Introduction
Inheriting land in Arkansas can feel like both a blessing and a burden. On one hand, you now own a tangible asset — a piece of real property that could have value for years to come. On the other hand, inherited land often comes with tax responsibilities, legal complications, and the challenge of figuring out what to do next.
If you don’t plan to use the property yourself, selling may be the best option. But selling inherited land isn’t always as straightforward as selling property you bought yourself.
This guide will walk you through the exact steps to sell inherited land in Arkansas, from understanding your legal ownership to closing the deal.
Step 1: Determine Legal Ownership
Before you can sell inherited land, you must confirm that you have legal authority to transfer ownership.
If the Land Was Left to You in a Will:
- The will must go through probate court before you can sell.
- Once probate is completed and the court orders the transfer, your name will appear on the deed.
If There Was No Will:
- Arkansas intestate succession laws decide who inherits the property.
- This may result in multiple heirs sharing ownership as “tenants in common.”
If There Are Multiple Owners:
- All owners must agree to sell the land — unless you sell only your share, which is legally possible but less common.
Step 2: Check for Liens, Taxes, and Debts
Many inherited properties come with financial baggage, such as:
- Unpaid property taxes
- HOA or subdivision dues
- Mowing or nuisance liens
- Mortgages or judgments
Before listing or selling, find out:
- Are there back taxes owed?
- Are there liens recorded against the property?
- Is there a mortgage balance?
If you sell to a direct buyer like Shamrock Lands, we’ll research all of this and pay off any debts at closing from the sale proceeds.
Step 3: Get a Clear Picture of the Land
To make your land appealing to buyers (or to receive a fair offer), you’ll need the basics:
- Parcel number (APN)
- Legal description from the deed
- Property size
- Zoning (residential, agricultural, commercial, etc.)
- Access details (road frontage, easements)
- Utility availability (water, sewer, electric)
If you’ve never visited the property, we can help confirm all of this remotely.
Step 4: Decide How to Sell
You have three main options:
1. List with a Realtor
Good if the land is in a high-demand area and you want maximum exposure. Downsides: commissions, long timelines, and the need for clear title before listing.
2. Sell Yourself (FSBO)
You’ll market the land through websites like Zillow, LandWatch, or Craigslist. You handle calls, negotiations, and legal paperwork yourself.
3. Sell Direct to a Land Buyer
Companies like Shamrock Lands buy land “as-is,” pay cash, and handle all closing costs. This is the fastest and simplest method — especially for inherited property with multiple heirs or legal issues.
Step 5: Gather and Sign the Paperwork
For most Arkansas land sales, you’ll need:
- A purchase agreement (contract)
- A new deed transferring ownership
- Proper notarization
- County recording of the new deed
If the property is still in probate, you may need additional court documents.
Step 6: Close the Sale
In Arkansas, closings can be handled by:
- A title company (most common)
- A real estate attorney
Shamrock Lands always uses licensed title companies to ensure:
- All legal documents are correct
- All debts and taxes are paid from the proceeds
- Ownership is officially recorded in the new buyer’s name
Common Challenges When Selling Inherited Land in Arkansas
- Multiple heirs disagreeing on what to do
→ We can negotiate directly with all heirs to buy their shares. - Property in poor condition or completely vacant
→ We buy “as-is” with no cleanup required. - Back taxes or liens
→ We pay them off at closing. - No local connections
→ Most of our sellers live out of state; we handle everything remotely.
Why Many Heirs Choose to Sell Quickly
Holding on to inherited land often costs more than expected:
- Annual property taxes
- Liability risk if someone is injured on the property
- HOA or subdivision dues
- Maintenance or mowing costs
Selling allows you to convert a non-earning asset into cash — without the ongoing expenses.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Selling inherited land in Arkansas doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right buyer and process, you can close in weeks instead of months, even with title complications or multiple heirs.
If you’ve inherited land in Arkansas and want to know what it’s worth, Shamrock Lands can give you a free, no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours.Contact Shamrock Lands Today:
Website: www.shamrocklands.com
Email: damien@shamrocklands.com
Phone: 501-406-0051
