10 Ways to Sell Your Land Faster in Massachusetts

The process for selling vacant plots, raw acreage or semi-improved rural holdings in Massachusetts may span anywhere from a few months to over a year using just standard real estate listing approaches before securing deals. With the total land dedicated to active agriculture now measuring 520,000 acres statewide across over 7,500 farms based on the latest UMass Amherst research, significant untapped opportunities exist to engage wider prospective buyer audiences through tailored marketing that shrinks average market times. Fortunately, rural Massachusetts landowners can catalyze deals much more quickly by embracing digital promotion options coupled with creative transaction terms catering to limitations many investors face around down payments and closing durations. 

From leveraging social media reach to deploying owner financing options, various channels enable ideal purchasers to be attracted in less time. This guide explores 10 key strategies agricultural holdings owners, timber tract investors and other real property stewards should deploy toward maximizing buyer visibility and deal flexibility - slashing months from average liquidation timelines when executed diligently.

Best Ways to Sell Your Land Faster

Price Your Property Competitively

One of the most crucial steps is pricing your land appropriately from the start. Overpricing is one of the biggest mistakes sellers make, leading to stagnant listings. Thoroughly research recent comparable sales in your area to determine fair market value. Competitively pricing your land makes it appealing to buyers ready to move quickly. Consider pricing just slightly below similar parcels to generate greater interest.

Highlight the Best Features

Your listing description needs to highlight attributes that will grab buyers’ attention. Tout stand-out amenities like wooded acreage, water frontage, development potential, recreational features, scenic views and accessible utilities. Ask your agent for advice on the property’s most marketable assets. Tailor the copy and photography to showcase these unique selling points that will lure buyers.

Hire an Experienced Listing Agent

Attempting to sell land on your own may save on commissions, but rarely leads to a quick sale. A qualified local agent provides critical real estate expertise when it comes to pricing, marketing and negotiating land deals. They have established connections with cash buyers and builders seeking land. A knowledgeable agent taps into a network of relationships and deploys targeted marketing strategies to sell your land faster.

Offer Owner Financing

Providing your own financing can greatly expand your pool of potential buyers. Owner financing allows the buyer to pay you directly over time rather than securing a traditional bank mortgage. This added flexibility incentivizes buyers who may not qualify for other financing options or need time to pull together funds. Consult an attorney to structure the appropriate legal owner financing contracts to protect yourself as the seller.

Divide Into Smaller Parcels

For larger acreages, consider dividing your land into smaller, more affordable lots. A 100 acre tract may interest only a few buyers, but breaking it into 5 or 10 acre lots opens the door to many more prospects. Segmenting your property provides flexibility to buyers who may not need or be able to afford a large parcel.

Remove Any Eyesores

Before listing your land, make sure to clear any eyesores that could detract buyers. Old equipment, abandoned vehicles, fallen trees and excessive brush should all be removed. A clean property conveys a sense of pride and care compared to an unkempt parcel. If needed, consider also improving road access.

Allow Recreational Use

Allowing hunters, hikers, ATV riders, horseback riders or other recreational users to enjoy your land can build interest and visibility. Recreational users talk to others who share their interests, spreading the word about properties that allow access. Once listed, keep the land open for recreation to generate more potential leads.

Use Online and Print Advertising

A comprehensive digital and print advertising approach casts a wide net for potential buyers. Develop a strong online presence on sites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com and LandsOfAmerica. Distribute print flyers at local real estate offices, feed stores, libraries and other community bulletin boards.

Network with Local Investors

Beyond typical home buyers, real estate investors are always seeking discounted land for development or quick resale potential. Make connections with local real estate investment clubs and groups. Advertise in their newsletters or online forums, attend meetings to network and pitch your listing. Investors represent motivated buyers ready to move quickly.

Offer Broker Incentives

Most agents work on commission, but offering additional incentives can inspire them to sell your property faster. For example, guarantee an extra .5% commission if sold within 90 days, or pay a bonus flat fee to the agent who procures the buyer. Sweetening the pot motivates listing agents to prioritize your property.

The Massachusetts Land Market

Massachusetts contains diverse terrain, from coastal landscapes to rolling Pioneer Valley farmland. The state’s natural beauty, four distinct seasons and proximity to Boston make it a highly desirable location. Over 60% of the state is forest, offering abundant land for privacy, recreation and natural resources. This variety draws interest from developers, farmers, equestrians, investors and families seeking elbow room.

