Selling land online is actually pretty easy and 100% safe…if you do it the right way. It all comes down to how you ‘close’ the transaction. Whether you meet your buyer in-person or online, stay protected and close the right way.
Reasons Why to Sell Land Online…
- Attract Buyers from Anywhere – not just folks who happen to see your For Sale sign
- Sell Faster – the more people who know about your land for sale the faster it can sell
- Keep More of the Proceeds from the Sale – real estate agents typically take 10% of the sales price as their commission
There are Two Ways to Sell Your Land Online…
1. Sell Your Vacant Land to a ‘We Buy Land’ Online Company
There are hundreds of ‘we buy land’ companies throughout the US.
These companies are primarily mom-and-pop real estate investment companies that specialize in buying and selling vacant land.
The major benefit for selling your vacant land to a ‘we buy land’ company is that the company will do all the work for you.
These companies can make the transaction run smoothly.
And, you don’t need to take photos, put up a for sale sign, field calls from prospective buyers, etc.
Plus, they can buy the property quickly.
When you sell your land to an investor you…
- Don’t need to take photos and write ads for your vacant land
- Don’t need to answer calls from prospective buyers
- Just need to sign a few documents and get your check
- Can sell your land fast – usually within two to three weeks
- Won’t get top dollar
2. Market and Sell Your Vacant Land Yourself
We’re talking about submitting your property’s information on real estate websites like Zillow.com. Here’s an awesome list of free websites to where you can advertise your property.
The big plus for selling your land on your own is that you’ll likely sell for a higher price.
But…do you have the time and energy to sell your land on your own?
Are you familiar with the process of a real estate transaction?
Do you have quality photographs of your vacant land?
Are you ready to answer (hopefully) dozens of calls and emails from prospective buyers?
Do you know the zoning and restrictions of the property?
When you sell your land yourself you’ll…
- Likely sell for a higher price (compared to selling to an investor)
- Need to take photos, write ads, and answer calls from prospective buyers
- Need to know the basics of completing a real estate transaction
The question is – do you want to spend the time and energy to make a few more dollars in selling your vacant land?
When you think about it…’selling land online’ really only means you have found a buyer online. The real question is how to complete the real estate transaction with someone you won’t meet in-person.
In real estate lingo the completion of a real estate transaction is called a ‘closing.’
So, how can we successfully and safely ‘close’ without meeting our buyer in-person?
In its most basic form a closing consists of two things…
- The seller provides a deed
- The buyer provides the money
A deed is a document – typically just a page or two – that states you are selling a particular piece of property.
- Sign the deed in the presence of a notary
- Have the deed recorded in the official record
Now for the money part…
Protect yourself from getting scammed and hire a middleman to handle the closing.This middleman will collect the money from the buyer before you sign the deed.You can confirm that the money is in place before signing over your property.Then, after you have confirmed the money is in place, you can sign the deed and send to your middleman.The middleman will then provide the deed to the buyer.
Protect yourself from getting scammed and hire a middleman to handle the closing.
Close with a Title Company or Attorney
Most real estate transactions are handled by some sort of middleman. Each state has it’s own laws on what type of entity can be this middleman.
Some states require real estate attorneys while other states allow for a title company.
Title companies and attorneys generally do the same thing.And, generally, title companies will be more affordable than attorneys.And, you could always hire a real estate attorney instead of a title company.
The title company will collect the money from the buyer upfront.Then collect the signed and notarized deed from the seller.These title companies are legally obligated to make sure the seller gets their proceeds.
That’s it! You can safely sell your land online by hiring a title company or attorney to act as the middleman for your transaction.But…title companies and attorneys can cost thousands of dollars to hire.
- Title Companies and Attorneys are legally obligated to make sure you get your money
- They can properly prepare the deed and other legal documents for you to sign
- They typically cost $1,000 or more
- Highly recommended if you sell to an investor or you sell by yourself
What if you are selling your land for say….$1,000?It’d be silly to hire a title company, pay them a thousand dollars and you collect nothing.
