According to the Land Boss buys Washington land Report, Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates now owns more American farmland than anyone else. His 2018 purchase of 14,500 acres in Ferry County – traditionally Yakama territory – accounted for most of that total.

For those who want to sell their Washington land fast, reputable cash-buying companies like Land Boss can help. This quick and easy sale process bypasses the hassle of listing your property on the open market and waiting for financing contingencies to fall through.

Buying Land in Washington

With its sweeping landscapes and thriving economy, Washington is an appealing place to plant roots. The Evergreen State’s 39 counties offer a wide range of opportunities for homesteaders, farmers and entrepreneurs alike. But before you buy land in Washington, it’s crucial to perform your due diligence and understand how the local land market works.

As the state’s population grows, so do property values. Land near urban areas is especially in demand, while farms and vineyards are a great option for those who want to stay close to the city but seek a quieter lifestyle.

With a little planning, you can find the right parcel of land in Washington to match your dreams and budget. It takes knowledge of local land values, getting creative in negotiations and doing your research — but it’s a worthwhile investment in the long run. Plus, working with people who know the land can save you time and money. Typically, it takes a year or more to sell a plot of land.

Finding the Right Land for Your Dreams

Washington land can be an excellent long term investment opportunity, but it’s important to do your research and understand the local market complexities. Understanding the factors that influence local land prices – including topology, zoning, accessibility, utilities, climate fit and development potential – helps ensure your property will appreciate over a 5-10+ year time frame.

It’s also essential to be realistic about the timeline for closing. Land purchases can take years to finalize, and a lot can happen between the initial search and final sale. Work with a local real estate professional and rely on an experienced title company for searches, review of sale contracts and closing logistics.

Finding vacant land to buy in Washington can be a slow process. Checking FSBO websites like Craigslist and Zillow for private seller listings is a good start. Word of mouth and networking can also uncover untouched parcels. Knocking on neighbors’ doors is also a great way to reach out to homeowners with desirable land to sell.

Getting Started

Whether you’re thinking about starting the next great vineyard, building a rustic cabin or opening a new business venture, finding the perfect parcel of land starts with knowing your goals and vision. Performing proper due diligence and taking all facets of the property into account can help ensure a rewarding and trouble-free investment.

But land purchases can be complicated, and the process of resolving title disputes, survey issues and encroachments should never be taken lightly. A trusted real estate attorney can assist with navigating these issues and ensuring that all documentation is correct, up to date and legally valid.

To simplify the selling process, many land owners choose to work with a reputable local cash buyer. By selling directly to a buyer, you can avoid the hassle of listing with an agent and avoid carrying costs while waiting for the sale to close. You can also save money on commissions and closing fees. This can be especially beneficial for landowners who are facing a time crunch or have financial constraints.

Closing the Deal

Whether it’s an inherited plot, an investment that flopped, or the property that you always dreamed of buying, selling land isn’t known for being fast. Large transactions require time for thorough vetting of buyers, establishing trust with sellers and performing legal tasks. Any seller that demands lightning-fast sales with no upfront legal expenses raises red flags.

Getting the best cash price for your Washington land requires researching local market trends, understanding legal considerations and getting creative with terms to motivate sellers. Understanding the impact of zoning, access, utilities, acreage and topology also helps you accurately evaluate your options and potential investment upside.

Search FSBO websites and regional real estate markets to locate private seller listings. Check these sites daily to catch new postings quickly. Networking with friends and colleagues may uncover FSBOs that don’t advertise publicly. Knocking on doors and politely asking neighbors may reveal unadvertised parcels too. Be sure to consider any legal issues like complex deed histories, disputed boundaries and easements.