Selling vacant land in Georgia without the aid of a realtor or attorney can be straightforward when you are equipped with the right information and documents. Fortunately, most of the necessary documents can be easily found online at no cost.
Parcel Number
The Parcel Number is crucial for any land sale in Georgia, just as it is in Florida. This number provides:
- The size of the property in acres.
- A map outlining the property's boundaries.
- The precise name of the property owners.
- The assessed value of the property.
In Georgia, Parcel Numbers are assigned at the county level by the county's Tax Assessor's office. This office is tasked with appraising the value of every parcel within the county and assigning a unique Parcel Number or Parcel ID to each. For example, a Parcel Number in Fulton County might look like this: "11 -1234- 05- 123", whereas in Chatham County, it could appear as "2-0045 -06-012". To find your property’s Parcel Number in Georgia, determine the county where your land is located and search for “[County Name] County Tax Assessor’s Office” online. Their website should have a ‘Search Records’ or ‘Parcel Search’ feature.
The Deed
In Georgia, the Clerk of the Superior Court in each county is responsible for recording legal documents, including real estate deeds.
Georgia's state website or the specific county's Clerk of the Superior Court website can often provide access to these records online for free.
Most deeds post-1990 are accessible online without cost. Identifying the correct owner(s) as listed on the deed is critical, especially if there's been a death among the owners, which might necessitate probate unless specific clauses are present on the deed to avoid it.
Purchase and Sale Agreement
A Purchase and Sale Agreement in Georgia doesn't have to be complex. This document outlines the agreement between you (the seller) and the buyer, and it needs to be signed by both parties to proceed with the sale. Key elements of this agreement include:
- The Parcel Number: Identifies the exact property being sold.
- Name(s) of Current Property Owners: As listed on the deed.
- Name(s) of Buyers: Including their mailing addresses.
- Closing Date: An agreed-upon target date for completing the transaction, with flexibility allowed.
- Purchase Price: The agreed amount for the land.
- Closing Costs and Property Taxes: Directions on who pays for what, including handling of past and current year's taxes.
A simple, straightforward Purchase and Sale Agreement can suffice, eliminating the need for legal or realtor intervention.
Hiring a Title Company
In Georgia, like in Florida, real estate transactions can be handled by a title company without requiring an attorney's review. The title company acts as a neutral third party, ensuring the buyer receives the land and the seller gets paid. Costs for title company services range from $600 to $1,000, covering fees, taxes, and title insurance, varying with the property’s purchase price.
Choosing a title company with a local office in the property's county can offer better access to necessary records, making the process smoother.
Ready to Sell Land in Georgia the Fast and Easy Way?
If you're prepared to sell your land in Georgia, consider sharing your property details with a network of individual land investors. Opting for a direct sale to land investors can streamline the process, offering a quick and hassle-free way to sell your land without the need for realtors or attorneys.