Blog

How to sell land by owner

If you are interested in learning how to sell land by owner and not relying on an agent, the process is “relatively” straightforward, but a lot of work is involved. You have to decide whether you can do the work to sell your land properly, or whether to leave it up to the pros who do this day and night.

It involves researching the market to determine the property’s value, advertising it for sale, negotiating with land buyers, and closing out the deal. There are some additional considerations as well, such as taxes and legal paperwork, that must be taken care of.

If you have the time and knowledge to go through the whole process, you will be able to get more money from the sale.

Let’s dive into the details of how to sell land by owner.

Evaluate Your Raw Land Property

how to sell land by owner

Evaluating your raw land property is the first step in selling land.

  • Identify what vacant land you have – is the land you want to sell flat, hilly, wooded, wetland, buildable?
  • How close is it to amenities and services?
  • Are there any zoning restrictions?
  • Do you have a land survey?
  • Is the title and deed accurate?
  • Any environmental regulations on this vacant land?

Having all the details of your land to sell will help you determine how to market it and who might be interested in buying it. Because selling vacant land isn’t like selling a home that has a much bigger market. Land sales are far lower, and fewer land buyers are available because people don’t know what to do with it.

To sell vacant land, a different mindset is required to be able to go from land listing to closing.

Consider what buyers may want from your property. Get into their brain.

Ask yourself if you were buying land, what would you want to know?

  • Are they looking for a place to build a home?
  • Or a 2nd vacation home?
  • Or just some rural land for recreational purposes to bring their RV?

You’ll also need to factor in the cost of any improvements that may be necessary before it can be sold. If it’s just raw land, and you don’t want to deal with the details, you can list the pros and cons in the land listings on the internet when you market it.

All this information will help you set realistic expectations to sell land quickly and to the right person. Everyone thinks their land is worth millions of dollars, but that is just not the case as land is plentiful in our great country.

Note that we are still in the land evaluation stage.

Here’s a short summarized version.

  1. Research the local real estate market and find out what other similar properties are selling for. This will give you insight into how much potential buyers may be willing to pay for your land.
  2. Have an appraisal done on the property so that you know its exact worth and can set a fair price.
  3. Take care of any necessary repairs before selling it, such as fixing fences or fixing any damage from extreme weather events like floods or storms or clearing out old equipment, run down sheds, mobile homes.
  4. Make sure all relevant paperwork is in order before listing the property, this includes title deeds, zoning permits, etc., so that potential buyers know exactly what they’re getting into when they purchase your land.
  5. Showcase the benefits of owning your property – perhaps there’s a natural creek running through it or spectacular views of a nearby mountain range? Let potential buyers know why this piece of land could be perfect for them!

đź’ˇ Pro Tip: Reflect whether you can handle all the work and responsibility involved with selling land.

How to Sell Land by Owner and Value Your Property

When it comes to selling your land, setting the price is a key step to success.

You should be realistic and price your property in a competitive land market if you want the land sale to go quickly and smoothly.

If you don’t have a reason to sell, then you can list it above market value, and it will just sit on the market for years.

But if you want the obvious “secret” on how to sell your land, call 3 real estate agents and ask for their opinion on the value of the land and what price per acre you should list it for to sell in a timely manner.

Research comparable properties in the area

how to research comps on land sales

Look at what other land is selling for and use this as a basis for setting your own price. Find properties that are apples to apples.

If you have a lake, then find other vacant lots with lake view or access. Don’t compare a lake property to a mountain property just to fool yourself into a higher price.

See if you have mineral rights, mountain view, lake view, hunting possibilities, water, electrical, sewer, or just a simple undeveloped land in the city. More of these features will make it possible to sell land fast.

All of this plays a big role in the final price.

The more you have, the higher the price and makes the land appealing to a wider audience.

Take photos of your land

If you have all the information on your land, the features, what makes your vacant land unique and different to others, and set the purchase price, it’s time to think about selling it and making it stand out.

Since you have to create an online listing, take some quality photos of your land from different angles.

Visuals are always great for creating interest in land buyers, so make sure to get some good shots.

Put up an ad on craigslist for a photographer to drive by and take some photos, hire a drone photographer and get aerial shots.

It will make your land listings pop and attract attention.

Don’t forget to include detailed descriptions of features like acreage, zoning regulations and topography.

Marketing is what will help sell your land to the potential buyer. If you are serious about the land selling process, then a marketing plan is key.

