How to Sell Land: Real Estate Agent vs FSBO vs Direct Buyers

When people begin searching for how to sell land, many assume the process will be similar to selling a house. In reality, selling land is very different. Vacant land appeals to a much smaller pool of buyers, financing is harder to obtain, and properties often sit on the market far longer than expected.

Because of these challenges, landowners usually choose between three main options: listing with a real estate agent, selling the land themselves (commonly called FSBO), or selling directly to a land-buying company. Each option comes with clear advantages and trade-offs, and understanding those differences can save significant time, money, and frustration.

Why Selling Land Is Different From Selling a Home

Unlike a house, land doesn’t offer immediate visual appeal. There are no rooms to tour, no finishes to admire, and no emotional pull for most buyers. Instead, buyers typically need a specific purpose—such as building, recreation, or long-term investment—for the land to make sense.

Because demand is narrower, land listings usually receive fewer inquiries and take longer to sell. This makes the method you choose to sell your land far more important than it would be with a home. The right approach can mean the difference between a smooth transaction and months—or years—of waiting.

Selling Land With a Real Estate Agent

Working with a real estate agent is often the first option landowners consider. Agents handle marketing, negotiations, and paperwork, which can be helpful—especially for owners unfamiliar with real estate transactions.

Pros of Selling with a Real Estate Agent

A knowledgeable agent can list the land on the MLS, help determine pricing, negotiate with buyers, and manage communication throughout the process. If the land is located in a high-demand area and the agent specializes in land sales, this approach may attract buyers who are willing to wait for financing or development approvals.

Cons of Selling with a Real Estate Agent

Vacant land listings frequently take months or even years to sell. During that time, owners continue paying property taxes and other holding costs. Agent commissions can also significantly reduce the final amount received at closing. Additionally, many agents focus primarily on homes, meaning land listings may receive less attention. For sellers who want speed or certainty, using an agent can feel slow and unpredictable.

Selling Land FSBO (For Sale By Owner)

Some landowners choose to sell their land on their own without using an agent. This approach offers more control but also requires more involvement from the seller.

Pros of Selling Land FSBO

Selling FSBO avoids agent commissions and allows you to control pricing, marketing, and negotiations. If you already understand your land’s value and are comfortable handling buyer inquiries and paperwork, this option can reduce selling costs.

Cons of Selling Land FSBO

Marketing vacant land is difficult, and many buyers will never see your listing without paid advertising or extensive outreach. You’re also responsible for contracts, negotiations, disclosures, and coordinating the closing process. FSBO land listings often sit just as long—or longer—than agent-listed properties, especially if pricing or exposure is off. For owners who live far away or want minimal involvement, FSBO can quickly become overwhelming.

Selling Land Directly to a Land-Buying Company

Because traditional land sales can be slow and uncertain, many owners choose to sell directly to companies that specialize in buying vacant land. This option prioritizes speed, simplicity, and certainty rather than maximizing list price.

Pros of Selling Directly

Selling directly removes many common obstacles. There’s no listing period, no showings, and no risk of a buyer’s financing falling through. The process is typically straightforward and can be completed entirely remotely.

Companies like MPL Land Investing focus exclusively on vacant land, allowing them to streamline the selling process for owners who want a simple solution.

Cons of Selling Directly

The primary trade-off is price. Direct buyers typically offer less than full market value in exchange for speed, cash, certainty, and the convenience of selling the land as-is—without needing to invest money into repairs, clearing, or improvements. For sellers who are not in a rush and want to test the open market, this may not be the best option. However, many owners decide that reduced stress and a guaranteed outcome outweigh the difference in price.

Comparing Your Options: Which Way to Sell Land Makes Sense?

Choosing how to sell land depends on what matters most to you.

• If maximizing price is your top priority, working with an experienced land agent may make sense—if you’re willing to wait.

• If you want full control and don’t mind handling marketing, paperwork, and negotiations, FSBO can work with enough time and effort.

• If you want speed, simplicity, and certainty, selling directly to a land buyer is often the easiest path.

For inherited land, unused property, or land located far from where you live, many owners find that simplicity becomes the deciding factor.

What the Direct Sale Process Typically Looks Like

When selling directly to a land-buying company, the process is usually straightforward:

• The land is purchased as-is, with no repairs or clearing required

• The owner provides basic details, such as the parcel number and state

• A cash offer is often made within 24 hours

• All closing costs are covered

• There are no agent commissions

• Closing can happen in as little as two weeks

  
  

The offer amount is typically the exact amount the seller receives at closing. For many landowners, especially those dealing with inherited or unused property—clarity and simplicity ultimately matter more than anything else. How you decide to sell ultimately depends on what matters most to you.

There is no single best way to sell land for everyone. Some owners are willing to wait for the right buyer, while others prefer a clear, predictable process that allows them to move on quickly. Understanding the pros and cons of using a real estate agent, selling FSBO, or selling directly helps you choose the option that best fits your timeline, goals, and level of involvement.

Common Questions About Selling Land

Is it better to use an agent or sell land directly?
It depends on your goals. Agents may help maximize price, while direct sales prioritize speed and certainty.

Does FSBO really save money?
It can—but only if the land sells. Many FSBO listings remain unsold for long periods.

Why does land take longer to sell than a house?
There are fewer buyers, and financing is less common for vacant land.

Can I sell land if I live out of state?
Yes. Many land sales—especially direct ones—are completed entirely remotely.