Understand your options before you sell
So you have unwanted cemetery property, what options are available to you and what should you take into consideration?
- You must have the right to sell the property
Just because you hold the deed to the plot, doesn’t mean that you can sell it. Sometimes family plots that have been passed down through generations are held in family trusts. The process of investigating this matter when it comes up for sell can put cemeteries in a tricky situation when paperwork is transferred, and often it’s just not done. Make sure that you have the deed and the right to sell the property. - You can donate the property and take a tax right-off
You should contact your accountant before you make this decision. Also, remember that donating the plot does not absolve the obligation to pay the transfer fees associated with transferring the property into the honoree’s name. (As Sandy Cobb found out in the Article “Donating a Plot for a Tax Write-off“) - Find out what other options the cemetery offers
The cemetery where you purchased your property may participate in a buy-back or exchange program. - Sell the property yourself
Similar to a “for sale by owner” transaction in Real Estate. There are plot listing services both free and paid, we recommend you visit Cemetery-Plot.com’s Cemetery Plot Listing Services Directory to find links to and reviews of these services. - Hire a Cemetery Broker to sell the property for you
This is similar to hiring a Real Estate agent to represent you the seller. Just as in a Real Estate transaction, there will be a commission which is typically 15% but can be higher. You should verify that the Cemetery Broker is licensed to practice in the state where your property is located. You can start your search at Cemetery-Plot.com’s Cemetery Property Brokers Directory.
I eceived a letter showing new rules from the Cemetery I purchased 16 lots about 20 years ago.
The rules included a statement “The town will purchase back unused plots from the original owner or the heirs at its discretion, at the original price without interest.”
Can the cemetery at its discretion buy back the lots I purchased for my family?
I thought I could sell the lots if I wished to a third party?
Hi- My late maternal grandparent and great uncle purchased plots in Queens,NY (a cemetery for Jewish people).
I was born as a third generation on my maternal grandparents side. I plan to be cremated. My brother passed away 6 months after my mother . My mother is buried with her parents and my brother is buried next to my paternal grandparents.
Since I do not plan to be buried ,I will like to see my plot and my brother’s back to the family who is a third or second cousin.
Do I sell it back to the cemetery or to the family.? I do not hold the deed but I guess the one who handles this on my maternal grandfather’s side of the family.
I really need the money due to the economic changes at this present time.