đź’ˇ Pro Tip: A few extra hundred dollars could bring in extra thousands.

Decide where you want to list your land

sell land listing

There are many online platforms available that specialize in selling land by owner, such as LandHub, LandSaleListings, Landwatch, Land.com.

You can also use a real estate agent to get your land listed on the MLS.

You can post ads in the local newspapers or on social media sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.

Make sure you research each platform carefully before committing to use it as each has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs.

Also be careful of scammers on social platforms.

Finally, be prepared for a lot of messages, phone calls and questions from potential buyers about the land you’re selling.

Be responsive and answer any queries promptly and honestly – this will help create trust between yourself and possible buyers.

If don’t want to deal with all this, you can hire a real estate professional, but because land purchase price is lower than homes, after fees, commissions and taxes, your final profit may be very low.

Market Yourself As A Seller

When it comes to selling land, as an owner you’re in charge of your own success. That means taking the time to market yourself and your property in a way that will attract buyers. This can feel like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be.

So how do you go about marketing yourself as a seller?

Start by creating a narrative around the land’s unique features and potential uses. Not only should you highlight what makes this particular piece of land special, but also why they should buy it from you. Highlight your knowledge of the area and your sincere interest in helping them find their dream property.

By positioning yourself as someone who genuinely cares about the buyer’s experience, you can stand out from other sellers and make sure people remember you for all the right reasons.

Make sure you stay organized throughout the process and keep track of any paperwork or documents associated with selling land. Doing so will not only help make everything run smoothly, but also demonstrate that you are reliable to potential buyers.

Selling land is a big responsibility and many elements are involved – from legal complications to marketing yourself properly – but with dedication and preparation, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Advertise Your Property

Once your online listings are ready and published, it’s time to get the word out. Advertising your property is essential to attracting buyers and getting your land sold quickly.

A great advertising strategy is to provide seller financing or owner financing. This is where you become the bank and the land buyer will pay monthly for the land.

You set the interest rate and the down payment. It is a good way to create monthly passive income and by offering seller financing, you can also command a higher price.

If your original purchase agreement has the price set to $50,000, you could sell it for $60,000 on owner financing terms. The buy can pay a 20% deposit with a 10% interest rate.

Finally, don’t forget about word of mouth.

Reaching out to family, friends and acquaintances who may know someone who’s interested in buying your land is an often overlooked but powerful marketing tool. With these strategies, you can start creating awareness for your property and ensure it reaches the right buyer quickly!

đź’ˇ Pro Tip: If you don’t pay to advertise, you won’t get paid the price you want.

Negotiate With Buyers

Negotiating with buyers is an important step in how to sell your land as an owner.

This process can be a bit intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips to make sure you get the most out of the negotiation process.

Have a clear understanding of what you want from the sale. Be sure your price is realistic. You can price a bit higher to negotiate down while still getting a fair deal.

You should also be prepared to answer any questions that buyers may have about the property and its potential uses or restrictions. Have all your land details handy.

The second step is being able to read the buyer’s body language and responses during negotiations. Recognizing when someone is interested or ready to move forward with a purchase can help ensure that you don’t miss out on any potential opportunities. Additionally, avoid taking things personally during negotiations, which can lead to frustration and missed deals.

Remember that it’s okay if negotiations don’t work out in your favor or if no one makes an offer at all.

There are plenty of other potential buyers out there, and if one deal doesn’t go through, it doesn’t mean you won’t find another one soon. Just stay open-minded throughout the process and keep looking until something works out for you.

Prepare The Contract or Purchase Agreement

This is where you can use a title company or real estate attorney for the documentation and heavy lifting.

Do NOT try to do this yourself. Real estate transactions are complex. Get one thing wrong in the documentation and it could derail the entire real estate transaction.

The contract should include all the details relevant to the sale, including information about the buyer and seller, a description of the property, payment terms if you offer owner financing and conditions, and any additional clauses that you or your buyer might require.

You must take the time to review all aspects of the contract before signing it. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where something has been overlooked or misconstrued in the agreement after it has been signed. You will also want to make sure that both parties are clear on their respective rights and responsibilities within the contract before putting pen to paper. Having a lawyer look over the document before it is finalized can be helpful to ensure everything is in order.

Once you have gone over everything with a fine-tooth comb and are confident that all terms are fair, accurate and agreed upon by both parties, you can sign the contract. This is your final step in selling land by owner without any issues down the line.

