What Is a Land Note? (And Should You Sell It in 2025?)
Introduction
Ever sold land on seller financing?
Then youβve probably created a land note β whether you realized it or not.
A land note is one of the most overlooked sources of passive income in real estate.
But should you keep collecting monthly payments β or sell your note for fast cash?
This post will break it all down.
π§Ύ What Is a Land Note?
A land note is a legal IOU between you (the seller) and the buyer. Itβs created when you sell land with seller financing.
It outlines:
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Purchase price
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Down payment
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Interest rate
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Monthly payments
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Term length
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Late fees and default clauses
You are the note holder, and you earn monthly income from the buyer β just like a bank does on a mortgage.
π‘ Example Land Note
Letβs say:
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Sale price: $12,000
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Down payment: $500
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Monthly payment: $225
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Term: 60 months
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Interest: 10%
That note earns you $13,500 total, with $11,000+ in passive income after your initial cost is recouped.
πΈ Why Keep a Land Note?
β Predictable Passive Income
You get consistent monthly payments β great for stability and long-term ROI.
β No Tenants, Toilets, or Turnover
Unlike rental property, land notes are truly hands-off.
β You Keep the Deed
If the buyer stops paying, you can reclaim the land without court foreclosure in most states.
π€ Why You Might Want to Sell Your Land Note
Selling your note means you get a lump sum instead of waiting years for monthly payments.
Common reasons to sell:
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You want to reinvest quickly
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You need cash now
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You want to de-risk your portfolio
π― Note buyers will typically offer 60β85% of the remaining note balance β depending on credit risk, payment history, and interest rate.
π¦ Where to Sell a Land Note
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Note Investing Groups (on Facebook or BiggerPockets)
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Private Buyers (land investors who want cash flow)
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Note Buying Companies (like First National Acceptance Company or Amerinote Xchange)
Be sure to:
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Prepare a payment history ledger
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Have the original signed land contract
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Get a current balance statement for negotiation
βοΈ Should You Keep or Sell?
Scenario | Best Option |
---|---|
You want long-term income | βοΈ Keep the note |
You want to flip more land | π° Sell the note |
You have multiple notes | π Sell one, keep the rest |
Buyer has paid on time for 12+ months | π’ Easier to sell the note |
π οΈ Tip: Make Your Notes More Valuable
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Charge 8β12% interest
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Require $500+ down payments
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Verify buyer ID & address
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Collect payments through platforms like GeekPay or ZimpleMoney
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Keep excellent records
π Ready to Learn More?
Final Takeaway
A land note is more than a contract β itβs a stream of predictable passive income.
Keep it if you want cash flow.
Sell it if you want capital now.
Either way, land notes are a powerful tool every smart investor should understand.
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