Selling inherited land could take a lot longer than you might think. Learn the realistic timeline for probate, listing with agents, and faster alternatives that skip the wait. Go to https://landavion.com/ for more information.
If you've recently inherited land and want to sell it, you're probably wondering how long the whole process will take. Unfortunately, the answer isn't as simple as you'd hope. Between probate procedures, market conditions, and the nature of land sales themselves, you could be looking at anywhere from several months to over a year before you see any money.
The reality is that vacant land moves much slower than residential property. A 2023 study from the National Association of Realtors found that vacant land sat on the market for a median of 95 days, compared to just 34 days for existing homes. When you factor in the probate process, which typically takes 9 to 18 months to complete, you're adding significant time before you can even list the property.
The Probate Timeline Nobody Warns You About. Before you can sell inherited land, you usually need to clear probate. This legal process validates the will, settles debts, and transfers ownership to beneficiaries. Even straightforward cases take months. If there's no will, if multiple heirs disagree, or if the estate is complex, you could be waiting well over a year just to gain clear title.
Selling Through A Traditional Agent. Once probate wraps up, you have options. The traditional route involves hiring a real estate agent who specializes in land sales. They'll list the property, market it to potential buyers, and handle negotiations. This approach can get you top dollar, but it's also the slowest path. Between finding the right agent, preparing the land, marketing, and waiting for a qualified buyer, you're looking at several additional months.
FSBO: More Control, Same Timeline. Some owners try selling the land themselves to avoid agent commissions. While this gives you more control, it doesn't necessarily speed things up. You'll still need to price the property correctly, market it effectively, and navigate the legal paperwork. Without professional guidance, mistakes can actually extend your timeline even further.
The Cash Buyer Alternative. For those who prioritize speed over squeezing out every dollar, working with specialist cash buyers offers a dramatically different timeline. These companies evaluate property quickly, make offers within days, and can close in weeks rather than months or years.
You might not get absolute top dollar, but you will get certainty and speed. The tradeoff is worth considering if you're facing ongoing tax bills or simply want to move on.
What Actually Determines Your Timeline. Several factors influence how quickly you can sell. Property location matters enormously. Land near growing areas moves faster than remote parcels. The presence of utilities, road access, and development potential all affect buyer interest. Multiple heirs can complicate decisions and slow everything down. Outstanding liens or tax issues need resolution before any sale can close.
Making Your Decision. Selling inherited land doesn't follow a one-size-fits-all timeline. If you can afford to wait and want maximum value, a traditional agent might make sense. If you need a quick resolution and predictable timing, exploring cash purchase options might serve you better. Either way, understanding the realistic timeline helps you plan appropriately and avoid frustrating surprises along the way.
Check out the link in the description to learn more! Land Avion, LLC City: Las Cruces Address: 2521 North Main Street Website: https://landavion.com