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Selling land for cash, compared with the other ways
A cash sale is one of four routes. Here is how they differ.
The four ways to sell vacant land
| Route | Price | Time | Cost to you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash buyer | Below market | Weeks, once title is clear | Usually no commission |
| Agent listing | Closest to market | Often many months for land | Commission, commonly higher for land than houses |
| Sell it yourself | Market, if you find the buyer | Unpredictable | Your time, advertising, a closing office |
| Auction | Whatever bidders pay that day | Fixed date | Auction fees |
When a cash sale makes sense
- You have paid taxes for years on land you do not use.
- The land is hard to sell: no road access, odd shape, far from anything.
- Several heirs own it and want a clean split.
- You live far away and do not want to manage a listing.
When it does not
- The land is in a growing area and you can wait.
- You need the highest possible price more than a quick, certain sale.
If that is you, call a local land agent first.
Common questions
Why is a cash offer lower?
The buyer takes on the holding costs, the resale risk and the time. That is what the discount pays for.
Do cash buyers really pay cash?
The purchase is not conditional on a bank loan. Payment comes through the closing office, not in person.
Plainly stated. Our offer is a cash offer. It will be lower than what the land might bring if you listed it with an agent and waited for a buyer. In exchange you avoid commissions, listing time and the uncertainty of a sale falling through. We may buy the property ourselves or assign our purchase agreement to another buyer; either way the price you agreed is the price you are paid at closing.