10 Ways to Sell Land Faster in Ohio

Ohio's land market has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, presenting both opportunities and challenges for sellers. According to the Ohio REALTORS, the average sale price of vacant land in Ohio increased by 12.3% from 2022 to 2023, reflecting a robust demand for raw land in the state. Additionally, a report by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service shows that Ohio farmland values rose by 8.4% in 2023, reaching an average of $7,100 per acre. Despite this positive trend, the average time on the market for land listings in Ohio remains at approximately 180 days, as reported by LandWatch. For landowners looking to capitalize on this growing market and expedite their sales process, implementing effective strategies is crucial. This article will explore 10 proven methods to help you sell your land faster in the Buckeye State.

As someone who has helped numerous landowners in Ohio sell their properties efficiently, here are our top 10 tips for selling land faster:

10 Tips to Sell Land Faster in Ohio

1. Price Your Land Realistically

This is without a doubt the most important factor when it comes to selling land quickly. We've seen it time and time again - sellers overprice their land and it sits on the market for ages. They get attached to unrealistic valuations and refuse to budge.

Avoid this mistake at all costs! Take time to thoroughly research recent comparable land sales in your area. Drive around and look at parcels similar to yours that have sold recently. Talk to real estate professionals to get appraisals and advice. Price your land competitively from the start, even if it means swallowing your pride a bit on the list price.

Remember - a property is only worth what buyers are willing to pay for it here and now. The market value accounts for all the various factors, not just what you feel emotionally. Periodically review your asking price and adjust it to keep attracting buyer interest. Take price reductions seriously if you want to sell faster.

2. Talk Up the Property’s Best Attributes

When you’re creating the listing materials for your Ohio land sale, put extra emphasis on highlighting the best features and amenities. Really sell the property’s strongest selling points to grab buyer's attention quickly.

For example, emphasize things like:

• Stunning river frontage or pond views
• Mature oak trees and wooded privacy
• Rolling hills and elevation changes
• Prime farm land and rich soil
• Existing utility hookups and access
• Mineral rights availability
• Recreational potential like hunting/fishing
• Scenic vistas and ridgeline views

The more enticing you make the land sound, the faster buyers will come running to see it. Quality listing photos also let buyers visually see the highlights. Drive-by traffic will also pick up when the land itself is well-presented and eye-catching from the road.

3. Invest in Quality Listing Materials

Speaking of listing materials, this is another area where it pays to invest some time and money upfront to sell the land faster. Don't just throw the property on Craigslist or scribble down some handwritten fliers. Develop compelling, high-quality listing materials that appeal to buyers.

Hire a photographer to take great photos that showcase the land. Write up an engaging property description that paints a picture of the land’s attributes and potential uses. Develop a professional brochure with specifics like parcel boundaries, zoning, access details, etc.

Quality listing materials make a strong first impression online and in-person. Buyers appreciate the details and professionalism. This gets more buyers excited to learn more and sets your listing apart.

4. Market the Land on Multiple Platforms

To sell your land fast, exposure and visibility are critical. You need to get the property in front of as many potential buyers as possible. Relying solely on "For Sale by Owner" signage along the roadside won't cut it.

Make sure to list the property on the MLS through local real estate agents. List it on major sites like Zillow and Trulia as well as lesser known land and property listing services. Cover all angles to reach buyers actively perusing these various platforms looking for land parcels. Cast a wide net!

5. Offer Creative Financing Options

One way to significantly expand your pool of potential buyers is to offer financing options, like owner financing. Many buyers either cannot qualify for traditional bank lending or would prefer alternative financing that gives them more flexibility.

By advertising that you’re willing and able to finance the land purchase yourself at competitive rates/terms, you can pique the interest of buyers who would otherwise pass. This gives them an extra incentive to move forward with your property over others, helping you sell faster.

6. Divide the Land into Smaller Parcels

If your land is a large parcel - say 40+ acres - consider dividing it into smaller, more digestible pieces. Many buyers simply don't need or want such a large tract of land. But a 5-10 acre parcel may be much more appealing and feasible for them.

Breaking the land into a couple smaller parcels with their own access, boundaries and pricing opens up the pool of potential buyers. Instead of waiting for that one buyer who wants it all, you create multiple selling opportunities. Offering flexibility like this can greatly reduce selling time.

