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Selling Your Vacant Unwanted Land in Tampa
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Tips to selling your vacant land in Tampa

The vibrant city of Tampa, Florida, offers a plethora of opportunities for anyone interested in real estate.

And if you’re a landowner looking to sell on your own without a Realtor, you’ve landed at the right spot. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of selling unwanted land in Tampa on your own, step by step.

Keep on reading below…


Sell Vacant Land On Your Own Without a Realtor

What documents are needed to sell land in Tampa?

The first thing that you will need to do is gather the documents needed to sell your land.  Here is a list of documents you may need to sell land in Tampa:

  1. Parcel Number: This is the unique identifier for your property, provided by the county’s property appraiser’s office.
  2. The Deed: The deed is the document that proves your ownership of the property.
  3. Purchase and Sale Agreement: This document outlines the terms and conditions of the sale.
  4. Title Insurance: This protects the buyer from any potential disputes over the ownership of the property.

What is a parcel number?

A parcel number, also known as a folio, property identification number or tax map number, is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to pieces of real estate by the county property appraiser. It’s used in Florida and other states to identify and track property for taxation purposes.

When selling land in Florida, the parcel number becomes crucial because it gives potential buyers specific information about the property. It can be used to look up property records, including ownership history, size, zoning, and property tax information. This number is typically found on a property tax bill or a property deed, and can also be obtained from the local county property appraiser’s office.

Remember, every piece of land, whether it’s a massive tract or a tiny lot, has its own unique parcel number in Florida. This helps keep track of land sales, purchases, and ownership changes.

How to find the parcel number of a property in Florida?

To find the parcel number of a property in Tampa, Florida, you can follow these steps:

  1. Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Website: Visit the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s website. You can enter the address or owner’s name in the ‘Property Search’ section. The search will return the property details, including the parcel number.
  2. Property Tax Notices or Bills: Check any property tax notices or bills you’ve received for the property. The parcel number, also known as the Property Tax ID or Folio Number, is typically listed on these documents.
  3. Hillsborough County Property Records: You can also use the Hillsborough County Property Records search to find information by parcel number, owner name, and address.
  4. Tampa Parcel Data: Another source is the Tampa Parcel Data website, which provides comprehensive data about properties in Tampa.

Remember, each county may have slightly different methods or terms for their parcel numbers, so be sure to check with local resources if you’re having trouble.

What is a deed?

Once you have your parcel number,  next you need to have a deed. A deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer and therefore shows proof of ownership of the property.

Here are some key points about deeds:

  1. Ownership Transfer: The deed contains the names of the old and new owners and legal description of the property. When the property is sold, the deed is signed over to the buyer and recorded in the public records.
  2. Recording of the Deed: In Tampa, Florida, once the deed is signed and notarized, it must be recorded in the public records of Hillsborough County to make the change of ownership official.
  3. Types of Deeds: There are several types of deeds, including warranty deeds, grant deeds, and quitclaim deeds. The type used depends on the guarantees the seller is providing about the quality of the title they’re transferring.
    • A Warranty Deed guarantees that the seller owns the property free and clear, and there are no liens against the property .
    • A Quitclaim Deed transfers any ownership interest the seller has in the property, but makes no guarantees about the extent of their interest or whether the title is clear.

Remember, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the type of deed you’re using to sell your property, as it can affect the protections the buyer has after the sale. Consulting with a real estate professional or attorney can provide guidance.

How can you get a deed?

Obtaining a deed to a property is quite simple

  1. Check Online or Contact the County Recorder’s Office: You can do this by visiting the website of your local county recorder’s office. In the case of Tampa, Florida, you would visit the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller’s Official Records.
  2. Request the Deed by Mail or In-Person: If the deed is not available online, you can request it by mail or pick it up in person from the county recorder’s office.
  3. Pay Any Associated Fees: There may be a small fee for obtaining a copy of the deed2.
  4. Wait to Receive the Deed: If requested by mail, wait to receive the deed. If picked up in person, you should receive it immediately.
  5. Get a Deed Form: If you’re transferring property, obtain a property deed form at the recorder office of your local county, a law library, or an office supply store.

Remember, a property deed must accompany every purchase of a property and be completed, notarized, and filed on public record to be legally valid.

What is a purchase and sale agreement?

Once you have your parcel number and deed with you. All you need to do is look for a buyer and once you have a buyer who is willing to purchase your land, then you’ll need to get a purchase and sale agreement or contract in writing.

