Your Selling Options (FSBO vs Agent vs Cash Buyer)
Landowners in NC usually choose between three main routes:
- For Sale by Owner (FSBO): Saves commission but requires you to handle pricing, marketing, calls, and contracts yourself.
- Listing with an Agent: Exposure on MLS but land often sits for months or years; most agents focus on houses.
- Selling to a Cash Buyer: Fastest option—no commissions, closing costs covered, attorney closes in as little as 7–14 days.
Pricing Land Correctly
Overpricing is the #1 reason land doesn’t sell. Use recent comps of similar acreage with similar access and utility status. For rural parcels, price per acre changes dramatically based on size—5 acres often sells at a higher per-acre rate than 50 acres. Adjust for slope, floodplain, and road type (paved vs gravel vs easement).
Selling Inherited Land
Inherited property is common in NC, especially in rural counties. If the estate is still in probate, the executor may need court approval before sale. Keep tax bills and prior deeds ready for your attorney. We often help heirs sell land “as-is” without clearing brush, paying back taxes, or making improvements.
Marketing Vacant Land
Unlike houses, land doesn’t “show” well in photos. Effective strategies include:
- Drone photos and clear boundary outlines.
- Accurate maps with road access marked.
- Posting on land-specific sites (LandWatch, Lands of America) and local Facebook groups.
Cash buyers (like us) often rely on direct owner outreach instead of MLS—meaning you can sell off-market faster.
How Long Does It Take?
On the open market, land in NC can take 6–24 months to sell, especially in slower counties. Cash buyers close in 2–3 weeks. Decide if time or top-dollar is more important.
Working with a Cash Buyer
When you sell directly to a cash buyer:
- No commissions or realtor fees.
- We pay standard closing costs.
- You choose the closing date.
- No need to clear, bush-hog, or perk test—the property is bought as-is.
Closing with a NC Attorney
All real estate closings in NC require a licensed attorney. They run title, prepare the deed, collect funds in escrow, pay off liens/taxes, and record the deed at the courthouse. This protects both buyer and seller.
FAQs
Do I need to clear my land before selling?
No. Buyers will handle clearing if needed. Sell it as-is.
What about back taxes?
Back taxes can be paid out of closing proceeds. We buy land with delinquent taxes regularly.
Will I get more if I list with an agent?
Maybe, but most land agents charge 6–10% commissions and your land may sit unsold for years. Cash buyers trade top-dollar for speed.