Close with Cash-in-hand
For smaller size deals, the notary will act as the middleman.The buyer will send a cashier’s check (funds are already provided) to the notary.The notary will physically meet the seller.Sign the deed, notarized and then physically hand the cashier’s check to the seller.
- A notary can act as a middleman in your closing
- The notary will meet you in person and physically hand you a cashier’s check
- Only recommended if you are selling to an experienced investor
Are you looking to sell your land online?
Fill out our form and we’ll send your property’s information to our network of 12 professional, experienced land investors. You’ll get cash offers sent right to you email inbox!
Additional Tips for Selling Land Online Safely
Verify the Buyer’s Credibility
Before engaging in any transaction, take the time to research your potential buyer. If you’re working with an individual buyer, look them up online, check for reviews, or request references. For companies, look for a verified online presence, testimonials, or a business license. Trustworthy buyers should be willing to answer your questions and provide proof of funds if needed.
Understand the Tax Implications
Selling land online can have tax consequences. Familiarize yourself with the local and federal tax laws that apply to your transaction. Whether it’s capital gains tax or property transfer fees, understanding these costs in advance will help you set an appropriate price and avoid surprises at closing.
Use Secure Communication Channels
When discussing sensitive information like property details, payment terms, or personal data, always use secure communication platforms. Avoid sharing private information over unverified email addresses or unsecured messaging apps.
Document Every Interaction
Keep a detailed record of every conversation, email, and agreement. This documentation can be useful if disputes arise or if you need to prove the terms of your agreement later. Having a paper trail ensures that both you and the buyer remain accountable.
Know When to Walk Away
If something feels off or a buyer refuses to use a trusted middleman like a title company, it might be best to walk away. Scammers often pressure sellers into skipping proper procedures. Trust your instincts and only proceed with buyers who respect the legal processes.
Protect Yourself with Payment Methods
Insist on Certified Funds
When selling land online, certified funds such as cashier’s checks or wire transfers are the safest payment methods. Avoid personal checks or payment methods that could bounce or be reversed.
Use Escrow for Larger Transactions
For higher-value properties, consider using an escrow service in addition to a title company. Escrow services hold funds securely until all terms of the agreement are met, adding an extra layer of protection.
Create a Clear Property Listing
Provide Complete and Accurate Information
Include all essential details about your property, such as size, zoning, access to utilities, and any restrictions. Misrepresenting your land can lead to legal complications or canceled deals.
Highlight Unique Selling Points
If your property has features like road access, scenic views, or proximity to amenities, emphasize these in your online listing. A well-crafted description can make your listing stand out among other online listings.
Include High-Quality Visuals
Invest in professional photos or videos to showcase your land effectively. Drone footage can be particularly appealing for large properties, offering prospective buyers a clear view of the terrain and surroundings.
Choose the Right Platforms to Advertise Your Land
Consider Specialized Land Platforms
In addition to general real estate sites like Zillow or Facebook Marketplace, explore niche platforms like Land-Listings.com or Lands of America. These sites attract buyers specifically interested in vacant land.
Optimize Your Listing with Keywords
Incorporate relevant keywords like “vacant land for sale,” “buildable lot,” or “agricultural property” to improve the visibility of your listing in search results. Keywords help target the right audience and increase the chances of a sale.
The Importance of Local Regulations
Research Local Zoning and Permits
Before selling, ensure you know the local zoning rules and any permits required. Buyers often ask about the potential uses of the land, and having this information ready will position you as an informed seller.
Disclose Known Issues
Transparency is crucial. If there are liens, environmental concerns, or other issues tied to your land, disclose them upfront to avoid complications later.
By following these additional tips, you’ll enhance your chances of selling your land online quickly and securely while minimizing risks. This guidance complements the original steps, ensuring you’re fully prepared for every aspect of the transaction.