3 Ways to Sell Your Vacant Land - And How to Choose the Best Option for You

Owning vacant land can be a blessing—or sometimes, it can feel like a burden. Whether you're holding onto a parcel of land you no longer need, inherited property, or a piece of land that's just sitting there, you might be wondering how to sell it and what your best options are.

Selling vacant land is different from selling a house, and there are pros and cons to every method. Let’s explore three common ways to sell your land and help you determine the best choice for your situation.

1. List Your Land With a Real Estate Agent

This is often the first option many landowners think of, but it has its challenges.

Pros:

• Agents can market your property to a broad audience through the MLS.

• They handle some of the paperwork for you.

Cons:

• Commissions can cost 6% or more, cutting into your profit. Some realtors want a higher commission for land.

• Land sales often take longer than home sales—sometimes several months or years.

• Most agents specialize in homes rather than vacant land, which requires a different marketing strategy and experience. Without the right expertise, your property might not get the attention it deserves. The truth is, most real estate agents don't even like to sell land (they won't tell you), usually not putting in the effort to find a good buyer.

• Additionally, the MLS may not be the best tool for vacant land, as it’s primarily geared toward residential buyers looking for homes, not land parcels. Agents often rely on the same marketing tools you could use yourself, but you still have to pay their fees even if the process takes longer than expected.

2. Sell Your Land Yourself (For Sale By Owner - FSBO)

If you’re up for the challenge, you can list your land yourself on platforms like Zillow, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.

Pros:

• You save on agent fees and keep full control over the process.

• It’s a great option if you have time to research the market and negotiate.

Cons:

• Marketing your land and finding serious buyers can be time-consuming and can take months to make a deal.

• You’ll need to navigate contracts, negotiations, and closing on your own.

• Dealing with tire-kickers (buyers who are interested but not serious) is time consuming and frustrating.

• The risk of making a deal with scammers can be serious.

Steps to Sell Your Land By Yourself:

• Research Market Value: Start by researching similar properties in your area to determine a competitive price. Websites like Zillow and LandWatch can help, but keep in mind that land values vary greatly depending on location, size, and zoning.

• Prepare Your Land for Sale: Clear any debris, define boundaries, and ensure the land is accessible to buyers. A survey may be needed to confirm boundaries.

• Market Your Property: List your land on platforms like Zillow, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or specialized land sites. Invest in quality photos and a clear description.

• Screen Buyers: Be prepared to deal with inquiries, questions, and potential buyers who may or may not be serious.

• Negotiate the Sale: Be ready to negotiate. Negotiation can be tricky, especially if buyers push for discounts or ask for additional terms.

• Close the Deal: You’ll need to handle the closing process, including contracts, title transfers, and ensuring the buyer secures payment. When closing, it’s important to choose a reputable closing method. You can close through a title company, which will ensure the title is clear and handle the legalities of transferring ownership. Alternatively, you may choose a real estate attorney, especially in states where attorney-assisted closings are common. Both options will ensure the transaction is handled correctly and help avoid legal issues down the road.

Documents You’ll Need to Handle:

• Deed: The legal document transferring ownership to the buyer.

• Property Survey: Confirms the exact boundaries of the land.

• Title Insurance Policy: Protects the buyer from title issues.

• Purchase Agreement: Outlines the terms of the sale, including price and contingencies.

• Disclosure Forms: Depending on your state, you may need to disclose zoning, environmental issues, or other concerns.

3. Sell to a Land Investor (Like Us)

Selling directly to a serious land investor is often the easiest and fastest way to sell your vacant land, especially if you want a hassle-free process.

Pros:

• No fees or commissions—you keep every penny of the offer.

• Quick cash payments—no waiting months for a buyer to secure financing.

• They cover all closing costs—no out-of-pocket expenses for you.

• Hassle-free process—they handle all the paperwork and logistics for you, including the title company or lawyers.

Cons:

• Investors often pay slightly below market value since they buy with cash and take on the risks of costs of holding or reselling, cover closing and transaction fees, handle potential zoning or title issues, among other.

• Some investors may not have the experience or expertise needed to handle land transactions properly. It’s important to work with a trusty investor who truly understands the land market and can offer you a fair, smooth transaction.

That said, if convenience, speed, and simplicity are your priorities, working with a land investor is a great option.

How to Decide What’s Best for You

The right choice depends on your situation. Do you have the time, resources, and patience to market your land yourself and wait for the perfect buyer? Are you open to selling your land through a real estate agent, paying commissions, and with a high chance it might not turn out as well as you hoped? Or would you rather get cash in hand quickly and move on?

If you’re ready to sell your land and want a simple, stress-free experience, we’d love to help. We specialize in buying vacant land directly from owners like you.

Our goal is to make the process easy, straightforward, and fair.

Ready to Sell Your Land? Let’s Talk!

If selling your land quickly without the headaches sounds good to you, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation cash offer.

You might be surprised how easy it can be to turn your unused land into cash!