Cities near Boston like Concord, Lexington and Lincoln retain a rural character yet offer easy access to urban amenities. The Connecticut River Valley towns of Springfield, Westfield and Holyoke host active land markets. Cape Cod communities like Barnstable, Dennis and Brewster are also popular.

Real estate values climbed over past decades, although land plateaued after 2008 before recovering in recent years. Vacant residential acreage in Massachusetts fetches median prices from $100,000 to $300,000 per acre, while commercial/industrial land often exceeds $1 million per acre depending on location and utilities.

Massachusetts poses unique factors for land sellers. Strict zoning laws and regulations govern development. Permitting and building costs run higher than other states. The marked seasonal climate impacts construction schedules. Steep or forested acreage renders portions of properties unusable. Knowledgeable sellers will research these conditions when pricing and marketing their land.

For those seeking a fast, simplified sale, companies like Land Boss purchase land directly with no commissions or closing costs. Through an appraisal-based process, landowners receive fair cash offers and close on their timeline, avoiding the hassles of traditional listing methods. With the right approach, Massachusetts landowners can sell smoothly and efficiently.

Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Land in Massachusetts

Selling vacant land comes with its own unique challenges. Even experienced sellers can make missteps that hinder their ability to sell swiftly and for top dollar. When listing land in Massachusetts, be sure to avoid these common mistakes:

Overpricing Your Property

One of the biggest pitfalls is overestimating your land’s worth and overpricing it. Even if you feel the property warrants a certain price, if it’s higher than comparable parcels that have recently sold in your area, your listing will languish. Be objective when pricing and align with fair market value.

Neglecting the Presentation

Allowing garbage, fallen trees or other eyesores to accumulate on your land turns off potential buyers. Make sure to clear any clutter, debris, or dilapidated structures. Mowing, grading access roads and tidying up your acreage makes a strong first impression.

Not Dividing Large Parcels

For sizable acreages, failing to divide your land into smaller, more affordable lots eliminates many prospective buyers. Breaking a 100 acre tract into 10 acre parcels opens your property up to more buyers.

Trying to Sell Solo Without an Agent

Attempting to sell land on your own may save commissions but rarely leads to a quick sale. Leverage a qualified local agent’s expertise, connections and marketing capabilities. Their specialization in land sales provides major advantage.

By avoiding these common mistakes and utilizing the best practices outlined earlier, Massachusetts land sellers set themselves up for success. Take time to accurately price, prepare your property, and partner with a seasoned real estate agent. With the right approach, you can minimize headaches and sell your land faster.

Final Thoughts

With the right preparation and marketing strategy, Massachusetts landowners can minimize their time on market and sell more swiftly. Smart pricing, attractive presentation, networked promotion and buyer incentives will all help expedite a sale. Hiring an experienced agent provides further advantage through their specialized expertise navigating the local land market. While selling vacant land presents hurdles, targeted efforts lead to faster results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does vacant land take to sell in Massachusetts?

On average, vacant land parcels stay on the market for 12-24 months in Massachusetts. More desirably located or competitively priced properties may sell within 6-12 months. Overpriced land or parcels in remote areas can take several years to find buyers.

Should I subdivide my large acreage before selling?

Potentially yes. Dividing your property into smaller 1-10 acre parcels opens your listing up to more buyers. The increased affordability and flexibility of smaller lots attracts more interest than one large parcel.

What information do I need to provide in my listing?

Detail property features, acreage, boundary lines, deed/title information, property survey, tax and assessment info, zoning designation, available utilities, and disclosure of any easements or rights of way affecting use. Providing buyers with comprehensive details prevents surprises.

How much does it cost to sell land in Massachusetts?

If selling traditionally with a real estate agent, total costs are typically 8-10% of the sale price. This includes agent commissions (5-6%), legal fees for closing ($500+), title search fees ($500+) and transfer taxes (0.456% of sale price).

Should I allow hunters or other recreational use while it’s listed?

Possibly. Allowing responsible recreational use can raise visibility and interest. It keeps the property accessible to potential buyers who use it for hunting, riding, hiking, etc. Just be sure to minimize liability by requiring proof of insurance or releases.

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