8 Steps to Buy & Sell Property (Land) From Anywhere by Jill DeWit

Every week we hear from successful real estate investors from all over the world. They are remotely buying and selling undeveloped U.S. land from locations as far as England, Japan, Canada, the Caribbean, and more.

Thanks to the internet, this is not as crazy or hard as it seems.

Here are the basic steps to buy & sell land remotely.

Step 1: Access Data & Mail Offers to Owners

This can be done in a weekend and all data is available on the internet. Select target area, access + download parcel/ownership information, scrub for accuracy, mail merge into large document (PDF mailer), and send file to an industry specific U.S. printer for mailing. This can all be done cheaper than the cost of a stamp. (Less than $0.49 to print and mail!)

Step 2: Field Signed Incoming Offers and Phone Calls

There are numerous mail gathering providers to collect mail, scan, upload, and ship to anywhere in the world. We have used this type of service for over 15 years. Answering phone calls abroad can easily be accomplished via several phone plans.

Step 3: Research Property for Potential Acquisition

Locating a property and conducting due diligence research to determine acquisition potential is handled the same, whether the investor is one state away or a continent away. Reviewing maps, area photos, document research, etc. are all normally conducted online.

Step 4: Arrange for Purchase of Property

Calling a seller and arranging for purchase is handled easily by creating a new deed and sending along with payment to a notary that is local to the seller. As the notary is completing the signing of the deed, they can also deliver payment (i.e. cashier’s check) to the seller. Another option is conducted by emailing the deed only to the notary to print and complete with seller – then using bank wire or another online resource for completing payment.

Step 5: Record the Deed with the County

Once the new deed is completed, the notary can either mail the deed back to the investor/buyer or mail the deed directly to the county for recording. (Some situations and counties allow for online recording, as well.)

The recorded deed can then be sent to remote postage collector to be opened and scanned as mail is normally handled.

Step 6: Post Property for Sale

Downloading maps, collecting property/area photos, and everything else needed to create the property posting is handled the same as if the investor was only a few states away.

Step 7: Work with Buyers and Sell the Property

Answering emails, fielding phone calls, and selling property is the same no matter where the investor is located. The best solution is to create an online checkout option for buyers to purchase and pay from a website. (See our website LandStay for an example. Buyers select a property, add it to a check out “cart”, and pay online with a credit card.)

Step 8: Deed Property to Buyer

Last step is creating the new deed for transferring the property to the buyer. Printing, signing, notarizing, and mailing to buyer with recording instructions can be accomplished from anywhere.

There is a lot of confusing and misleading material surrounding this topic available. By following the 8 basic steps, anyone can successfully buy and sell land from anywhere. More information can be found at LandAcademy.