As professional land buyers working with landowners across the country, our team at Elder Tree Investments routinely witnesses the mistakes and pitfalls that can occur when owners try to sell their vacant land themselves. Based on our experience, here are some of the most frequent missteps we see landowners make:
• Inadequate Property Evaluation & Pricing
One of the most common issues is landowners basing their asking prices on inaccurate assumptions, outdated information or incomplete evaluation of their property’s true worth. Factors like zoning changes, development potential, environmental issues and more need comprehensive evaluation.
• Poor Marketing Reach & Exposure
Trying to comprehensively market a land listing to prospective buyers is extremely difficult and often ineffective for individual landowners. They lack the marketing channels, advertising resources and overall exposure we provide as land investment professionals.
• Lack of Due Diligence & Liability Protections
Before completing any land sale, there are crucial legal, environmental and other evaluations that must occur through formal due diligence processes. Many landowners skipping this exposes them to liabilities and challenges down the line. We follow standardized protocols.
• Issues Around Contract Negotiations & Closing
Even if a prospective buyer is found, complications frequently arise around contract stipulations, contingencies, appraisals and ultimately getting across the closing finish line. Our acquisitions team consists of professionals facilitating smooth deals with experience.
• Hidden Fees & Carrying Costs Depressing Profits
From realtor commissions and closing costs to months of taxes, insurance and maintenance fees tying up capital - there are multiple costs that eat away at the potential sale profits when landowners try selling solo. We purchase directly covering those auxiliary fees.
The reality is that most landowners lack the specialized land transaction experience, exposure and efficient processes to consistently sell their vacant properties as optimally as professional investment firms like Elder Tree Investments can. We’ve honed an expertise around eliminating the hassles, risks and uncertainties landowners commonly face trying to buy or sell land entirely by themselves.