How to Sell Inherited Land Fast in Indiana?

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How to Sell Inherited Land Fast in Indiana?
By

Bart Waldon

Receiving news of an inheritance sparks eager anticipation for many until learning properties involved sit vacant - just dirt acres yielding annoying tax burdens without structures generating rent income. Now the question looms: how fast can I sell this land in Indiana cheaply dumping responsibilities inherited rather accidentally?

Let's examine smart strategies simplifying efforts liquidating unwanted bequeathed tracts when heirs prioritize speedy sales maximizing net proceeds after closing costs. Recent statistics confirm the prevalence of inherited rural real estate across Indiana counties:

Current Data on Indiana's Vibrant Land Ownership Market

  • Over 70% of Indiana lands actively used remain owned by individual families according to Indiana University research 
  • Over half of family farmlands expected to transfer from aging parents to inheriting children during the next decade per Purdue University studies
  • Indiana contains over 23 million total acres ranking it in the top 20 American states by total land mass area

With significant generational wealth transfers upcoming and ample inherited acreage likely changing hands during forthcoming years - reviewing efficient sales methods makes sense equipping heirs acting pragmatically.

Pricing Parcels Realistically

Guarding against over-sentimentality attaching exaggerated value well beyond actual current area comparables harms inherited landowners dreaming big paydays. Seek multiple selling agent opinions on pricing aligned with realities of today's market. Get appraisals determining fair market values based on highest and best zoning use classifications also. Pricing parcels wrong prevents sales.

Evaluating Property Accessibility

If the only deeded access sits miles away or crossed by rivers, then confirm legal easements guaranteeing ingress/egress. Inspect terrain conditions also ensuring building sites exist without complications from wetlands or other hindrances decreasing usable square footage. Validate whether held mineral rights transfer or were severed previously also.

Verifying Parcel Zoning Designations

Check details within applicable county/municipal zoning codes on permitted development land uses for sites being sold. Commercial projects vary greatly so eligible applications for tracts directly increase potential property valuations. Confirming coding allows offices, warehouses, retail among other builds makes selling quicker.

Researching State/Local Disposition Regulations

Some inherited assets face disposition restrictions if previously held assets used securing government subsidies or agrarian tax deferral programs. Other heir ownership deeds mandate keeping lands whole a minimum period. Review terms with attorneys protecting against breach of past ownership agreements forfeiting advantages or incurring penalties.

Assembling Necessary Sales Documentation

Compile essential paperwork streamlining due diligence facilitating inherited land deals like:

  • Title Reports - Show parcel ownership history
  • ALTA Surveys - Depict precise legal boundaries
  • Perk/Soil Tests - Validate buildable site sectors
  • Wetlands Delineation - Avoid environmentally protected areas
  • Deed Histories - Review easements mentions

Having boxes pre-checked showing no defects or obstacles saves future headaches once buyers emerge.

Marketing Parcels Optimally

Hire exclusive listing agents knowledgeable regarding selling inherited vacant lands specifically. Their expertise targeting most likely speculators looking for discounted deals makes advertising efforts more effective. Have photography professionally capturing scenic vistas and terrain where future structures may rise. Promote zoning flexibility allowing varied development projects. Widen target demographics from builders to investors seeking long-range plays.

The key when needing to liquidate land quick stems from realistically pricing holdings to attract qualified buyers more urgently based on accurate market conditions - not exaggerated wishes camouflaging real estate's inherent challenges selling rural acreage. Consult experienced agents guiding inherited properties to closing.

Best Practices for Selling Land Faster

Selling rural acreage or vacant plots often takes immense patience as limited buyers exist absent structures yielding rental income. But employing a few critical tactics helps landowners’ close deals faster by making parcels more marketable when suitable purchasers emerge.

Price Land Realistically 

Get appraisals determining fair market property values based on comparable area sales. Guard against over-sentimentality inflated wishes. Pricing high discourages potential buyers from acting.

Evaluate and Disclose Any Encumbrances 

Be forthright about easement access challenges, questionable titles, terrain flaws, deed restrictions among other hindrances that could stall deals if discovered unexpectedly by buyers late in transactions. Transparency upfront allows resolving concerns.

Gather Necessary Sales Documents Early 

Compile essential sales paperwork like title reports, ALTA surveys, perk tests etc. Buyers require validating no defects threaten projects. Having boxes pre-checked prevents last minute snags losing deals.

Market Properties Professionally 

Hire experienced land listing agents able to promote strengths attracting qualified leads more effectively through catered marketing. Highlight top site features and flexibility allowing varied development projects suiting investor preferences through sales materials.

Taking preemptive actions addressing buyer objections through validated documentation, effective promotional showcasing and especially realistic pricing removes common barriers slowing land sales.

Final Thoughts

Selling vacant acreage requires unique approaches differing from improved properties with structures already generating rental income streams. By confirming pricing aligns with true market valuations using appraisals, compiling necessary due diligence paperwork upfront, disclosing any property encumbrances early while professionally marketing parcels leveraging listing agents’ expertise - land sellers can greatly accelerate deal completion speeds benefitting both parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents should I gather when selling land?

Recommendations include title reports, ALTA surveys, soil tests, wetlands delineations, plus confirming easement access existence. Have paperwork ready to remove an obstacles.

Should I offer owner financing to sell land faster? 

Sometimes carrying financing portions yourself allows negotiating pricing premiums from buyers lacking sufficient mortgages to cover full payments upfront but able to shoulder long term debt obligations.

What end goals potentially stall land deals? 

Final usage plans falling through, rezoning denials, title defects suddenly arising, easement roadblocks being uncovered, or buyers getting cold feet without contingency outs can sabotage deals.

What steps validate buyer credibility? 

Have buyers provide proof of available funds, court record searches checking bankruptcies, plus validate their development plans align with property capabilities and local zoning uses before closing deals.

What invisible issues hurt marketability? 

Wetlands protections, chemical contaminations, endangered species habitats, disputed boundaries with other owners or other surprises sometimes hurt salability if unaddressed before listing properties.

What broker commissions are typical? 

Average vacant land sales commissions range from 5% to 10% split between selling and buying agents. Lower-end rates help deals close faster by incentivizing agents to smooth the facilitation process.

About The Author

Bart Waldon

Bart, co-founder of Land Boss with wife Dallas Waldon, boasts over half a decade in real estate. With 100+ successful land transactions nationwide, his expertise and hands-on approach solidify Land Boss as a leading player in land investment.

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