Choosing the Right Marketplace to Sell Your Land
Selling land may seem straightforward, but choosing the right marketplace can significantly impact your success. With dozens of listing options available, from dedicated land websites to MLS listings and social media, deciding where to post can be overwhelming. Each platform comes with unique pros and cons that can influence everything from lead quality to sales volume.
In this post, we’ll dive into the best marketplaces for selling land, covering the pros and cons of each and helping you decide where to list based on your goals, budget, and property type.
The Power of the Flat-Fee MLS Listings
For many land investors, flat-fee MLS listings are a top choice for one main reason: reach. A flat-fee MLS listing gives you access to the most extensive network of buyers by syndicating your listing across popular real estate sites like Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia. These platforms are well-known, attract high-quality leads, and give your listing the credibility that comes from appearing on trusted real estate sites.
Why It Works: Flat-fee MLS listings offer the broadest audience and bring in qualified leads from buyers actively looking for property. While MLS listings typically require a minimal commission (around 0.25%), it’s a worthwhile investment for the exposure alone.
Pricing: Flat-fee MLS services can cost between $80 and $159 upfront, with a low commission when you sell.
Best For: Land investors looking to maximize reach and attract serious buyers across multiple platforms.
The Land.com Network: Ideal for High-Ticket Properties
The Land.com network includes LandWatch, Lands of America, and Land And Farm, making it one of the most comprehensive platforms specifically for land sales. Posting on Land.com is like setting up shop in a bustling marketplace where serious buyers browse for anything from rural acreage to investment land.
Why It Works: The Land.com network targets a niche audience interested in land. The platform is known for high-quality listings and is particularly useful for high-ticket properties (e.g., large acreage or unique parcels).
Pricing: Land.com is on the pricier side, with packages starting around $590 for 10 listings. Contracts usually require a commitment of up to a year, so it’s best for investors with steady inventory or larger deals.
Best For: Investors with high-value properties or large parcels looking to reach a specialized audience.
LandSearch: An Affordable and Fast-Growing Platform
LandSearch.com is an emerging platform that offers high-quality listings and a user-friendly interface at an affordable price. It’s gaining traction quickly, and because it’s newer, it offers excellent value and a more budget-friendly approach to listing land.
Why It Works: LandSearch provides many of the same features as Land.com but at a fraction of the cost. As a newer platform, it’s actively growing, which means it’s drawing in both seasoned and novice buyers alike.
Pricing: At $59 per month, LandSearch is a low-risk, high-reward option with room for growth.
Best For: Beginners and budget-conscious land flippers who want exposure on a growing platform without breaking the bank.
Facebook Marketplace: Great for Free Listings but Requires Patience
Facebook Marketplace is a popular option for sellers wanting to reach a large audience without upfront costs. You can list properties for free, and the Marketplace has a huge user base. However, it’s essential to approach this platform with a few key considerations.
Why It Works: Facebook’s audience is vast, making it a potential goldmine for leads. You’ll get a lot of visibility quickly, but be prepared to filter out unqualified leads, as Facebook attracts a range of buyers—many of whom may not be serious.
Drawbacks: Listings on Facebook can be removed without warning, and the platform’s categorization can sometimes lead to confusion. Be cautious with wording to avoid posts being flagged, especially if you mention keywords like “hunting” or “financing.”
Best For: Newer land investors who want free exposure or those looking to supplement other paid listing platforms.
Craigslist: Still Viable, But Use with Caution
While Craigslist isn’t as popular as it once was, it’s still a viable option for budget-conscious sellers. Like Facebook, it’s free, but you may find the quality of leads on Craigslist varies significantly.
Why It Works: Craigslist can be useful for generating local interest and works well if you’re selling properties in specific regions with an active user base. However, lead quality may be inconsistent.
Drawbacks: Craigslist has also introduced paid listings for real estate, so it’s not entirely free anymore. Additionally, posts are prone to removal, and you may need to repost frequently.
Best For: Sellers targeting local buyers and investors experimenting with budget-friendly platforms.
Working with a Realtor: Adding a Personal Touch to Larger Sales
For properties with unique characteristics or higher value, partnering with a realtor can add a personal touch that may make a big difference. Realtors bring their expertise and local knowledge, often showing properties in person, which can be advantageous for larger parcels or complex transactions.
Why It Works: A realtor can connect you with buyers who may not see your property on traditional listing sites. Realtors can also handle much of the transaction logistics, simplifying the process for both parties.
Pricing: Realtors typically work on commission, so you’ll pay them only when the property sells, usually around 5-6%.
Best For: High-value properties or complex deals where local knowledge is beneficial.
Exploring Niche Platforms and Social Media
Landmodo and LandFlip are other niche platforms for land investors, and they sometimes offer free or affordable listings. For sellers willing to think outside the box, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are creative ways to showcase properties. However, social media success requires building a following, so it’s more of a long-term strategy.
Why It Works: Niche platforms are tailored specifically for land, so they attract relevant audiences, albeit with lower traffic than larger platforms. Social media can work if you’re comfortable with video marketing and already active on these platforms.
Best For: Sellers looking to expand their reach with alternative, low-cost platforms, or those who enjoy social media and can commit to building a following.
Crafting a Multi-Platform Strategy for Success
In land flipping, a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. Diversifying your listing strategy by using a combination of the platforms above ensures you maximize visibility while reaching different buyer demographics. Start with a flat-fee MLS listing for broad exposure, supplement with a dedicated land site like LandSearch or Land.com, and throw in a free Facebook or Craigslist post for good measure.
For land investors who want to grow their business sustainably, keeping track of leads and sales sources can help you refine your approach. Regularly evaluate your listings’ performance on each platform and adjust as needed to ensure you’re getting the best ROI on your marketing spend.
By choosing the right marketplaces and listing strategies, you’ll attract high-quality leads, shorten your sales cycle, and maximize your profit margins on each deal.
With these marketplace tips, you’re ready to list your land in the most effective places. Start with one or two options, track your results, and watch your land flipping business grow!
