How to Sell Vacant Land if You Live Out of State: Full Guide

Learning how to sell land out of state is invaluable for those who need to cash in on unused property from afar.

While it may take some planning, selling property out of state is possible, and it doesn’t even have to be a complicated process if you get the right type of help.

That’s what this article is about. We’ll explain step-by-step how to sell vacant land if you live out of state, diving deeper into the most profitable and easiest methods.

Key Takeaways

• There are numerous reasons you should sell your unused out-of-state property, including the difficulty managing it from afar, liquidating assets, and saving money on property taxes.
• Selling land out of state entails certain challenges, such as different state regulations, extensive paperwork, and market differences.
• Learning how to sell land out of state implies gathering all the information about the particular state’s real estate laws to ensure the sale goes as smoothly as possible.
• The best way to sell land out of state is through a well-established land-buying company with a streamlined land-selling process, such as Cash on Lands.

Why Should You Sell Your Land Out of State?

There are several reasons why you should sell your land out of state. Whether you inherited it from an out-of-state relative or moved away after purchasing it, you can cash in on it instead of having it as an expense.

Let’s list the most prominent reasons you should sell your vacant property in another state:

• Difficulty managing land from afar: When you live outside the state where your land is located, managing your property can be rather challenging. From minor work to renovations and remodeling, every task is much more time, energy, and money-consuming.
• Liquidating assets: Not only is an unused property out of your state of residency a non-liquid asset, but it’s also an expense. Selling land for cash can help you liquidate it quickly and easily if you go with a reputable land-buying company, such as Cash on Lands.
• Property taxes: Owning an out-of-state property requires paying property taxes, even if it’s vacant. Instead of having an extra expense, you can sell land for cash and save money or invest it, as with the right buyer, you can get a generous offer for your unused property.

3 Significant Challenges With Selling Land Out of State

While selling land for cash is a wise financial decision, there are certain unique challenges with selling land out of state. Land selling is a complex process; when you add that the property is located in a different state, it can be even more complicated.

Let’s see some common challenges you can face during an out-of-state land sale:

• Different state regulations: Selling an out-of-state property entails abiding by the regulations of its location state. While that shouldn’t be an issue on its own, it’s paramount that you familiarize yourself with them to avoid legal issues. These regulations include real estate procedures, tax laws, and disclosure requirements.
• Too much paperwork: A land sale typically involves hefty paperwork, even more so when the property is out of your state of residency. This paperwork includes various state-specific land-selling legal documents. Managing all this from afar can be taxing; luckily, an online land sale is a great way to go in such a situation.
• Market differences: Different states have different selling strategies, buyer demands, and pricing. If you’re unfamiliar with the land-sale process in the state where your property is located, you can have issues with setting the price and taking a long time to close the deal. This can be avoided if you go with a reputable land-buying company that can take on these tasks instead of selling independently.

How to Sell Your Land If You Live Out of State

In this section, we’ll guide you through the process of selling land out of state step by step, from deciding to put your property on the market to the closing date.

#1. Decide on Selling Your Land

While you may have already been toying with the idea of selling your land, the first official step is making an informed decision to do so. Whether your property is a product of your work or inheritance, selling it can be challenging if it has sentimental value for you.

However, you should consider the benefits of selling land for cash before you abandon the idea. Instead of funding the management of an unused piece of land, you can profit from it and provide financial security for yourself and your family.

#2. Determine the Market Value

The market value varies depending on the state, as it’s influenced by factors such as economic situation and employment rate. Therefore, you need to do your research to determine the pricing in the state where your property is located.

Another way is to work with a trusted land-buying company with experience purchasing land nationwide. Its team should evaluate your property and help you understand all the nuances between real estate markets in different states.

#3. Prepare the Documentation

Since an out-of-state land sale entails local regulations, you must make sure to meet them, including gathering the necessary documentation and completing it correctly. Key documents include the title report, property deed, recent land survey, and zoning and environmental assessments.

