Do you own land that you don’t live near? Maybe it’s land you bought as an investment. Or maybe you inherited it from a family member. If you live far away from the land, you are called an absentee owner.
Selling land when you’re not nearby can seem hard—but don’t worry! These 7 tips will help you sell your land even if you live in another city, state, or even country.
1. Find a Local Land Expert
The first thing you should do is find a real estate agent who knows how to sell land. Selling land is not the same as selling a house. Some agents only know houses. You need someone who understands land values, zoning rules, and what buyers are looking for.
A local land agent can:
- Visit your land for you
- Take photos and drone videos
- Talk to local buyers
- Put your land on the right websites
- Help with all the paperwork
Look for an agent who has experience selling vacant land and not just homes.
2. Know What Your Land Is Worth
Don’t just guess a price! Talk to your agent about the current land market in that area. The value of land can change based on:
- Location
- Size
- Access to roads or utilities
- Zoning (can you build a home or business?)
- Nearby businesses or schools
Ask your agent to give you a market report or a list of other land that recently sold nearby. This will help you set a fair price that attracts buyers.
3. Make the Land Easy to Visit
If someone wants to buy land, they’ll want to visit it. If the land is hard to reach, buyers may lose interest.
Here’s how to make your land easier to visit:
- Clear overgrown plants or weeds
- Make sure there’s a visible path or road
- Put up a simple sign with your contact info
- Add flags or markers to show the property lines
If you can’t do this yourself, your agent or a local service can help. Clean, easy-to-find land sells faster!
4. Use Great Photos and Maps
Because you’re not there, photos are even more important. People often buy land by looking online first.
Ask your agent to take:
- Clear ground photos
- Aerial photos (from a drone if possible)
- Maps with property lines
- Photos showing nearby roads, power lines, or landmarks
You can also use Google Maps or a land mapping app to help buyers see what the area looks like. The more you show, the more buyers will trust the listing.
5. Think About the Buyer
Ask yourself: Who might want this land? Is it good for building a house? Camping? Farming? A future business?
Your ad should talk about what makes the land special. For example:
- “Great mountain views”
- “Only 10 minutes from town”
- “Power and water nearby”
- “Perfect spot for a tiny home”
If buyers can imagine what they can do with it, they’re more likely to call!
6. Be Ready for Paperwork
When someone wants to buy your land, there’s still some paperwork to do—even if you’re far away. The good news? Most of it can be done online.
You may need:
- A copy of your deed
- A property tax receipt
- A legal description of the land
- Your ID
- A notarized signature (your agent can help you with this)
Ask your agent or a title company to help make sure everything is done right. Many companies now let you sign documents electronically or mail them in.
7. Consider Selling for Cash or to Investors
If you want to sell fast and don’t want to wait for a traditional buyer, you can sell your land for cash or to a land investor. These are people who buy land quickly, often without asking for much.
Pros of selling to a land investor:
- Fast sale (sometimes just days)
- No need to clean or prepare the land
- Less paperwork and fewer delays
But there’s a catch—they usually pay less money than a regular buyer. So if time is more important than getting top dollar, this might be a good choice.
Bonus Tip: Keep an Eye on Property Taxes
Even if you’re not using the land, you still have to pay property taxes. If you forget, the county could charge you late fees—or worse, take the land.
So while you’re trying to sell it, make sure:
- Your taxes are up to date
- You have a copy of your latest tax bill
- You check your mail or email for tax notices
Some buyers will ask to see proof that taxes are paid, so it’s good to stay on top of this.
Final Thoughts
Selling land when you’re far away might seem hard at first. But with a good plan—and a little help—you can do it without even setting foot on the property.
Let’s review the 7 tips one more time:
- Hire a land expert who knows the local area
- Learn the true value of your land
- Make the land easy for buyers to visit
- Use great pictures and maps
- Think about who would want to buy your land
- Be ready to handle paperwork remotely
- Consider fast sales to investors or cash buyers
Whether you’ve owned your land for 10 years or just found out it’s yours, now is a great time to sell it smartly and stress-free—even from miles away.
You’ve got this!