don’t have a Facebook account consider asking a friend who is active on Facebook to post on the marketplace for you
The MLS – expect to pay anywhere between $100 – $300 to have a real estate broker create a MLS listing on your behalf

Check out our article – Free Websites to Sell Your Land Fast – for tips on how to use Zillow and Facebook Marketplace.

Step 4 – Complete a Vacant Land Purchase Agreement

Once you’ve found your buyer and negotiated a price, you’ll need to write the terms of the deal on what’s known as a Vacant Land Purchase and Sale Agreement. Consider this agreement as an ‘order’ that you’ll be providing to the title company or attorney (more on this below).

A Vacant Land Purchase Agreement will outline…

The exact parcel of land being sold
Who is buying
What is the purchase price
When should the transaction be closed

Download our Simple Vacant Land Purchase Agreement. This is a free template you can use to write up your agreement.

How to Sell Land By Owner - Vacant Land Purchase Agreement Template

Step 5 – Hire a Title Company or Real Estate Attorney

Okay…home stretch! You have found your buyer and they have signed a purchase agreement.

In real estate lingo – you are ‘under contract.’

We strongly recommend having a title company or real estate attorney handle the transaction. This makes selling land by owner risk-free for you.

The first step is to determine whether your state (the state the land you are selling by owner) requires a real estate attorney to conduct transactions.Here is a state-by-state guide to quickly determine if you need to hire an attorney to oversee your sale of vacant land.

If your state does not require an attorney to conduct real estate transactions then you will be looking to hire a ‘title company,’ ‘title agency,’ or ‘escrow agent.’ All of these terms generally mean the same thing.Call three different title companies (or real estate attorneys). These title companies (or attorneys) should be located in the same county as where your land is located. You’ll find that, generally, the fees the title companies or attorneys charge are about the same. But, by calling a few different title companies, you’ll get an idea of which one you would like to work with.

We can’t stress enough the importance of hiring a professional to act as a middleman between you, the seller, and your buyer. Read our article on How to Sell Land Online and Not Get Scammed for more details.

Recap: How to Sell Land By Owner Resources…

How to Sell Land By Owner the Quick and Easy Way…

Let us give you a cash offer for your vacant land. Our network of 12 professional land investors have helped hundreds of people sell land by owner. Complete our form and tell us about the land you want to sell.

How to Sell Land by Owner: A Detailed Guide

Selling land by owner is a cost-effective and rewarding way to handle your property sale. By avoiding real estate agent commissions, you retain more control over the process and more money in your pocket. However, this approach requires a well-thought-out strategy to maximize your success. Here’s a combined and expanded guide to help you navigate the process confidently.

Explore “We Buy Land” Platforms

Start by exploring professional land-buying platforms. These services offer a hassle-free way to gauge your land’s baseline value and connect with serious buyers.

Why Start Here?

Quick Transactions: Many platforms can finalize deals in days or weeks.
As-Is Sales: Sell your land without costly repairs or improvements.
Baseline Pricing: Understand your property’s minimum market value and set realistic expectations.

Getting Started Search for reputable platforms like SellTheLandNow.com, which connects you with multiple buyers simultaneously. Even if you don’t accept their offers, you’ll gain valuable insights into current demand and pricing trends.

Research Your Local Market

Knowing your land’s value is just the beginning. Researching your local market trends helps position your property more competitively.

Key Areas to Explore

Demand: Are buyers actively seeking land in your area for development, recreation, or investment?
Competing Listings: Check similar properties for sale to gauge pricing and features.
Local Developments: Highlight nearby projects, business expansions, or zoning changes that might attract buyers.

This knowledge not only informs your pricing but also helps you identify potential selling points.

Make Your Land Stand Out

To attract buyers, emphasize what makes your land unique. Standout features can make all the difference in a competitive market.

What to Showcase

Natural Features: Streams, views, or unique landscapes can appeal to buyers.
Zoning Flexibility: Highlight residential, agricultural, or commercial potential.
Accessibility: Proximity to schools, highways, or amenities increases buyer interest.

Use high-quality photos and detailed descriptions in your marketing efforts to emphasize these features.

Market Your Land Effectively

Combining online and offline marketing strategies ensures your land reaches the widest possible audience.

Online Marketing

Zillow: Free and popular with active buyers.
Facebook Marketplace: Ideal for reaching local and regional buyers.
MLS: Although it requires a fee, an MLS listing gets your property in front of agents and their clients.

Offline Marketing

“For Sale” Signs: A durable, clearly labeled sign can attract local interest. Highlight key features like acreage or zoning flexibility.
Community Outreach: Inform neighbors, friends, and local developers about your property.

For remote properties, hire someone to place signs and take photos. Platforms like Craigslist can help you find local assistance.

Offer Flexible Financing Options

Expanding your buyer pool with owner financing can attract those who may not qualify for traditional loans.

Benefits

Steady Income: Earn interest over time while securing a higher sale price.
Appeal to More Buyers: Flexible terms make your property accessible to a broader audience.

Work with a financial advisor or attorney to create a legally sound agreement.

Create a Purchase Agreement

Once you’ve found a buyer, formalize the transaction with a clear and legally binding Vacant Land Purchase Agreement.

Essential Components

Legal description and parcel number.
Buyer and seller contact details.
Agreed-upon price and payment terms.
Closing date and contingencies.

Templates are available online, but consulting a professional ensures compliance with local laws.

Close with a Title Company or Real Estate Attorney

Closing is where ownership officially transfers to the buyer. Partnering with a title company or attorney ensures a smooth, risk-free transaction.

Why This Step Matters

Title Verification: Confirm the property is free of liens or disputes.
Document Preparation: Professionals handle deeds and other legal documents.
Fund Management: Securely oversee payment transfers.

Contact several title companies or attorneys in the county where your land is located to compare services and fees.

Negotiate Smartly

When offers come in, negotiate with confidence to achieve your goals.

Tips for Success

Know Your Limits: Set a minimum acceptable price before negotiations begin.
Understand Buyer Goals: Tailor your approach based on whether they’re purchasing for development, investment, or personal use.
Offer Incentives: Covering closing costs or including minor improvements can sweeten the deal.

Post-Sale Essentials

After closing, ensure all loose ends are tied up to avoid future complications.

Checklist

Transfer utilities, HOA dues, and other obligations to the buyer.
File all required documentation with your county recorder’s office.
Request testimonials or reviews from buyers to build credibility for future sales.

Consider Bulk Selling for Large Properties

For expansive properties, dividing the land into smaller parcels can attract more buyers and yield higher returns. Work with a surveyor and attorney to divide the property strategically.

Maximize Efficiency with Cash Offers

If speed is a priority, cash offers from professional land investors can simplify the process.

Advantages

Faster Closings: Cash buyers eliminate the need for lengthy financing approvals.
Fewer Contingencies: Investors often skip surveys and due diligence.
Reduced Hassle: Avoid protracted negotiations with traditional buyers.

Platforms like SellTheLandNow.com connect you with multiple cash buyers, providing a quick and straightforward path to selling your land.

Final Thoughts

Selling land by owner requires effort and planning, but the rewards are worth it. From understanding market trends to highlighting your property’s unique features, each step you take improves your chances of success. If time and simplicity are your top priorities, consider working with professional investors to secure a hassle-free deal. Ready to start your journey? Explore your options today and take the first step toward a successful sale!