Additionally, you’ll need disclosure statements detailing the state of the property and potential issues.

Lastly, you need to fill out all the forms with the correct information to establish ownership and speed up the land-selling process.

#4. Choose a Method of Selling

The two methods of selling land out of state are through a real estate agent or for cash. The former is the traditional method, and it can be quite expensive. Agents usually impose all the costs associated with selling the land on the seller, along with their pricy agent fees. 

On the other hand, selling land for cash can be far superior for several reasons. 

First, if you hire a land-buying company, such as Cash on Lads, we make sure you have the money in your account almost immediately after the sale officially takes place. We also buy all types of properties in their current condition, finding the perfect buyer for every piece of land.

Lastly, thanks to our streamlined land-selling process, we can seal the deal within 30 days of accepting the offer, taking care of tasks such as title search and land inspection ourselves, as well as covering all extra expenses.

#5. Negotiate and Close the Sale

The last step is negotiation on price and terms. Make sure to take your land’s condition, location, acreage, and the market climate into account during this phase.

When you agree on the price, you need to sign the purchase agreement and ensure the title search and deed recording are complete before the official closing.

However, as mentioned above, if you choose to sell your property through Cash on Lands, we’ll take care of all the details and cover all the expenses, including the title search and closing costs. Moreover, we’ll find the perfect buyer for your property, thus securing you the highest possible offer.

Selling Land Out of State: Legal Considerations

Getting familiar with legal considerations is the first and most important rule when learning how to sell land out of state. In this section, we’ll list all the legal factors of this endeavor to help you prepare for it and have a successful land sale.

• State real estate laws: Legal-wise, land-selling processes widely vary depending on the state. For instance, some require a real estate attorney to monitor the closing, while others don’t. Therefore, make sure to gather all the necessary information before you initiate an out-of-state land sale.
• Tax implications: Selling land in another state implies state and local taxes, including capital gains tax, transfer taxes, and withholding taxes. That’s why you need to consult a professional who understands both states’ tax laws.
• Documentation: An out-of-state land sale requires that all the necessary documents, such as the deed and title, are correctly completed. A local or nationwide land-buying company can help you deal with that and avoid any legal pitfalls.

3 Tips and Best Practices for Selling Your Land Out of State

Let’s look at some expert tips for selling your land out of state so that you can sell land quickly and get the highest possible offer:

• Consider timing: Real estate is a fluctuating industry, with buyer demand and prices varying depending on the season. Look into the best time to sell your out-of-state property and plan the process strategically to get the best offer.
• Understand local market climate: Real estate is all about location, so you need to consider multiple factors when selling land out of state. The state's employment rate and economic situation impact land value, so make sure to consider them before pricing your property.
• Use a reputable land-buying company: A reputable land-buying company can take on complex tasks and extra expenses to facilitate your land sale. That’s what the Cash on Lands team of experienced professionals does—we provide a stress-free land-selling experience with no additional costs and secure the best deals for our clients within 30 days of setting the price.

Final Thoughts

Selling vacant land in another state is a smart financial move, as it frees you from unnecessary expenses and lets you liquidate your assets.

To know how to sell vacant land if you live out of state and get the best price, you need to consider several factors, such as the market climate, timing, and local real estate laws.

However, there’s an easier way. You can contact us for a completely free, no-strings-attached price estimate and seal the deal within 30 days of initiating the land-selling process.

How to Sell Vacant Land if You Live Out of State FAQ

#1. Can I sell my land in the USA if I live abroad?

You can sell your land in the USA if you live abroad, but first, you need to get familiar with the real estate laws of your residence and the property’s location. These include taxes and legal documentation that can vary depending on the state.

#2. What is a fair offer on land?

A fair offer on land is at least 80% of the list price. However, the number depends on numerous factors, such as buyer demand.

#3. How do you sell land out of state fast?

You can sell land out of state fast with an experienced land-buying company. Cash on Lands can help you close the sale within 30 days of agreeing on the price, dealing with all the complex and time-consuming tasks.