How to Sell Inherited Land Fast in Wyoming?
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By
Bart Waldon
So, you've inherited some land in Wyoming. Maybe it's a sprawling ranch your grandfather used to run, or a patch of wilderness your great-aunt bought decades ago as an investment. Whatever the case, you're now faced with a decision: keep it or sell it?
If you're leaning towards selling, and selling fast, you're in the right place. Wyoming's land market can be tricky to navigate, but with the right approach, you can turn that inherited property into cash in your pocket sooner than you might think.
Wyoming's Land: More Than Just Wide Open Spaces
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of selling, let's talk about what makes Wyoming land special. Sure, we've all heard about Yellowstone and the Tetons, but there's more to the Equality State than tourist hotspots.
Wyoming's land is as diverse as it gets. You've got everything from lush forest to high desert, rolling prairies to rugged mountains. And it's not just pretty to look at – this land is working land. Ranches, farms, energy production, you name it.
Here's an interesting tidbit: according to the USDA's Economic Research Service, the average value of farm real estate in Wyoming hit $790 per acre in 2023. That's a 5.3% jump from the previous year. Not too shabby, right?
But here's the kicker – Wyoming's also the least populated state in the lower 48. We're talking about 6 people per square mile. That can make selling land a bit of a challenge, but don't worry – we've got some tricks up our sleeve.
First Things First: Make Sure You Can Actually Sell the Land
Before you start dreaming about what you'll do with the proceeds from your land sale, let's make sure you've got all your ducks in a row:
- Get your hands on the deed. Make sure the land's actually in your name.
- Check for any liens or other legal hiccups. You don't want any surprises popping up mid-sale.
- If the land came to you through an estate, double-check that all the probate stuff is sorted out.
Trust me, taking care of this boring legal stuff now will save you headaches down the road.
What's It Worth? Figuring Out Your Land's Value
Now comes the tricky part – figuring out what your land is actually worth. Land values can be all over the place, so don't be surprised if you get a range of estimates. Here's what you can do:
- Look at what similar pieces of land in the area have sold for recently.
- Consider hiring a local appraiser who knows Wyoming land. They'll have insights you might miss.
- Think about what makes your land special. Got mineral rights? Water access? Development potential? These can all bump up the value.
Remember, the land market can be as unpredictable as Wyoming weather. Be prepared to be flexible with your pricing.
Sprucing Up Your Land (Without Breaking the Bank)
You're not selling a house, so don't worry about staging or fresh paint. But there are a few things you can do to make your land more appealing:
- Clear out any junk. Nobody wants to buy a dumping ground.
- Mark the property lines clearly. Potential buyers will want to know exactly what they're looking at.
- If possible, make it easy for folks to actually get to and view the property.
- Get together any relevant paperwork – surveys, soil tests, utility info, that kind of thing.
Getting the Word Out: Marketing Your Land
Now it's time to let people know your land's up for grabs. Here's where a bit of elbow grease can pay off:
- Take some good photos. And I mean good photos. Wyoming's beautiful – make sure your land looks its best.
- Write up a detailed description. What makes this piece of land special?
- Use online platforms that specialize in land sales. LandWatch and Lands of America are good places to start.
- Don't forget about good old-fashioned local advertising. A lot of Wyoming folks still read the paper, you know.
Fair warning: selling land at full market value often takes a lot of marketing and negotiating. It's not for the faint of heart.
Network Like Your Sale Depends on It (Because It Might)
In Wyoming, who you know can be just as important as what you're selling. Here are some folks you might want to chat up:
- Real estate agents who specialize in land sales
- Local farmers or ranchers who might be looking to expand
- Developers with an eye on the area
And don't be shy about attending local events. You never know who you might meet at the county fair or a real estate seminar.
Need to Sell Fast? Consider These Options
If time's not on your side, you might want to look at some alternatives to the traditional selling route:
- Land auctions can create a sense of urgency and attract serious buyers.
- Offering owner financing can open up your pool of potential buyers.
- Companies like Land Boss specialize in buying land quickly for cash. You might not get top dollar, but you'll get a fast, hassle-free sale.
Dealing with Offers: Keep Your Cool
When offers start rolling in, remember:
- Know your bottom line, but be open to negotiation.
- Don't take low offers personally. They're often just a starting point.
- Be creative. Maybe selling part of the land or offering a lease option could work for both parties.
And here's a tip: those companies that offer to buy land at a discount? They're not always the bad guys. For some folks, a quick, guaranteed sale is worth more than holding out for top dollar.
Closing the Deal: The Home Stretch
Once you've accepted an offer, focus on wrapping things up smoothly:
- Work with a title company that knows Wyoming land ins and outs.
- Be quick about responding to any requests for info or paperwork.
- Consider hiring a real estate attorney to watch your back.
The Land Boss Option: Worth Considering
Look, I'll be straight with you. At Land Boss, we've been in this game for 5 years, and we've handled over 100 land transactions. We know selling inherited land can be a headache.
Here's what we offer:
- We'll take a look at your land and give you our honest assessment.
- We'll make you a fair cash offer, usually within a couple of days.
- If you like what you hear, we can often close the deal in about two weeks.
Sure, our offer might not be the absolute top dollar you could get if you waited a year or two. But for folks who want to sell fast and move on with their lives? We might be just what you're looking for.
Final Thoughts
Selling inherited land in Wyoming isn't always a walk in the park. But with the right approach, you can get it done faster than you might think. Whether you decide to go the traditional route or opt for a quick sale to a company like Land Boss, the key is understanding your options and the quirks of the Wyoming land market.
Remember, the average time to sell vacant land can stretch to a year or two. If that sounds like too long a wait, don't be afraid to explore all your options.
Good luck out there, and happy selling!