A Purchase and Sale Agreement (also known as a “real estate purchase contract”) is a binding agreement between a seller and a buyer for the ownership transfer of real estate. In Florida, it is compulsory to have a written contract for the sale of real estate. This requirement is based on the Statute of Frauds (Florida Statutes Section 725.01), which mandates that contracts for the sale of real property must be in writing to be enforceable. Therefore, if you are buying or selling real estate in Florida, you should have a written contract. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the land sale.

Here are some key components typically included in a Purchase and Sale Agreement:

  1. Property Description: A detailed description of the property and its location.
  2. Purchase Price: The agreed-upon price the buyer will pay for the property.
  3. Deposit or Earnest Money: This is a good faith deposit that the buyer puts down to show they are serious about purchasing the property.
  4. Closing Date: The date on which the final transaction will take place, and ownership will officially transfer from the seller to the buyer.
  5. Contingencies: These are conditions that must be met before the sale can go through. Common contingencies include the buyer securing financing, the property passing an inspection, or the buyer selling their current home.
  6. Seller’s Disclosures: In Florida, sellers are required to disclose any known defects or issues with the property. This can be done by adding a clause to the purchase and sale contract.
  7. Signatures: Both the buyer and seller must sign the agreement for it to be legally binding.

It’s strongly recommended to work with a real estate professional or attorney when preparing a Purchase and Sale Agreement, as they can ensure all legal requirements are met and your interests are protected.

Title insurance

Title insurance is a type of indemnity insurance that protects the buyer from financial loss sustained due to defects in a title to a property. When selling land in Tampa, Florida, title insurance can offer protection to the buyer from potential disputes or claims against the property’s title.

When you sell a piece of land, the buyer typically receives a title to the property, signifying the seller’s transfer of ownership rights. However, there may be hidden defects on the title that weren’t discovered during the initial title search, such as liens, encumbrances, or even fraudulent claims of ownership.

If any such issues arise after the purchase, title insurance will help cover the costs and legal expenses of resolving them.

Who pays for the title insurance?

When selling land in Tampa, the question of who pays for title insurance often comes up. The custom in many Florida counties, including Hillsborough County where Tampa is located, is that the seller typically pays for the Owner’s Title Insurance Policy. However, it’s important to note that these fees can be negotiated in the sales contract.

Despite the seller usually paying for it, the insurance is not for their benefit but for the buyer’s. Keep in mind that while this is the usual practice in Tampa and other parts of Florida, every real estate transaction can be unique. The agreement about who will cover the cost of title insurance is ultimately something that should be clearly defined in the purchase and sale agreement.

The cost of title insurance

In Florida, the cost of title insurance is set by the state and should be the same no matter which company you use. The cost will depend on the price of the property. In Tampa, Florida, the cost of title insurance policies typically falls between 0.5% and 1.0% of the property’s purchase price, and these costs are factored into the overall closing costs of the home.

Title insurance does not guarantee that there will be no problems with the title, nor does it guarantee that the insured party will win in a lawsuit over the title. It simply provides financial compensation in the event of a covered loss.

Title company

A title company plays a crucial role in real estate transactions. It provides title insurance, conducts title searches to verify the property’s legal status, and facilitates the closing process.Hiring a title company is not required by law but it is highly recommended because using a title company can provide several benefits:

  1. Title Search and Insurance: A title company will conduct a thorough search of public records to ensure that the property’s title is clear of any issues such as liens, outstanding mortgages, unpaid taxes, or legal judgments. Once they confirm the title’s validity, they issue a title insurance policy that protects the buyer and lender from future claims against the property.
  2. Escrow Services: Title companies also often serve as escrow agents, holding funds securely during the transaction until all conditions are met. This ensures that all parties fulfill their obligations before money changes hands.
  3. Closing Facilitator: The title company typically prepares necessary documents, calculates final closing costs, and coordinates the signing of documents. They ensure that the transfer of property goes smoothly and legally.

Using a title company when selling land can help streamline the process and mitigate potential risks. However, it’s important to do some research and choose a reputable company with experience in the Tampa real estate market.

Bottomline

In conclusion, selling your land in Tampa independently is not only feasible but can also be a rewarding experience. With the right information and preparation, you can navigate this journey successfully. Remember, while you steer the ship, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if needed. After all, the goal is to ensure a smooth transaction that benefits you as a seller.

So gear up, gather your documents, and step into the exciting world of independent land selling.

Ready to move forward? Contact us for a no-obligation quote and discover how easy selling your vacant land in Tampa can be!

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If you are looking for a way to sell your property quickly and easily, we encourage you to contact us today. We would be happy to answer your questions and make you a fair cash offer on your property.

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