How to Sell Land on Zillow

Why sell your land on Zillow?

Zillow is a leading online real estate marketplace that offers a wide range of services for property owners, buyers, and agents. With millions of visitors each month, Zillow can provide valuable exposure for your land listing. However, there are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to sell your land on Zillow.

Pros

• Visibility: Zillow's vast user base can help you reach a broad audience of potential buyers, increasing the chances of a successful sale.
• User-friendly platform: The platform's intuitive interface makes it easy for sellers to create and manage listings. At the same time, buyers can use Zillow's search and filter options to find the perfect property.
• Free basic listings: Zillow allows sellers to create basic listings for free, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to sell land without incurring additional expenses.

Cons

• Competition: The sheer volume of listings on Zillow can make it difficult for your land to stand out, especially considering the platform's focus on residential properties.
• Limited land-specific features: Zillow primarily caters to residential real estate, meaning some land-specific features and filters may need to be available.
• Potential for scams: As with any online platform, there's a risk of encountering fraudulent buyers or scams, so it's essential to exercise caution and vigilance throughout the selling process.

Before you sell land on Zillow

Before you create a Zillow listing for your land, there are several preparatory steps to consider, including obtaining quality photographs and deciding whether to use a separate phone number for inquiries.

Get quality photos

High-quality photos are essential for highlighting your property's best features and attracting potential buyers. Consider hiring a professional photographer or purchasing high-quality photography equipment to capture images that accurately represent your property. Aerial photos or drone footage can also provide a unique perspective, assisting buyers in better understanding the land's layout and topography.

Do I need a second phone number?

When listing your land on Zillow, you must provide contact information for potential buyers to reach you. However, some sellers may prefer to set up a second phone number to separate personal and business communications. This can also help protect your privacy and prevent unwanted calls or messages after the sale. Options for obtaining a second phone number include:

• Using a dedicated landline.
• Setting up a virtual phone number.
• Utilizing a call forwarding service.

How to set your Zillow asking price

Choosing the right asking price for your land is critical to attracting potential buyers and completing a successful sale. Research comparable land sales in your area and consider factors such as location, acreage, access, and available resources to set a fair and competitive price. Consult a local real estate agent or appraiser specializing in land sales for information on current market conditions and trends.

How to Sell Land on Zillow

Once you've prepared your land for sale, creating and optimizing your Zillow listing is time. The following sections guide starting, listing best practices, and crafting an effective listing template.

Getting started

To begin the process of listing your land on Zillow, follow these steps:

Create a Zillow account: If you don't already have one, sign up for a free Zillow account. This will allow you to create and manage your listings and access additional resources and tools.

Choose the "Sell" option: From your Zillow account dashboard, select the "Sell" option to begin creating your listing.

Enter property details: Provide accurate and detailed information about your land, including the address, parcel number, acreage, zoning, and available utilities.

Upload photos: Add the high-quality photos you've prepared, ensuring they showcase your property's best features. Arrange the images logically and consider adding captions to provide additional context.

Set your asking price: Based on your research and consultation with real estate professionals, determine your listing price and enter it into the appropriate field.

Publish your listing: Once you've completed all necessary fields and reviewed your listing for accuracy, click "Publish" to make your listing live on Zillow.

By the book - do's and don'ts

To optimize your Zillow land listing and maximize its potential, keep the following do's and don'ts in mind:

Do's:

Be accurate and thorough: Ensure all information in your listing is accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive. Only complete or accurate information can deter potential buyers or lead to complications during sales.

Use descriptive language: Craft a compelling property description that highlights your land's most attractive features and uses vivid, descriptive language to help buyers visualize the property.

Update regularly: Monitor your listing's performance and make necessary updates, such as adjusting the price, adding new photos, or revising the property description.

Don'ts:

Overprice your land: Setting an unrealistic asking price can deter potential buyers and result in your listing languishing on the market.

Neglect communication: Promptly respond to inquiries from interested buyers and maintain open lines of communication throughout the sales process.

Violate Zillow's terms of use: Familiarize yourself with Zillow's terms of use and ensure your listing adheres to their guidelines. Violations can result in your listing being removed or your account being suspended.

Listing template

Be accurate and thorough: Ensure all information in your listing is accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive. Only complete or accurate information can deter potential buyers or lead to complications during sales.A well-structured listing template can assist in organizing the information on your property in a clear and easily digestible format. Consider including the following sections in your Zillow land listing, for example:

Property Overview: Provide a brief, compelling introduction to your land, highlighting its most attractive features and unique selling points.

