The land market is booming, with new investors seeking a safe haven for their capital. But amidst rising interest rates and inflation fears, many buyers are slowed by the lengthy process of acquiring property. Some are looking for a shortcut to land acquisition by bypassing the real estate agent route and purchasing raw land directly from a company like US Land Deals- Land Boss . Investing in vacant land can prove lucrative, but it’s important to carefully consider the risks and benefits of this type of investment.
Unlike the infamous Fufeng land sale in North Dakota that sparked national security concerns, many of these land buying companies operate transparently and honor their promises. They search public records for rural acreage owners and then target them with offers based on property zoning laws, access, comparables and other key factors. They also provide a detailed list of offer terms and conditions, so buyers can assess them objectively before accepting an offer.
In most cases, land buyers purchase parcels at a discount to retail price since they bear the cost of inspections and marketing. They are also more experienced navigating local regulations and legal considerations such as mineral rights clauses, easements and closing paperwork. This reduces buyer risk and enables them to close deals more quickly, which in turn increases liquidity for sellers.
To avoid scams, sellers should thoroughly vet potential land buyers. Check out their reputation, credentials, business licenses and complaint history. They should also request client references and call them to confirm positive experiences. Before accepting an offer, buyers should always get all promises and terms in writing. Verbal assurances are prone to misinterpretation and do not replace due diligence.
South Carolina is one of the country’s hottest land markets thanks to major demographic shifts driving housing demand. Baby Boomers are cashing out of Northern states to resettle in warmer tertiary cities and rural areas, while millennials are drawn by affordable prices, suburban amenities and walkable mixed-use developments. As a result, land values are up in Coastal regions but slipping in inland counties.
Real estate agents are a great resource when selling homes, but they often don’t have the expertise to accurately value undeveloped land. Plus, lending institutions are often hesitant to finance raw land because it’s generally considered higher-risk than improved properties in urban settings. That’s why sellers wishing to exit their land ownership fast sometimes opt to sell to a cash-oriented real estate investor like Land Boss.
Receiving a letter from a total stranger offering to buy your property can be disconcerting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with land buying companies. However, don’t be alarmed if you find a mysterious note in your mailbox. Rather than deploy covert operatives with night vision goggles, these companies identify rural land owners en masse through legal public records access. They then send mailers with offers based on property acreage, boundaries and other key details. This method is much faster than tracking down individual owners through traditional methods and eliminates the need to hire a private investigator.