By Christina Asbury, Realtor
Selling vacant land may seem like a simple process, but when it comes to real estate transactions involving undeveloped property, there’s a lot more at stake — and a lot more questions to answer. Whether you’re selling a piece of land you’ve owned for years or are ready to cash out on a property you no longer use, it’s important to understand why Realtors ask so many questions. These measures are not only for your protection but also to ensure the sale is legitimate and free from fraud.
In recent years, cases of seller impersonation and land scams have increased, especially with vacant land that has been owned for a long period. These scams can be difficult to spot, so Realtors and attorneys must be extra diligent. Here's why you might be asked to provide more information and what you can do to protect yourself — and the buyer — from fraudulent activity.
Why So Many Questions?
If you’ve owned land for years, you’re likely familiar with the ins and outs of the property, but scammers know this too. Fraudsters often target vacant land that has been owned for at least 15 years, because land loans typically have a 15- year term — meaning the property is often paid off and free of any deeds of trust or loans. This makes it much easier for a scammer to impersonate the rightful owner and try to sell the land quickly.
To protect everyone involved — sellers, buyers, and agents — Realtors will ask a lot of questions to verify ownership and ensure the sale is legitimate. This can include requesting a Vacant Land Disclosure Form for you to fill out. This form helps agents assess how much you know about the property and gives them additional information to help confirm your identity as the true owner. Realtors may also request a photo ID to verify that the name on the ID matches the name on the deed to the land. In some cases, they might set up a video call or ask you to confirm your identity in other ways. If you live far away or cannot meet in person, these extra steps help establish that the sale is being conducted with the legitimate property owner.
What Sellers Should Know:
Protect Yourself from Fraud If you’ve owned land for a long time, it’s crucial to be prepared for these additional verification measures. Here are a few tips to help ensure your sale goes smoothly and securely:
1. Expect to Be Asked for a Lot of Information
Realtors will ask you for documentation to confirm your ownership, such as a government-issued photo ID, a copy of the deed, tax records, and any other relevant documents like a title insurance policy or property survey. This is standard practice to protect against fraud.
2. Fill Out a Vacant Land Disclosure Form
This form helps Realtors understand how much you know about your property. Legitimate sellers should be familiar with the land they’re selling, and the form can help demonstrate that you are the rightful owner. If you have difficulty answering basic questions about the land, it could raise red flags.
3. Know Why Scammers Target Long-Owned Land
Fraudulent sellers often target land that has been owned for 15+ years, because such properties typically don’t have any outstanding loans or mortgages that need to be satisfied. Scammers aim to sell these properties quickly, often at discounted prices, and will pressure agents and buyers to move fast. Be aware that if you’ve owned land for a long time, you might be more vulnerable to scammers, who might use fake IDs to impersonate you.
4. Be Cautious with Quick, Cash-Only Offers
Scammers are often in a hurry to close the deal, and they may try to convince you to sell at a low price with a cash-only offer. These deals may seem enticing, but they can also be a red flag. Take your time and consult your Realtor to ensure the offer is legitimate.
The Bottom Line: Protect Yourself
If you're ready to sell your vacant land, be prepared to verify your identity and ownership through various means. Realtors are taking these steps not just for their own protection, but to ensure the transaction is legitimate and fraud-free. Scammers are targeting long-owned land, so it's important to be vigilant. Consider setting up a Google Alert with your property's address so that if it is listed for sale and makes its way online, you'll know before it's too late.
By providing the necessary documentation and being open to questions from your Realtor, you help protect both yourself and the buyer from potential fraud. A legitimate sale requires transparency, and the more prepared you are, the smoother the process will be. Work with an experienced Realtor who understands LAND to guide you through the steps and protect your interests. Not all Realtors are Created Equal.