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So, you’ve inherited land in Arkansas. Maybe it was a surprise, maybe it wasn’t. Either way, you’re now the owner of a piece of property you may not want, don’t have time to manage, and—let’s be honest—don’t want to keep paying taxes on. Selling it makes sense, but if you’ve never sold land before, the process might seem confusing. Do you need a real estate agent? Should you list it online? How long will it take? And what’s the easiest way to get cash in hand without dealing with endless paperwork?
If these questions sound familiar, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to sell your inherited Arkansas land quickly, with as little hassle as possible.
What Happens When You Inherit Land in Arkansas?
Inheriting land might seem simple on the surface, but there’s usually some legal work involved before you can sell it. If the previous owner left a will, the property goes through probate, which is the court’s way of making sure the right person gets legal ownership. If there’s no will, then Arkansas law determines who inherits the land through a process called intestate succession. Either way, you’ll need to establish legal ownership before making any moves to sell.
If there are multiple heirs, things can get complicated. Everyone with a claim to the property has to agree on what happens next. If one person wants to sell and another wants to keep the land, you might have to negotiate a buyout or take legal steps to divide the property. Sorting out ownership from the beginning will save you time and frustration later.
Figuring Out the Value of Your Land
Before you sell, it’s important to get a good idea of what your land is worth. Land values aren’t as straightforward as home prices. The market depends on location, zoning, access to utilities, and even what’s going on in the surrounding area. Land that’s zoned for residential development will likely be worth more than rural acreage with no road access.
One option is to hire an appraiser who specializes in land valuation. If you’re not looking to spend money upfront, you can research recent sales of similar properties in the area to get an estimate. Another quick and easy way to get an offer is to reach out to a land-buying company that specializes in purchasing properties like yours.
Clearing Up Ownership and Title Issues
One of the biggest obstacles landowners face when selling inherited property is dealing with title issues. A clean title means there are no unpaid taxes, liens, or ownership disputes that could hold up the sale. If the previous owner had unpaid property taxes, the state may have placed a lien on the land. That will need to be cleared before you can transfer ownership.
Even if everything seems in order, getting a title company to run a title search is a smart move. If any issues pop up, handling them early will keep the selling process smooth.
Selling Your Inherited Land: What Are Your Options?
Listing with a Real Estate Agent
If you’re looking to get the highest possible price and don’t mind waiting for the right buyer, hiring a real estate agent can be a solid option. Agents handle marketing, negotiations, and paperwork, which can make the process easier if you don’t have experience selling property.
However, land doesn’t sell as quickly as homes. Depending on the location and demand, it could sit on the market for months or even years before the right buyer comes along. You’ll also have to pay a commission, which typically ranges from 5% to 10% of the sale price.
Selling the Land Yourself (FSBO)
If you’d rather cut out the middleman and avoid paying commissions, selling the land yourself is an option. You can market the property online, negotiate with buyers directly, and handle the paperwork on your own.
The downside is that selling land takes effort. You’ll need to research pricing, handle inquiries from potential buyers, and make sure you understand the legal process of transferring ownership. If you’re not comfortable dealing with contracts and negotiations, this might not be the best route.
Selling to a Land Buying Company (The Fastest and Easiest Option)
If you’re looking for the simplest way to sell inherited land in Arkansas, working with a land-buying company is your best bet. These companies specialize in purchasing land directly from sellers, often closing deals within days instead of months.
Bubba Land Company is a great option if you want a fast, no-hassle sale. They buy land in any condition, cover closing costs, and handle all the paperwork. If your land is tied up in probate or has title issues, they’ll guide you through the process to make selling easy.
Another solid choice is Arkansas Land Buyers. They specialize in purchasing vacant and rural land throughout the state, making competitive cash offers with a quick closing timeline. If you want to avoid dealing with listings, negotiations, and buyer financing issues, selling to a direct land buyer will save you time and effort.
Taxes and Other Costs to Consider
When you sell inherited land, there are a few tax considerations to keep in mind. The good news is that when you inherit property, you get what’s called a “step-up” in tax basis. This means you won’t owe capital gains taxes on the increase in value from when the original owner bought the land—only on any appreciation from the date you inherited it.
If you’re selling the property soon after inheriting it, your tax liability will likely be minimal. However, if the land has significantly increased in value since you inherited it, you may owe taxes on the profit. Talking to a tax professional can help you understand what to expect based on your specific situation.
Aside from taxes, you’ll also want to consider any outstanding property taxes, legal fees, or closing costs. If you sell to a land-buying company, they typically cover these costs, which means you won’t have any out-of-pocket expenses.
What If There Are Challenges Along the Way?
Selling inherited land isn’t always a straightforward process. If you share ownership with siblings or other family members, getting everyone on the same page can be the hardest part. If someone doesn’t want to sell, you may have to negotiate a buyout or go through a partition process to divide the land.
If the land hasn’t been maintained for years, you might be worried about how that affects the sale. The good news is that most land buyers aren’t concerned with overgrown lots or properties that need work. In most cases, you won’t have to make any improvements before selling.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Option for You?
Selling inherited land in Arkansas doesn’t have to be a drawn-out process. You have a few options, but if speed and simplicity are your priorities, working with a land-buying company like Bubba Land Company or Arkansas Land Buyers is the easiest way to go. Instead of waiting months for a buyer or dealing with listing fees and commissions, you can get a fair cash offer and close quickly.
If you’re ready to sell, reach out today for a no-obligation offer. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can stop worrying about property taxes and start using that money for something better.
We hope you found this blog post Inherited Land in Arkansas: Here’s How to Sell It Quickly! useful. Be sure to check out our post How to Avoid Two Mortgages After Buying a New Home for more great tips!
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