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How to Sell Land Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated: Nov 12, 2024




Key Benefits of Selling Land Online


  • Wider audience: Market your property to a broad range of potential buyers.

  • Lower costs: Avoid real estate commissions by selling land yourself.

  • Convenience: Options for both free and paid platforms, and even quick cash sales.


How to Sell Land Online: 3 Main Methods


There are three primary ways to sell land online, each with its own advantages. Whether you want to sell your land fast or prefer handling the sale yourself, you can choose from:


  1. Free websites such as Zillow, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist.

  2. Paid listing platforms specifically for vacant land like Land.com.

  3. Selling directly to a land-buying company (like ours) for a quick cash offer.




Why Sell Land Online?

Selling land online has several advantages:

  • Greater exposure: Many buyers actively search online for land because it’s often not listed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service).

  • Cost savings: Without a realtor, you can avoid paying commissions (typically 10% for land).

  • Faster results: Online platforms make it easier to connect with potential buyers, especially if you list on multiple sites.

However, you may still encounter some costs, such as:

  • Photography fees for listing images.

  • Closing costs and attorney fees (unless selling to a land-buying company that covers these expenses).


Sell Land Online Safely

Wondering if selling land online is safe? Follow these three steps to protect yourself:


1. Research Your Buyer

  • Whether selling to an individual or a land-buying company, do your homework:

    • Check reviews and their purchase history.

    • Verify that the buyer’s intentions align with your land.

    • Ensure they have a serious interest by asking relevant questions.


2. Use Standard Sale Contracts

  • Use standard purchase and sale agreements to protect both parties. You can find templates from:

    • State Real Estate Commissions (e.g., the Texas Real Estate Commission offers forms suitable for land sales).

    • Legal document services like US Legal or Rocket Lawyer (these often offer free trials).


3. Close Safely with a Title Company or Real Estate Attorney

  • A title company or attorney will ensure all necessary paperwork is completed properly and that funds are held in escrow until the sale is finalized. This protects both the buyer and seller.



Where to Sell Land Online for Free

There are several popular platforms where you can list your land for free. These offer excellent visibility and are easy to use:


1. Zillow

  • Pros:

    • The most popular real estate website with millions of visitors.

    • Simple, attractive "For Sale by Owner" listings.

  • Cons:

    • Prioritizes realtor listings, which may push yours lower in search results.


2. Facebook Marketplace

  • Pros:

    • Reaches a large audience (75% of Americans use Facebook daily).

    • Friends can share your listing, expanding its reach.

  • Cons:

    • No dedicated category for land.

    • Requires frequent reposting to maintain visibility.


3. Craigslist

  • Pros:

    • One of the top sites for real estate listings with millions of visitors.

    • Free and allows up to 24 photos for each listing.

  • Cons:

    • Known for attracting bargain hunters and "tire kickers."

    • Like Facebook, frequent reposting is necessary.


Best Paid Websites to Sell Land Online

If you want more visibility or are selling a larger, more expensive property, paid listing sites can be worth the investment:


  • Benefits:

    • Focuses exclusively on land sales.

    • Land.com’s family of sites (Lands of America, Land And Farm, and LandWatch) receive over 12 million visits per month.

  • Pricing:

    • Starts at $90/month for standard listings, up to $550/month for premium visibility.

    • Ideal for larger properties or when you're seeking high exposure.


2. Flat Fee MLS Websites

  • Benefits:

    • Lists your land on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), exposing it to all realtors and buyers searching platforms like Realtor.com.

  • Pricing:

    • Typically between $100-$500 for 3 to 12-month listings.

    • May require offering a buyer's agent commission (usually 2.5% to 5%).


Selling Your Land to a Cash Buyer

If speed and convenience are your top priorities, selling your land to a cash buyer might be the best option. Here’s why:


Pros:

  • Fast transactions: Companies like ours can buy your land quickly, often within days.

  • No need for marketing: No listing, photography, or sales negotiations are required.

  • Hassle-free closing: We handle all the paperwork, closing costs, and buyer interaction.

Cons:

  • Lower sale price: Since these buyers purchase at a discount, the final price may be lower than if you sold through traditional methods. However, for many sellers, the convenience outweighs the reduced price.



Conclusion

In the past, selling land involved limited options like working with a real estate agent or relying on word of mouth. Today, the internet has opened up a variety of convenient ways to sell your land, from free listing sites to specialized paid platforms. For those seeking a quick, hassle-free sale, selling directly to a cash buyer is a fast and convenient alternative.


Whichever method you choose, selling land online is easier than ever—just make sure to follow safety guidelines and do your research before committing to a sale.

 
 
 

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