Everyone wants the next hot lead source.

But while the market chases distressed houses and absentee landlords, one group is quietly growing more and more motivated, and most investors are ignoring it.

Vacant land sellers.

Whether it’s an empty residential lot, raw rural acreage, or a patch of land that’s been sitting untouched for years, these owners are starting to raise their hands.

They’re not just open to selling, they’re eager to be done.

And if you know how to spot the signs (and speak their language), you’ll find yourself sitting on a pipeline of low-competition, high-upside deals.

Let’s break down why this is happening, how to find these sellers, and what to say when you do.

Why Landowners Are Becoming More Motivated Than Ever

1. Rising holding costs

Even without structures, land still comes with:

• Property taxes

• HOA or community dues (in some neighborhoods)

• Weed abatement or municipal code compliance

• Liability insurance in some cases

For owners with no near-term plans, these costs feel like money burned each year.

2. Abandoned dreams and failed plans

Many parcels were bought years ago with big intentions:

• To build a retirement home

• To develop and flip

• To pass down to family

But life changed. Builders got expensive. Priorities shifted. The land became a silent source of guilt and frustration.

3. Limited financing options for buyers

Unlike traditional homes, vacant land typically doesn’t qualify for conventional financing, which makes it harder for owners to sell through standard channels.

They’re tired of waiting for a unicorn buyer with cash in hand.

Enter you, with an off-market solution that doesn’t require perfect conditions.

4. Zero cash flow = zero attachment

If a house is sitting empty, at least there’s the memory of past tenants or resale value.

If land is sitting empty, it’s literally just dirt.

No rent. No utility. No use.

Which means the second someone shows up with a halfway decent offer, a lot of owners are ready to say yes, just to move on.

Who These Sellers Are (and How to Spot Them)

Vacant land sellers don’t always advertise. You have to know what to look for.

Ideal lead profiles:

• Out-of-state owners with long hold times

• Land with no listed improvements or permits

• Parcels purchased 10+ years ago, never developed

• Owners with multiple parcels (especially if some are listed and others are not)

• Individuals or family trusts (not LLCs or developers)

Goliath’s filters make it easy to pull leads like this in seconds, especially if you’re targeting a specific region, lot size, or zoning type.

The Messaging That Gets Land Sellers to Respond

Forget “we buy houses.”

You need a message that speaks to land pain, not structure pain.

Try this for your first touch:

Subject Line: Still holding onto your land in [County]?

Body:

Hey [First Name],

I’m reaching out about your parcel near [area/street name]. I’ve been looking for land in the region and noticed yours hasn’t been developed.

I’m not a big developer, just looking to buy one or two lots to hold or build on.

No pressure at all, but if you’d consider a quick and easy sale, even if the land isn’t perfect, I’d love to talk.

Either way, hope you’re well.

— [Your Name]

Simple. Non-threatening. Personal. That’s how you crack open conversations with owners who never thought someone would actually reach out.

What to Offer (and How to Make It Irresistible)

Unlike traditional sellers, landowners aren’t obsessed with comps. They care about:

• Speed

• Simplicity

• Relief from future costs

• Getting something for a property they no longer value

Here are 3 offer angles that convert:

Angle 1: “Let me take the burden off your books”

This works especially well for older or out-of-state owners.

Frame it as a relief:

“I’ll cover all the closing costs and can make it happen in the next 30 days. No agents, no listings, no drama.”

Angle 2: “Creative terms = a better price”

Offer monthly payments with low interest in exchange for a higher overall price. For sellers who want passive income or don’t want to eat the capital gains all at once, this can be a huge win.

“Would you be open to something that lets you sell without the tax hit this year?”

Angle 3: “Partnership or future upside”

If the land has potential but the seller is hesitant, explore:

• JV offers

• Option-to-purchase agreements

• Delayed closings based on approvals or permits

This positions you as a problem solver, not just a lowball buyer.

Land Leads = Quiet Goldmines

You won’t hear people brag about land deals at real estate meetups.

But behind the scenes?

Investors who specialize in vacant land enjoy:

• Low acquisition costs

• Virtually no competition

• High margin flips

• Flexible exit options

• Easier seller conversations (no emotional attachment)
  
  

Best part?

Land leads don’t require rehabs, contractor headaches, or complex inspections.

You’re just buying paper, zoning, and potential, and getting to yes with a simple, human offer.

And Goliath can help you find the exact parcels worth pursuing.

So the next time you pull a lead list, don’t skip over the dirt.

That dirt might be your easiest deal of the year.