Steps to Take Before Selling Your Land

Thinking about selling your land? Whether it’s a lot you’ve held for years or property you recently inherited, taking a few simple steps before listing or accepting an offer can save you time, money, and stress.

This guide walks through a clear pre-sale checklist to help you:

• Avoid delays during closing

• Prevent surprise deductions from your offer

• Understand how UNITY evaluates properties

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Know What You Own

Start by confirming that you are the legal owner. This means your name appears on the recorded deed. If you inherited the property or received it in a divorce or trust, check whether the title was properly transferred. You can contact the county recorder’s office or check online records.

 If you're not sure who owns the land, see our blog on Can I Sell Land Without Clear Title.

Step 2: Gather Basic Property Info

You don’t need to do a deep dive, but it helps to know:

• The parcel ID or property address

• Whether there’s an HOA

• If the property has road access

• If you’re behind on taxes or dues

UNITY will verify all of this during our due diligence, but sharing early saves time and may lead to a faster offer.

 Learn more about the full closing process in What Is a Land Escrow Process.

Step 3: Check for Liens or Back Taxes

Unpaid property taxes, municipal liens, or HOA violations can delay or prevent a sale. If you're unsure, ask the county or HOA for a payoff or estoppel letter.

UNITY may still make an offer—but we’ll need to work with the title company to resolve issues at closing.

Read: Legal and Financial Aspects of Selling Land

Step 4: Set Realistic Expectations

Vacant land isn’t valued like a home. The offer is contingent upon location, zoning, utility access, recent sales, and market conditions.

Tip: Don’t assume your land is worth what a neighbor sold for unless it’s the same zoning, road access, size, and county regulations.

Explore: How We Value Your Land Fairly

Step 5: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Sellers often delay the process (or lose the deal) by:

• Not responding to the title company’s emails

• Ignoring required signatures or paperwork

• Being unprepared to verify ownership

Tip: Save UNITY’s emails, respond quickly, and let us know upfront if there are other decision-makers involved.

Also read: Mistakes Stopping You from Selling Land

FAQ

Q: Do I need a survey?
A: Not always. UNITY doesn’t require one unless the title company or buyer needs boundary verification.

Q: What if I’m out of state?
A: No problem. You can complete everything remotely, including signing closing documents via mobile notary.

Q: Can I sell land I inherited?
A: Yes, but we’ll confirm that the title has transferred legally. Incomplete probate can cause delays.

Q: How long does the whole process take?
A: Most closings take 30–45 days. Delays can happen if there are liens, missing heirs, or paperwork issues.

Share this guide with potential sellers or anyone in your pipeline who hasn’t gone through the land selling process before. It saves time for everyone—and builds trust early.