In the past few years, Texas has become a popular relocation spot. Every week, at least 3,800 people move into the Lone Star state. This is not a surprise given that there are no state taxes. Yet, there are vast properties for sale and more affordable housing prices than in other states. So if you’re a vacant land owner looking to sell your parcel, there’s a huge potential market to tap into. Wondering “how to sell my land without a realtor”? You’ll have to learn a few tips and tricks to ensure the sale goes smoothly.

Let’s take a look at the most important things you need to consider when selling land in Texas.

Value Your Texas Land

While you can hire an appraiser, you could also value the vacant land on your own. The first step on how to sell my land without a realtor would be to examine comparable properties. To put it differently, you should look for lands that have recently sold or are up for sale. Ones that are in the same general area and have around the same size and qualities as yours. Keep in mind that proximity and current information are crucial in this search. For instance, a parcel of land sold 18 months ago or in a different county or region can have an entirely different value.

You should also look for comparable properties in a size range similar to yours. For example, if you have a 20-acre property, you might search for plots in the 15–30 acre area. The features of the land are also important. A property surrounded by dense trees would be more expensive than a plot of grassland.  

 

 

 

Verify Ownership

Verifying ownership at the county level is crucial before buying or selling land in Texas. Ownership problems may occur if you’ve inherited the property as land can only be acquired through the deeding process. So, it’s not yours until the probate process is over and the property is deeded into your name. Even if your relative gave it to you in their will. The good news is that the county keeps current records of these transactions, and they are accessible to the general public.

The County Assessor’s website should be the first stop for anyone looking to confirm land ownership. When using Google, look for the county name with the initials “CAD” after it to find almost every County’s Assessor webpage in the State of Texas. Although the format will differ depending on the county, this website usually has a “property search” button. You can search using a variety of parameters once you’re in the search tab. Including the APN, the owner’s name, and the property’s address. You will notice various details after you locate the property you are looking for. Including the owner’s name and typically the most recent transfer date which indicates when they bought the property.

It is essential to keep in mind that certain counties in rural Texas lack the technological sophistication of others, which causes them to update the ownership data on the Assessor’s website quite slowly. In these counties, the new owner’s information will not appear on the Assessors’ CAD website if the property was just purchased within the last year. Ask for the Register of Deeds when you phone the County Clerk’s office. They can check the deed and identify the current legal owner of the property if you give them the name of the current owner.

Conduct a Land Survey

Any parcel of land can be precisely measured, marked, and mapped using a survey and any potential buyer would probably ask for one. While it isn’t obligatory, having an accurate survey might help you give them the information that would entice them to buy the land for sale by the owner.

The boundary survey and the topographical survey are the two common types of surveys utilized in unoccupied land. The boundary survey is used to measure the area and form of land—two dimensions—will help you distinguish between the two. The topography, or three-dimensional layout of the ground, is really measured through the topographical survey. It’s necessary when a property is being developed, and roads, parking lots, buildings, and drainage systems are being planned.

Prepare a Purchase Agreement

The first document you’ll need when selling undeveloped land by owner in Texas is a purchase agreement. The purchase agreement is a legal document the buyer will sign as part of their offer on the land. This document indicates that the prospective buyer intends to go through with the purchase and is serious about meeting the terms of the agreement.

At its most basic form, this document is sort of an “order form” for the Title Company you’ll hire to complete the transaction. It will give them essential information about the property you’re selling, who is selling it, who is buying it, and how much the buyer is paying for it when the land sale is completed. Using this information, the title company can then prepare the legal documents needed to sell your raw land.

Hire a Title Company

You’ll need a title company when selling your land without a realtor. Although this isn’t required by law, it can significantly facilitate the selling process. So it’s highly recommended when planning on how to sell my land without a realtor. The Title Company will prepare all legal documents on your behalf, ensure that the real estate property is legally transferred to the land buyer, collect the money on your behalf, ensure that you get the proceeds from the sale, and generally act as a middleman between you and the buyer. A title company will charge you between $800 and $1,800, depending on the complexity of the transaction, but it’s still more affordable than the rate a real estate attorney would charge.

How to Sell my Land Without a Realtor Fast?

One of the simplest ways to sell your piece of land in Texas is to sell it to land investors. Land-buying companies like SimpleLandSelling actively invest in vacant land properties. We independently investigate the property because we are seasoned land purchasers before making you a lucrative cash offer. We’ll also deal with the paperwork and pay for all the transaction fees. This means you can save on land listing fees, broker’s commission fees, title company expenses, and closing costs. And we would purchase the property as-is—which means significant savings on costly repairs and renovations.

FAQ’S

Q1: Do I need a land survey when selling land by owner in Texas?

A: While not obligatory, a land survey can be beneficial for potential buyers. It provides accurate information about the land’s boundaries and topography. Some buyers may request a survey to make informed decisions.

Q2: What role does a title company play when selling land without a realtor?

A: A title company facilitates the selling process by preparing legal documents, ensuring proper transfer of property, collecting funds on your behalf, and acting as a mediator between you and the buyer. Although not legally required, it is recommended for a smoother transaction.

Q3: Is documentation necessary for a land survey when selling my land in Texas?

A: While not obligatory, having a land survey with proper documentation is highly recommended. Buyers may request it, and it provides accurate measurements and mapping. Boundary surveys and topographical surveys often involve detailed documentation.

Q4: Why is documentation verification crucial before selling land in Texas?

A: Verifying ownership documentation is essential to prevent potential issues. If you’ve inherited the land, ensure proper documentation through the probate process, establishing legal ownership and facilitating a smooth selling process.