Selling your California land without a realtor is possible, but it will require serious effort and time. You will also need marketing savvy, legal diligence and negotiating skills. If you are willing to put in the time and money, then you can save on commission fees and sell your land quickly and profitably.
Real estate agents typically list property on the MLS multiple listing service so that interested buyers can find it. Without a broker, you will need to create and post listings on your own. This may include a website with detailed listings and photos, and a landing page that captures leads. You can also market your land in print media, social media, and other sites/apps where people buy land.
Land sellers must be prepared for buyers to make low offers. This is due to the fact that buyers typically have specific plans in mind for their land purchase building a home, developing the land for farming or recreation, etc. It can be difficult to convince potential buyers that your land is worth the asking price. Be sure to remain professional, and use email or written correspondence to keep a record of negotiations. Consider hiring a real estate attorney to prepare documents and review contracts before finalizing the sale.
If you do decide to sell your California land without a realtor on your own, be sure to prepare all the required legal paperwork. This will include property disclosures, a deed and other legal documents, and a title search. You will also need to obtain a building permit if you plan to build on your property, and get an appraisal from a licensed appraiser. A real estate attorney can help you prepare these documents and ensure that they are legally compliant, and they can also assist you with the closing process.
When you meet with potential buyers, be able to describe the unique attributes of your land. Describe development possibilities, and point out features that would be important to buyers (e.g., access to water, views). It’s a good idea to pre-qualify buyers before scheduling showings by speaking with them over the phone and requesting proof of funds. This will save you time by weeding out “lookie loos.”
Buying and selling land is different than buying and selling homes. Land buyers are more likely to be looking for long term resale value ten or more years down the road than residential house buyers. This can affect how much they are willing to haggle on price.
For many people, the biggest motivation for selling their land on their own is saving on real estate commission fees. However, don’t underestimate the cost of marketing your property, improving or clearing the land before sale, and preparing legal documents and closing procedures. This can add up to a significant amount of money, and you will need to weigh these costs against the savings on agent commissions. Also, don’t forget the time commitment involved in corresponding with buyers, conducting showings and fielding offers.