Owning land is pretty easy – it rarely takes a lot of effort. But when you want to sell, that can be a different story. Do you own landing and are wondering, “How do I sell my GA land to a developer”? At Bohemia Acquisitions LLC, we’re often asked that question so we wrote this blog post to answer it for you…
First, it’s important to know what developers are looking for
A developer aims to construct on the land and then sell it, meaning they are likely searching for land near essential utilities and infrastructure such as water, sewer, electricity, and roads. These amenities are crucial because they need to link their project to these services, and they want to ensure easy access for people coming to their development!
If the land doesn’t currently have these services, that’s not a deal-breaker, but developers will want to know the distance to the nearest utilities and if there are any plans by the city to extend these services closer to the property.
Land developers come in various types, each focusing on specific kinds of projects based on their expertise, investment strategies, and market demand. Here are some common types of land developers:
- Residential Developers: These developers focus on buying land to plan and build housing developments. This can range from single-family homes to multi-family units like apartments, condominiums, and townhouses. They work on creating communities that may include amenities such as parks, schools, and shopping areas.
- Commercial Developers: They specialize in acquiring land for the purpose of constructing commercial properties. This includes office buildings, retail centers, warehouses, and industrial complexes. Commercial developers aim to create spaces that meet the needs of businesses and consumers.
- Mixed-Use Developers: These developers work on projects that combine residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial spaces within a single development. Mixed-use developments are designed to offer a blend of living, working, and leisure spaces, often aiming to create walkable communities.
- Industrial Developers: Focused on the development of industrial properties, such as factories, logistics and distribution centers, and research and development parks. These developers cater to the needs of the manufacturing and logistics sectors, emphasizing accessibility to transportation networks.
- Retail Developers: They specifically target the development of retail spaces, ranging from small strip malls to large shopping centers and standalone stores. Retail developers work to attract a mix of tenants that cater to various consumer needs.
- Master-Planned Community Developers: These developers plan and build large-scale residential communities that are designed with a comprehensive plan, including residential zones, commercial areas, schools, parks, and recreational facilities. These communities are built with long-term growth and sustainability in mind.
- Recreational Developers: Specializing in land development for recreational purposes, such as golf courses, resorts, marinas, and theme parks. These developers focus on creating destinations that offer leisure and entertainment options.
Each type of developer plays a unique role in shaping the built environment, contributing to the growth and development of communities and commercial activities.
Second, you may want to bypass the real estate agent
Many real estate agents primarily assist residential homeowners interested in purchasing a home for their own use. If you’re asking yourself, “How can I sell my land to a developer?” it might be necessary to seek out an agent who specializes in marketing land to commercial enterprises.
Finding a real estate agent with expertise in marketing land to commercial enterprises requires a bit of research and networking. Here are five effective ways to find such an agent:
- Real Estate Professional Associations: Look into associations such as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and its specialized sections like the Realtors Land Institute (RLI). These organizations often have directories of agents with specific expertise, including those who specialize in commercial land transactions. Members of the RLI, for example, are specifically trained in land brokerage.
- Online Real Estate Platforms: Utilize online real estate platforms and websites that focus on commercial properties and land sales. Sites like LoopNet, LandWatch, or Land And Farm often list properties and the agents who handle them. You can find agents with experience in commercial land sales by reviewing their listed properties and profiles.
- Networking Events: Attend real estate networking events, seminars, and conferences focused on commercial development or land sales. These events are great opportunities to meet professionals in the field, including agents who specialize in the kind of transactions you’re interested in.
- Local Commercial Real Estate Firms: Research and contact commercial real estate firms in your area. Many firms have agents or teams dedicated to land acquisitions and sales for commercial purposes. Visiting their websites or offices can help you identify agents with the specific expertise you need.
- Referrals and Recommendations: Ask for referrals from other landowners, developers, or professionals in the real estate industry. Someone in your network might have had a positive experience with an agent who specializes in commercial land sales and can provide you with a personal recommendation.
When searching for an agent, it’s important to discuss your specific needs and goals for selling your land to a commercial enterprise. This will help ensure you find an agent with the right experience and knowledge to assist you effectively.(Alternatively, you might consider getting in touch with us to buy your land from you – we’re not developers but we do buy land).
Third, be aware of zoning when wondering “How Do I Sell My Land To A Developer?”