Location and access: Describe the property's location, nearby amenities, and available transportation options. Include details about access, such as easements or rights-of-way.

Acreage and zoning: Specify your land's total acreage and zoning classification, as well as any potential uses or restrictions.

Utilities and Resources: Detail any available utilities, water rights, or natural resources associated with the property.

Additional features: Highlight any other noteworthy aspects of your land, such as recreational opportunities, scenic views, or wildlife habitat.

Contact information: Provide your preferred contact method and encourage potential buyers to ask questions or schedule a property tour.

Why your Zillow land listing may not be seen

Despite your best efforts, your Zillow land listing may not receive the visibility or traction you'd hoped for. Factors that can impact your listing's performance include:

Competition: A high volume of competing listings in your area can make it difficult for your land to stand out.

Ineffective marketing: If your listing is well-optimized, potential buyers may need help finding it through Zillow's search and filtering options.

Only complete or accurate information: Listings with missing or misleading information can deter buyers and negatively impact your listing's performance.

Poor quality photos: Low-quality images can only capture your land's true appeal, making it less attractive to potential buyers.

Unfavorable market conditions: External factors, such as economic conditions or seasonal trends, can affect the overall demand for land in your area.

Review your marketing strategy, optimize your listing, and consider seeking professional assistance from a real estate agent specializing in land sales to increase the visibility and success of your listing.

Alternative to Zillow for sale by owner

While Zillow can be an effective platform for selling land, other options are available. If you're considering alternatives, the following platforms may be worth exploring:

LandWatch: This website specializes in land and rural property listings, offering a range of tools and resources tailored to the unique needs of land sellers and buyers.

LandFlip: LandFlip is another land-focused platform that provides free and paid listing options, resources, and advertising opportunities for sellers.

Craigslist: As a general classifieds website, Craigslist allows you to post land listings for free. However, it may offer a different level of exposure or specialized tools than more niche platforms.

Local real estate websites: Many local real estate agencies and multiple listing services (MLS) offer online platforms for land listings, which can provide targeted exposure to buyers in your area.

Social media: Utilizing social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn can effectively promote your land listing and reach potential buyers within your network.

Marketing your land on Zillow and beyond

In addition to optimizing your Zillow listing, creating a comprehensive marketing strategy is essential to maximize your land's visibility and attract potential buyers. Consider incorporating the following marketing strategies:

Social media promotion

Promote your land listing on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. Create engaging content highlighting your property's features, and use hashtags and location tags to increase visibility. You can also participate in relevant groups or forums where potential buyers may be looking for land.

Local advertising

To reach potential buyers in your area, advertise your land in local newspapers, magazines, or community bulletin boards. Consider placing ads in publications that cater to specific markets or interests, such as those interested in farming, hunting, or outdoor recreation.

Networking

Make use of your personal and professional networks to publicize your land listing. Inform your friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances about your sale and encourage them to share it with their networks.

Signage

Invest in professional signage for your property. A well-designed, visible sign can draw passers-by's attention and generate interest in your property.

Open house or guided tours

Organize an open house or offer guided property tours to give prospective buyers a firsthand look at your land's features and potential uses. Ensure that the property is clean and free of debris or hazards and that you are prepared to answer questions and provide additional information about the land.

Navigating offers and negotiations

You may receive offers from potential buyers once your land listing has generated interest. As a result, it is critical to be prepared for the negotiation process and understand the factors that can influence the final sale price.

Evaluating offers

Each offer should be evaluated based on the proposed purchase price, contingencies, financing options, and buyer qualifications. You may receive multiple offers, so carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each before making a decision.

Counteroffers and negotiations

You may submit a counteroffer with modified terms if an offer does not meet your expectations or requirements. Negotiation may involve several rounds of back-and-forth communication, so it's critical to remain patient and flexible to reach a mutually beneficial outcome.

Escrow and closing

The transaction usually enters the escrow phase when you accept an offer and sign a purchase agreement. During this time, a neutral third party will hold funds and documents on behalf of both parties until all of the sale's conditions are met. Prepare to collaborate with the buyer, their lender, and any other parties involved to satisfy contingencies and close the sale.