TIP: Before signing off on a contract for selling land by owner, consider consulting with an experienced real estate attorney who can help ensure your interests are protected throughout the process.

đź’ˇ Pro Tip: Don’t be cheap with getting a lawyer or professional to go through documentation.

Finalize The Sale Of Your Land

Once you’ve completed the contract, it’s time to finalize the sale.

This can be a nerve-wracking process, especially if you’re selling land by owner for the first time.

  • Review all paperwork and make sure everything is in order.
  • Double-check that all signatures are present and all documents are filled out correctly.
  • Ensure that all legal requirements have been met and that closing costs are accurately accounted for.

Before handing over the deed to your land, ensure you receive full payment or have arrangements made for any remaining balance due. This is where a trusted real estate attorney can come in handy—they can help iron out any potential issues and help ensure the transaction goes smoothly.

After taking these steps, congratulations—you’ve successfully sold your land! Now you can enjoy the fruits of your labor and reap the rewards of having sold the land yourself.

Handle Complications with the Sale

Preparing for any potential difficulties beforehand is key because more often than not, there will be complications.

  • Research the property’s title history and zoning regulations to make sure everything is up-to-date
  • Consult with an attorney to make sure everything is done legally and properly.
  • Keep good records throughout the entire process so that you’re prepared if something comes up down the line.

No matter what complications arise during the process of selling your land by owner, having a plan in place makes it easier to handle them without feeling overwhelmed or losing control of the situation.

Taking these steps will not only help make sure everything goes smoothly.

Not Confident? Utilize The Services Of A Professional

Selling land by yourself can be a daunting task, but there are services available to help make the process much easier. Utilizing the services of a professional is one option that can help make the experience smoother and less stressful.

The advantages of utilizing the services of a professional include:

  1. Knowledge – A professional real estate agent has in-depth knowledge on how to sell land. They understand local market trends and can ensure you get the most out of your sale.
  2. Expertise – With years of experience in selling land, they have the expertise necessary to determine market value and negotiate with potential buyers.
  3. Connections – Professional realtors have connections in the industry that can help you find qualified buyers quickly.

When it comes to selling land, having someone knowledgeable and experienced by your side is invaluable. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that an expert is helping guide you through every step of the process. Plus, you’ll feel more empowered as you get to make decisions about what’s best for your situation.

Rather than going it alone, consider working with a professional who will bring their expertise and connections to the table so you can maximize the value of your property and feel confident throughout the process.

Understand The Tax Implications Of Selling Land

Consider is the tax implications of selling land. Understanding the potential financial impact that selling land could have on you and your family is essential.

I recommend consulting a qualified tax professional before selling your land. They can help you plan ahead and ensure that any money you receive from the sale isn’t eaten up in taxes. Additionally, they may be able to advise on how to structure the sale to minimize the amount of taxes due at closing.

Knowing what kind of financial burden selling your land could create is important in making this decision. Researching and talking with a tax professional will ensure that you have all the information needed to assess whether or not selling your land is a viable option properly.

Easy on the Surface – Long, Difficult Process Once Started

I’ve only outlined the details on how to sell land by owner, and admittedly, there are pieces missing because every state, county, city has different rules.

If you have the time, knowledge and experience to go through the process yourself, this this is a great guide to help you on your way.

But the reality is that for most, this is just too overwhelming. If you want don’t want to deal with ANY of this and just want a fast cash offer transaction process, then contact us with some basic information on your land.

Our specialty is to buy vacant land from people like you with cash. We make it fast, simple and hassle free. We pay ALL closing costs and fees and research. The offer you receive from us is the full amount you get paid. You don’t have to pay a commission and you get to keep more in your pocket.

If this sounds good to you, contact us via email, phone or our form with your details.

💡 Pro Tip: Contact us for a fast, easy, cash offer to sell your land. Save the hassle and headaches.

Get a Cash Offer within 24 Hours


10 Ways We’ve Help Landowners

  • Get cash for other needs or profits
  • Avoid the hassle of selling yourself
  • Stop paying property taxes
  • Haven’t visited the land in years
  • No plans to build & moved away
  • Clear unpaid taxes and liens
  • Sell inherited land
  • Liquidate an estate
  • Adapt to life changes
  • Prevent family disputes

Unlock The Cash From Your Property

Latest Posts

No posts

Get an Offer within 24 Hours

Sell your land in any situation, condition, or location. Nothing is too small or too big.

Email us at [email protected]