Where to Sell Burial Plots: A How-To

Selling a burial plot, while not a common transaction, can be a necessary process for individuals. Many people possess interment rights they no longer need due to relocation, family changes, or pre-purchased multiple plots. This guide clarifies the process for those considering selling their burial plot.

Gathering Essential Information

Gather all relevant documentation and information before selling a burial plot. The original deed or certificate of interment rights is definitive proof of ownership. This document details the cemetery’s name, specific section, lot number, plot number, size, and type (e.g., single grave space or cremation niche).

Contacting the cemetery directly is a necessary step to understand their specific regulations regarding plot resales and transfers. Cemeteries often have unique policies that govern these transactions, including any applicable transfer fees or required paperwork. Some cemeteries might also have restrictions on who can purchase the plot or even maintain a right of first refusal.

Reviewing the original purchase agreement for the plot can also reveal important clauses related to resale. This contract may contain provisions that specify conditions for transfer or indicate if the cemetery has the option to buy back the plot.

Avenues for Selling

Various channels are available for selling a burial plot. Inquire if the cemetery itself offers a buy-back program or maintains a waiting list for plots. Some cemeteries may facilitate resales by allowing owners to post notices on a physical bulletin board or by keeping an internal list of available plots for prospective buyers.

Online marketplaces have emerged as a significant avenue for selling burial plots. Specialized websites are dedicated to connecting buyers and sellers of interment rights, offering a platform to list specific plot details. General online classifieds, such as local community groups on social media or widely used classified advertisement sites, also provide broad visibility for such listings. When creating an online listing, including clear photos, the precise location within the cemetery, and any specific features of the plot can attract more interest.

Traditional methods of advertising can still be effective in reaching a local audience. Placing an advertisement in local newspaper classifieds or on community center bulletin boards can connect sellers with interested parties within their geographic area. Engaging with local funeral homes or attorneys, who may have clients seeking plots, can also generate word-of-mouth referrals.

Professional burial plot brokers or agents specialize in facilitating these transactions, acting as intermediaries between sellers and potential buyers. These brokers typically handle the marketing, negotiation, and paperwork involved in the sale. Their services often come with a commission, usually a percentage of the final sale price, which can range from 10% to 25%, depending on the broker and the market.

Understanding the Selling Process

Effectively presenting the plot for sale is important, which includes providing comprehensive details in any advertisement, such as the cemetery name, plot location, and type of interment rights. Including high-quality photographs of the plot and its surroundings can significantly enhance its appeal to prospective buyers.

Negotiating a price with the interested buyer is a direct step in the transaction. It is advisable to put the agreed-upon terms, including the final price and any responsibilities for transfer fees, into a written sales agreement. While this document does not need to be legally complex, it serves as a clear record of the understanding between both parties.

The cemetery plays a central role in the official transfer of ownership. After the sales agreement is in place, the seller typically submits required documents to the cemetery, often along with any applicable transfer fees. The cemetery then processes the change of ownership, officially recording the new owner in their records and usually issuing a new deed or certificate of interment rights to the buyer. This ensures the transfer is legally recognized and properly documented.

Finalizing the sale involves receiving payment from the buyer and confirming that all necessary paperwork has been correctly processed by the cemetery. The entire process from initial agreement to final transfer can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the responsiveness of all parties involved.

Valuation and Associated Expenses

Several factors influence the resale value of a burial plot. The location within the cemetery often plays a significant role, with plots situated near pathways, prominent features like statues or water elements, or easily accessible areas generally commanding higher prices. The type of plot, such as a single grave space, a double plot, a cremation niche, or a mausoleum crypt, also affects its worth. Current demand for burial spaces in the specific area is another important determinant of market value.

Selling a burial plot involves various potential expenses, with cemetery transfer fees often the most substantial cost, typically ranging from $100 to $500, varying widely by institution and its policies. These fees are paid to the cemetery to process the ownership change and issue a new deed. If a broker or agent is used, their commission is a significant expense, usually 10% to 25% of the final sale price. Advertising costs for online listings or local newspaper ads may be incurred. Some sellers might consult an attorney to draft or review the sales agreement, incurring legal fees.