Leveraging professional assistance

While selling land on Zillow as a for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) can be a cost-effective option, partnering with real estate professionals can provide additional support and expertise. Consider working with the following experts:

Real estate agents

A real estate agent specializing in land sales can provide invaluable insights, market knowledge, and negotiation skills. They can assist you in accurately pricing your property, developing a comprehensive marketing strategy, and guiding you through each stage of the sales process. Furthermore, the established network of an agent can connect you with potential buyers and other industry professionals.

Appraisers

A certified land appraiser can assist you in determining a fair market value for your property by considering factors such as location, size, zoning, and available resources. In addition, an appraisal can be a solid foundation for determining your asking price and negotiating with potential buyers.

Land surveyors

A land surveyor can determine your property's exact boundaries, acreage, and topography. This information is essential for accurately representing your property in your listing and ensuring that future developments or improvements comply with legal requirements.

Real estate attorneys

A real estate attorney specializing in land transactions can assist you in navigating the legal aspects of selling land, such as drafting purchase agreements, dealing with title issues, and resolving zoning disputes.

Preparing for due diligence

Potential buyers will conduct due diligence during the land sale process to verify the property's information and assess its suitability for their needs. Preparing for this phase is critical, as is having all the necessary documentation and information. Some examples of due diligence include:

Title Search

A title search ensures the property's title is free of liens, encumbrances, or other issues that may jeopardize the buyer's ability to obtain clear ownership. Preparing a title report can help speed up the process and address potential issues before they become stumbling blocks.

Environmental assessments

Potential buyers may request environmental assessments or studies to identify potential environmental hazards or contamination on the property. Therefore, be prepared to provide any existing reports or documentation regarding the environmental condition of your land.

Zoning and land use

Buyers will almost certainly look into zoning and land use regulations to see if their intended use of the property is legal. Buyers can make more informed decisions and streamline the due diligence process if they have detailed information about zoning classifications, permitted uses, and any restrictions or easements.

Soil tests and water rights

Soil tests and assessments of water rights can be crucial for buyers interested in agricultural or development purposes. If you have access to this information, providing it to potential buyers during the due diligence phase can be helpful.

Understanding the tax implications

Selling land may result in tax implications, such as capital gains taxes, which you should know before beginning sales. Consult a tax professional or financial advisor to understand the potential impact on your financial situation and to discuss strategies for reducing your tax liability.

Post-sale considerations

Once the sale of your land is complete, there are a few post-sale considerations to keep in mind:

Removing the listing

After closing, ensure that you promptly remove your land listing from Zillow and any other platforms where it was advertised. This will ensure clarity and inquiries from potential buyers who may still come across your listing.

Updating your financial records

After the sale, update your financial records to reflect the transaction, including income, expenses, or tax implications. This information will be necessary for future tax filings and financial planning.

Post-sale follow-up

Maintain open communication with the buyer, even after completing the sale. This can help address lingering questions or concerns and ensure a smooth ownership transition. In addition, fostering a positive relationship with the buyer can lead to potential referrals or future business opportunities.

Evaluating the success of your sale

After your land has been sold, take the time to evaluate the success of your sale by considering the following factors:

Time on the market

Reflect on how long your land was listed on Zillow and other platforms before it sold. If your property sold quickly, it may indicate that your marketing strategy was adequate and that your asking price was well-aligned with market conditions. Conversely, if your land took longer to sell, consider what factors may have contributed to the extended timeframe and how you might improve your approach in the future.

Sale price vs. asking price

Compare the final sale price of your land to your initial asking price. If the sale price was close to or above your asking price, your pricing strategy was successful. However, the sale price was significantly lower than your asking price. In that case, it may indicate that your initial valuation was too high or that other factors, such as market conditions or property characteristics, influenced the outcome.

Lessons learned

Take note of lessons learned throughout the sales process, such as strategies that worked well or areas that could be improved. This information can be valuable for future land sales or real estate transactions.

Celebrating your success

Finally, congratulate yourself on your success in selling your land on Zillow. Selling land can be complicated, and completing it successfully is a significant accomplishment. You can continue to grow as a savvy land seller and real estate investor by reflecting on your experience and knowledge.

In conclusion, selling land on Zillow necessitates careful planning, strategic marketing, and understanding the unique challenges of land transactions. You can increase your chances of success and achieve the best possible outcome for your land sale by utilizing professional assistance, preparing for due diligence, and exploring alternative marketing channels. Finally, as you continue to navigate the world of land sales and real estate investment, remember to evaluate the success of your sale, learn from your experience, and celebrate your accomplishments.