Developers aim to construct new projects, which might involve dividing the land into smaller parcels and making other improvements. They’ll need to understand the current zoning of your property to plan the necessary construction work. While it’s possible to apply for zoning changes, such adjustments can extend their project timeline and increase the complexity of their tasks. Therefore, it’s beneficial for developers to be aware of the land’s zoning classification from the beginning.
Classifying the zoning of your vacant land is essential for understanding its potential uses and the regulations that govern what can be built on it. Here are five ways to determine the zoning classification of your vacant land:
- Check with Your Local Zoning Office: The most direct way to find out your land’s zoning classification is to contact your local government’s zoning or planning department. They can provide you with the specific zoning designation for your property and explain what that designation means in terms of allowable uses, density, height restrictions, and other important factors.
- Review City or County Zoning Maps: Many local governments have zoning maps available online on their official websites. These maps allow you to locate your property and see its zoning classification. Some zoning maps are interactive and offer detailed information about zoning codes and land use regulations.
- Consult the Property Deed or Previous Sale Documents: Sometimes, the zoning classification is mentioned in the property deed or in the documents provided during a previous sale. Reviewing these documents can give you insights into the land’s zoning at the time of the last transaction.
- Hire a Land Use Attorney or Consultant: If you’re having trouble navigating zoning laws or if the zoning for your land is complex, consider hiring a professional with expertise in land use and zoning. A land use attorney or a zoning consultant can help you understand your property’s zoning and advise on potential rezoning processes.
- Request a Zoning Verification Letter: Some local zoning or planning departments offer a service where you can request a zoning verification letter for a fee. This letter provides official documentation of your property’s current zoning classification, which can be useful for future development plans or sale purposes.
Knowing your vacant land’s zoning classification is crucial for making informed decisions about its use, sale, or development. It’s a good starting point for planning any future actions you might want to take with your property.
Fourth, be aware of the path of new construction
It might be a bit tricky for landowners to figure out, but if you’re pondering, “How do I sell my GA land to a developer?” one crucial factor developers consider is whether your property is located outside a city and if so, whether the city is expanding in the direction of your land. It’s fine even if the city’s growth isn’t headed your way, but developers will be interested in this detail. You might not have this information on hand, but sharing it if you do can be quite beneficial for developers.
Understanding the nuances of selling your land to a developer requires insight into what developers are specifically looking for, especially if your property is located outside city limits. Here’s an expanded explanation to clarify why the direction of city expansion matters to developers and how being equipped with certain knowledge can assist you in making your land more appealing to them:
- City Expansion Direction: Developers are keenly interested in the growth patterns of nearby cities or towns because these patterns indicate potential future demand for residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments. If your land lies in the path of urban expansion, it might be highly desirable for developers looking to capitalize on future growth. They consider factors like future infrastructure projects, planned communities, and commercial expansions that could increase the value and demand for your land.
- Understanding Growth Trends: Even if your property is not directly in the path of current city expansion, it doesn’t automatically diminish its value. Some developers specialize in pioneering developments in less obvious locations, betting on long-term growth or planning to bring the necessary infrastructure to make the area more desirable. Being aware of and able to discuss these broader trends can make conversations with potential buyers more productive.
- Being Informed Helps: While it’s not essential for you to have in-depth knowledge about city planning and growth strategies, being somewhat informed can be advantageous. If you’re aware that the city has future plans for expansion or infrastructure development near your land, sharing this information can make your property more attractive to developers. It indicates potential ease of access to essential services and infrastructure in the future, making the development process simpler and potentially more lucrative.
- Selling to Developers: Selling raw land to developers differs significantly from selling a residential property. Developers are looking at the potential rather than the current state. They evaluate properties based on what could be built in the future, considering zoning laws, the cost of bringing in utilities, and the feasibility of their intended projects. By understanding these aspects and how your land fits into the larger picture of city growth and development, you can position your property as a valuable opportunity.
Remember, developers are looking for properties that align with their project goals and investment strategies. Demonstrating the potential of your land in alignment with urban growth trends and being knowledgeable about the factors that influence development decisions can significantly enhance your chances of making a successful sale.
The process of selling undeveloped land presents unique challenges because you’re dealing with a distinct type of buyer. However, if you’re looking to learn how to sell your land to a developer, keeping these four pointers in mind can offer some guidance.