What Is a Land Note? (And Should You Sell It in 2025?)

Introduction

Ever sold land on seller financing?
Then you’ve 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.


🧾 What Is a Land Note?

A land note is a legal IOU between you (the seller) and the buyer. It’s created when you sell land with seller financing.

It outlines:

  • Purchase price

  • Down payment

  • Interest rate

  • Monthly payments

  • Term length

  • 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.


πŸ’‘ Example Land Note

Let’s say:

  • Sale price: $12,000

  • Down payment: $500

  • Monthly payment: $225

  • Term: 60 months

  • Interest: 10%

That note earns you $13,500 total, with $11,000+ in passive income after your initial cost is recouped.


πŸ’Έ Why Keep a Land Note?

βœ… Predictable Passive Income

You get consistent monthly payments β€” great for stability and long-term ROI.

βœ… No Tenants, Toilets, or Turnover

Unlike rental property, land notes are truly hands-off.

βœ… You Keep the Deed

If the buyer stops paying, you can reclaim the land without court foreclosure in most states.


πŸ€” 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:

  • You want to reinvest quickly

  • You need cash now

  • You want to de-risk your portfolio

🎯 Note buyers will typically offer 60–85% of the remaining note balance β€” depending on credit risk, payment history, and interest rate.


🏦 Where to Sell a Land Note

  • Note Investing Groups (on Facebook or BiggerPockets)

  • Private Buyers (land investors who want cash flow)

  • Note Buying Companies (like First National Acceptance Company or Amerinote Xchange)

Be sure to:

  • Prepare a payment history ledger

  • Have the original signed land contract

  • Get a current balance statement for negotiation


βš–οΈ Should You Keep or Sell?

Scenario Best Option
You want long-term income βœ”οΈ Keep the note
You want to flip more land πŸ’° Sell the note
You have multiple notes πŸŒ€ Sell one, keep the rest
Buyer has paid on time for 12+ months 🟒 Easier to sell the note

πŸ› οΈ Tip: Make Your Notes More Valuable

  • Charge 8–12% interest

  • Require $500+ down payments

  • Verify buyer ID & address

  • Collect payments through platforms like GeekPay or ZimpleMoney

  • Keep excellent records


πŸ“˜ Ready to Learn More?


Final Takeaway

A land note is more than a contract β€” it’s 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.


πŸ“ˆ SEO Keywords Recap:
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