How to Market Raw Land in Southern Utah

To market raw land in Southern Utah, answer the questions buyers ask first: Is there water? Can I put in a septic system? Is there legal access? What does zoning allow? Then price from comparable land sales and put the parcel in front of land buyers, builders and neighbors with clear maps and documents. Water and septic are especially important in Washington County.

Start With Water

Washington County is arid and fast-growing. The Utah Division of Water Resources’ Washington County Water Element says land-use applications and residential building permits in the county require consultation and issuance of “will serve” letters from the Washington County Water Conservancy District or other smaller water districts. Local reporting says the district also works with developers on guarantees that water will be available.

For a seller, that means:

• Find out whether the parcel is in an area served by the district or a private water company.
• Document any water rights or shares and how they transfer. In Utah, water rights can be owned and conveyed separately from land.
• Be upfront if no water connection exists. Buyers will verify it.

Septic and Sewer

The same county water element notes that development in unincorporated parts of Washington County is limited by septic density. Washington County GIS also maps septic and sewer service areas and sensitive groundwater areas. A recent Southern Utah listing, for example, told buyers that the health department would not finalize a septic permit until a water connection was established. Check what applies to your parcel before you market it.

Hillside, Access and Zoning

• Hillside standards. Washington County’s code has hillside development standards that limit disturbance on steeper slopes.
• Legal access. Buyers and lenders want a recorded right of access.
• Zoning. Zoning determines what can be built and on what lot size.

Seven Marketing Steps

1. Assemble a parcel packet. Include the deed, parcel number, survey, zoning, water information and utility details.
2. Price from comparable land sales. Not house prices. See what determines land value in Utah.
3. Create a clear map. Show boundaries, access and nearby roads and utilities.
4. Take good photos. Include drone shots where permitted.
5. List where land buyers look. Use local land brokers, land listing sites, signage and local contacts.
6. Reach neighbors and builders. Adjoining owners and local builders often buy.
7. Be honest about limitations. Disclose known problems up front to avoid deals falling apart.

Beware of Fraud

Utah’s Division of Real Estate has warned about vacant land scams in which fraudsters impersonate owners and list land cheaply, pushing quick closings with remote notaries. Verify buyers and closing instructions by phone with the title company. For a walkthrough of selling on your own, see selling vacant land without a realtor.

Options Compared

Route	Can make sense when	Watch out for
List with a land broker	You want exposure to land buyers	Commission and listing time
Market it yourself	You know the local market	Pricing, paperwork, fraud risk
Sell to a cash buyer	You want a simple sale	Offers are usually below open-market value, per Bankrate

This is general information, not legal advice.

Where Scout Peak Home Buyers Fits

Scout Peak Home Buyers is a local, Utah-based company that says it buys houses and land locally in Utah. For homes, the company states sellers pay no agent fees or closing costs and choose the closing date. Ask whether those terms apply to your parcel.

Ready to Talk Through Your Land?

You can sell your house in Utah or ask Scout Peak Home Buyers about your parcel. For a faster route, see how to sell land fast in Utah.

Making Southern Utah Land Easy to Buy

Answer the water, septic, access and zoning questions in advance, price from real comparables, and protect yourself from fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions