The Pros and Cons of Selling Land Privately vs. Through an Agent

A few years ago, my friend Emeka bought a piece of land. He was so excited that he called it his retirement plan.

Fast forward to last month, he decided it was time to sell. He thought it would be straightforward—post it online, get a buyer, cash out. Simple, right? Well, not quite.

First, he started by posting it on his WhatsApp status. A few people responded, but most were unserious.

"How far? Where e dey?"

No follow-up. No commitment. Just vibes.

Then, he listed it on property groups. That’s when the real wahala started. Scammers began sliding into his DMs. One even said, "Boss, I fit pay in Bitcoin?" That was his cue to call me.

“Commissioner, this land-selling thing no be beans o.”

I laughed. Because I see this happen all the time.

Landowners assume selling is easy—until they actually try. That’s when they realize the real estate market is not for the faint-hearted. There’s the issue of finding serious buyers, pricing correctly, verifying documents, and ensuring a smooth transaction.

So, what’s the best way to sell land? Should you do it yourself or use a professional real estate agent? Let’s break it down.

The Two Main Ways to Sell Land

There are two major ways to sell land:

1. Privately (handling it yourself)
2. Through an Agent (letting a professional handle it)

Each method has its pros and cons. Let’s go deeper.

Selling Land Privately – The Sweet and The Bitter

?? Pros:

• Control over pricing: No agent fees, no commissions. You determine the price.
• Direct negotiation: You can negotiate one-on-one with buyers without a middleman.
• Potentially faster sale if you have the right buyer: If you already have someone interested, you can close the deal quickly.

?? Cons:

• Finding serious buyers is tough. You’ll deal with a lot of time-wasters.
• Marketing is your responsibility. You’ll need to promote the property aggressively.
• Scammers are lurking. Without the right knowledge, you could fall victim to fraud.
• Pricing mistakes: You might unknowingly sell below market value.
• Legal issues: If documents aren’t properly handled, you could face land disputes later.

If you want to sell land privately, you must have strong connections, marketing skills, and a verification process. Otherwise, you might get stuck with the land for years.

Selling Through an Agent – The Good and The Bad

?? Pros:

• Access to serious buyers. A good real estate agent has a network of ready buyers.
• Less stress. The agent handles the marketing, negotiations, and paperwork.
• Security. A trusted agent ensures the transaction is safe and legitimate.
• Faster sales. Agents know how to package and position land for quick sale.

?? Cons:

• Commission fees. Agents charge between 5% – 10% of the sale price.
• Price inflation. Some agents hike prices to increase their cut.
• Not all agents are trustworthy. If you don’t choose carefully, you might end up with a dubious one.

So, what’s the best way to sell land?

Why This Matters for the Real Estate Industry

The land sales process affects the entire economy. When buying and selling is difficult, investors hesitate, transactions slow down, and money that should be circulating gets stuck.

A recent report shows that:

?? 60% of landowners struggle to sell because of unserious buyers. ?? 30% of private land sellers get scammed at least once. ?? Real estate fraud cases have increased by 47% in the last three years.

Selling land isn’t just about listing it and waiting for a buyer. It requires strategy.

How to Sell Land the Right Way

If you’re selling land, follow these steps to ensure a smooth, profitable transaction:

1. Verify Your Property Documents

Nothing kills a land deal faster than bad paperwork. Before listing your property, ensure you have valid land titles (C of O, Governor’s Consent, etc.), a registered survey, and a deed of assignment. If these documents are incomplete, buyers will hesitate or negotiate your price down.

2. Price It Correctly

Overpricing will scare buyers away. Underpricing will cheat you. Research market trends in your location and price accordingly. If unsure, work with a real estate professional to determine the best price.

3. Market to the Right Audience

It’s not enough to post on WhatsApp and Facebook groups. Use strategic marketing:

• Professional property listing websites.
• Social media ads targeting investors.
• Leveraging real estate networks and communities.

4. Work With a Trusted Real Estate Consultant

Even if you want to sell privately, consulting an expert can save you from mistakes.

That’s where I come in.

Need Help Buying or Selling Land?

I don’t just help people sell land—I help them sell profitably and without stress.

? I offer land from ?500k to ?40M with verified titles. ? I help investors earn 30% – 50% ROI in 12 months. ? I provide off-plan homes, commercial properties, and ready-built houses.

Looking to invest, buy, or sell? Let’s talk.

?? Follow me for more real estate insights. ?? Check my bio for investment opportunities. ?? Reach out here: ?? Instagram ?? Twitter ?? Facebook ?? LinkedIn ?? WhatsApp

Don’t let your land become one of those “for sale” properties that never sell. Make the right move today!

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