7. Get the Boundaries Officially Surveyed

Getting the property boundaries officially surveyed and staked gives buyers confidence when purchasing vacant land sight-unseen. It leaves no doubt in their mind what exact parcel they are getting if the boundaries are clearly delineated on the ground.

Yes, surveying adds cost, but it's well worth it in terms of facilitating a faster, conflict-free land sale. Uncertainty over vague boundaries deters serious buyers who don't want to gamble. Removing that uncertainty speeds up the process.

8. Improve Physical Access to the Land

Does your land have limited roadway frontage? Add a gravel driveway opening up access from the adjacent road. Is there dense vegetation making it hard to walk the property? Clear some paths and trails so buyers can visualize getting around.

Improved physical access lets buyer instantly see and experience the property in person, as opposed to just looking at listing photos. When buyers can actually set foot on the land, it becomes more real and compelling. Hard-to-access parcels will sit and linger on the market forever.

9. Offer a Cash Discount

Here's an easy selling incentive - offer a 5-10% discount off the list price if buyers pay with cash at closing. Avoiding financing contingencies removes delays and speed up closing. Cash deals are less hassle for you as the seller too.

By promoting a cash discount, you motivate buyers who have the means to pay cash. They get equity in their purchase instantly. You avoid the timing uncertainties of buyers needing to secure financing. It's a win-win tactic that can expedite a sale.

10. Be Flexible and Open to Terms

When it comes to closing the deal, take a flexible stance on terms whenever possible. Being open to negotiating on price shows you're serious about selling quickly. Accommodate closing dates that work for buyers' needs. Include property conveyance specifics in the purchase agreement. Offer lease-back if buyers need time to develop plans.

The more rigid and inflexible you are, the longer the sale takes. Refusing to budge on price or arbitrary closing dates hinders deals. Show you're motivated to sell by working with buyers on terms that help them purchase the property.

Selling land quickly in Ohio comes down to preparation, pricing knowledge, quality marketing and flexibility. Implement these 10 tips, and you'll be able to streamline the sales process and connect with ready buyers more quickly. With the right well-rounded strategy, you can reduce average selling times for vacant land significantly.

Final Words

Selling land can certainly be a long and winding road, full of paperwork, regulations, and no shortage of waiting. But with a deliberate and strategic approach, you can dramatically accelerate the process and minimize headaches. Savvy sellers who do their homework on local land values, invest in quality listings, utilize multiple marketing channels, and show flexibility on terms will tap into the most buyers. Listing your Ohio property competitively and highlighting the attributes that set it apart from others will attract attention fast. With these tips, you can successfully shorten the typical land sales timeline and move your vacant acres into new hands more quickly. Stay patient yet proactive, get your ducks in a row upfront, and you’ll be able to capitalize on the eager buyers actively searching for their next land acquisition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it typically take to sell land in Ohio?

On average, selling a vacant land parcel in Ohio can take 6 months to 2 years. Rural or undeveloped land often sits even longer on the market. With the right pricing and marketing strategy, savvy sellers can shorten this timeframe substantially. But it's important to set realistic expectations upfront on typical land sales durations.

What steps can I take to sell my land faster in Ohio?

Some tips to accelerate selling your land include pricing competitively, utilizing multiple listing platforms, offering owner financing, dividing large parcels, improving access, getting surveys done, and showing flexibility on terms/price. Implementing several proactive selling strategies at once reaches more buyers and improves chances of timely sales.

Should I get my Ohio property appraised before listing for sale?

Appraisals are highly recommended to give you an objective, current valuation of your land from a professional. However, appraisals aren't always needed if you thoroughly research recent comparable sales yourself to accurately price your listing. But appraisals do provide that third-party assurance you’re asking a fair price.

How important are quality listing photos and descriptions?

Great listing photos and descriptions do make a significant impact in generating initial buyer interest and getting them excited about your property. Like any real estate transaction, eye-catching visuals and compelling write-ups differentiate your listing. They convey details that drive viewers to learn more and visit in-person.

Should I consider seller financing for my Ohio land sale?

Seller financing can certainly help sell your property faster by giving buyers more purchase options. Just ensure you consult an attorney to structure the terms properly and protect yourself. Owner financing works best when buyers make sizable down payments and pay reasonable interest rates with quick payoff periods. Manage lending risks wisely while leveraging it to expand your buyer pool.

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