Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about buying land? We’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions about purchasing, financing, and closing.
Q: How do I buy a property from you?
Q: Do you offer owner financing?
A: Purchasing a property from us is a simple process:
Inquire & Agree – Contact us about a property. Once we agree on the price, terms, and conditions, you’ll submit an offer.
Title & Payment – We will open escrow for them to facilitate closing, or we will generate the deed to be notarized and recorded. Payment can be made via:
Cashier’s check
Instant payment (Zelle, PayPal, Venmo)
Bank wire transfer
Recording & Deed Transfer – After payment, we’ll record the sale with the county and send you the official Deed as proof of ownership.
We strive to make the process smooth and transparent and are always available to answer any questions along the way.
Q: Can I visit the property before purchasing?
A: Yes! You’re welcome to visit the property anytime. Since these are vacant lots, they are often undeveloped, so plan accordingly.
We do not accompany buyers on property visits.
Use GPS coordinates, County GIS maps, Google Earth, and satellite images to map your route before visiting.
Be cautious—rural land may have rough terrain or limited road access. Always let someone know where you’re going and respect private property boundaries.
Ultimately, buyers are responsible for confirming access through due diligence. American Land Sales is not liable for any incidents or access issues.
A: Yes! We offer owner financing on selected properties.
Agree on Terms – We’ll determine the down payment and financing terms together.
Sign & Submit – Once terms are finalized, we’ll provide the necessary documents for you to review and sign.
Loan Servicing Setup – After signing, we’ll submit the documents to Evergreen Note Servicing, our loan servicing provider. A $17 monthly servicing fee applies, and the setup cost is shared between both parties.
Owner financing provides a flexible way to purchase land without paying the full amount upfront. If you have any questions, we’re happy to help!
Q: Are there any additional fees when purchasing?
A: We handle all closing fees when self-closing, including deed preparation, transfer taxes, and recording fees.
If you prefer using an agent, escrow, or title company, those costs will be your responsibility. Estimated fees in Washington:
Escrow fees: Typically 1-2% of the sale price (minimum $500-1000). A $15-20k property may have $150-400 in escrow fees, while a $30-50k property could range from $200-1,000.
Title fees: State-regulated and based on sale price. Expect around $300-500 for $15-20k sales and $500-1,000 for $30-50k sales.
Q: Are property taxes included in the sale?
Q: Do you negotiate on price?
A: Yes! All property taxes and assessments will be paid by the seller and prorated up to the closing date. After closing, the buyer is responsible for all future taxes and assessments.
Q: Do I need a real estate agent to buy land?
A: While an agent is not required, we highly recommend one for guidance, especially if you have specific questions. In some cases, we may require a buyer to work with an agent or use one of our preferred agents.
A: Yes, we are open to reasonable offers! We aim for a smooth and fair transaction and will do our best to accomodate both parties' needs.
Q: Can you help me find a specific property?
A: Yes! Please visit our Contact Page and let us know what you are looking for. Provide your name, phone number, email, and the details about your ideal property, and we will reach out if we have a match.
Q: Will the property come with a survey, or do I need to get one?
Q: What happens if I miss a payment on an owner-financed property?
A: No, our properties do not include a survey. However, you may conduct one once we are under contract, at your own expense. If you plan to order a survey, this must be included in the purchase agreement.
Please note that if the contract is canceled, we will not reimburse any survey-related expenses.
A: If a payment is missed, a 5% late fee will apply. Repeated missed payments may result in forfeiture or foreclosure of the property. Additionally, any payments made toward the property are non-refundable. To avoid any issues, please stay current on payments and reach out to us immediately if you anticipate any difficulties.
