Pricing Your Land: A Guide for FSBO Sellers

When selling land by owner (FSBO) in Texas, setting the right price is one of the most important steps in the process. A well-priced property attracts serious buyers and ensures a smooth transaction. However, as a non-disclosure state, Texas presents unique challenges when it comes to determining land value. Here’s how you can price your land effectively and avoid common pitfalls.

Understanding Texas as a Non-Disclosure State

Texas is a non-disclosure state, which means that property sale prices are not publicly available. Unlike in other states, you won’t find comprehensive price data for recent land sales online. Instead, you’ll need to:

Consult a Land Professional: Reach out to a land buyer, broker or appraiser for an opinion of value based on market trends and comparable sales. These professionals have access to private transaction data and understand local markets.

The Impact of Property Size on Value

When pricing land, it’s crucial to understand that size plays a significant role in determining value. Economies of scale often mean that the price per acre decreases as the size of the property increases. For example:

If a neighbor sells a 1-acre parcel for $30,000, that doesn’t mean your 100-acre property will sell for 100 times $30,000.
Larger tracts typically attract different types of buyers, such as developers or investors, who expect discounts for bulk purchases.

Regional Land Values in Texas

Land values in Texas vary greatly by region. To get a sense of what your property might be worth, you can reference data from the Texas A&M Texas Real Estate Research Center:

Panhandle and South Plains: $1,890 per acre
Far West Texas: $616 per acre
West Texas: $2,380 per acre
Northeast Texas: $8,438 per acre
Gulf Coast-Brazos Bottom: $9,615 per acre
South Texas: $5,945 per acre
Austin-Waco-Hill Country: $7,306 per acre

Source: Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center, 3Q 2024 Report

These figures provide a general idea but should not replace a professional valuation, as factors like access, topography, and improvements can significantly affect pricing.

Key Factors to Consider When Pricing Your Land

Location: Proximity to cities, highways, and amenities can greatly influence value.
Access: Landlocked properties or those with limited access are often worth less.
Utilities: Availability of water, electricity, and septic systems adds value.
Zoning and Use Potential: Agricultural land, hunting land, and development-ready parcels will appeal to different buyers at varying price points.
Market Trends: Land values can fluctuate with market conditions, so staying informed is essential.

Final Thoughts

Pricing land for sale by owner in Texas requires a combination of market research, professional advice, and careful consideration of property-specific factors. By understanding the unique challenges of selling land in a non-disclosure state and considering regional trends, you can set a competitive price that attracts buyers.

For more tips on selling your land by owner, visit ourcomprehensive guide on how to sell land by owner.