Start with the land record and papers you already have. Then choose a selling price and decide how you want to find a buyer. You can list with an agent, handle the sale yourself or compare a direct offer. You don’t need to turn your land into a finished building site to begin.
Tell us about your land. There’s no obligation to accept an offer.
Start with what you know. These steps will help you get ready and choose the way to sell that fits you.
Look for the parcel number on your tax bill or old papers. It is the county’s ID for your piece of land. Use it when the land has no street address, and note the nearest road.
The county’s Assessment page links to the current Property Search. Check the location, acres and owner details against your papers. Save the parcel number and map for an agent or buyer.
A parcel map helps locate land, but it does not replace your deed or survey. If a detail looks wrong, ask the Assessment office what record it came from. If several parcels are part of your sale, list each number so the price and agreement cover the right pieces.
A deed shows the recorded ownership and describes the land. Missing your copy? The Sussex County Recorder of Deeds links to Online Deeds.
The county’s Online Deeds FAQ explains the choices. You can browse the record index and watermarked images without an account. Downloading or printing through a registered account is a separate paid option. You don’t have to buy an unlimited subscription just to look for a deed.
If you have the document number, use the whole number in the search. Check names and the land description before deciding a result is yours. If you’re stuck, ask the Recorder about a copy or get help from a title company.
Make a folder with what you already have:
Our document checklist can help track missing items. If you’re selling after a family loss, bring any estate papers you have to the closing team. They can help work out who needs to sign and what else is needed.
Buyers may ask whether they can put a home or another use on the land. Zoning is the set of local rules for using property. Don’t promise a use just because there are similar buildings nearby.
Sussex County Planning & Zoning handles land use in unincorporated areas—land outside city and town boundaries. If your parcel is inside a town, ask the town which office handles its rules. A mailing address alone may not settle that question.
A useful question is: “Here is my parcel number. Which rules apply, and where can I find any existing approvals?” Share the written answer with a buyer. You don’t need to apply for new building plans or a zoning change just to start selling.
These details can change what a buyer will pay. Write down what you know and leave room for questions:
The county’s Sewer & Water page lists county districts and links to cities and towns with their own services. Ask the actual provider about your parcel, the status of service and possible costs. A nearby line is not a promise that the land is connected.
That page also explains that DNREC, Delaware’s environmental agency, handles septic permits and inspections. If sewer is not available, ask DNREC about existing records or the question a buyer needs answered. You don’t need to buy a new test before discussing the sale.
Compare nearby land that has actually sold. Look for similar size, location, access, usable ground and service details. A small lot with sewer service may be a poor match for a larger tract with different needs.
A local agent who sells land can explain the closest matches. Asking prices show what sellers hope to get. Completed sales show what buyers paid. A tax value is useful background, but it is not a guaranteed selling price.
If you’d like a direct offer from Reelvest, tell us about your land. You can compare it with your other options. There is no need to clear trees or pay for land work just to ask.
Ask for the offer in writing. Make sure it identifies the right parcels. Check the price, costs each side pays, deposit and planned closing date. Ask what could let the buyer cancel and what happens to the deposit then.
A loan payoff, unpaid taxes or other costs you agree to pay can reduce your payment. Use our offer worksheet to compare the money you keep. If a buyer asks for testing, clearing or other work, get who pays and any deadline in writing.
After you agree, the closing team checks the ownership records and prepares the sale papers. Ask for a list of missing records or signatures. Review the final cost breakdown, confirm how payment will reach you and keep copies of the signed papers.
Start with Online Deeds from the Recorder’s page. The county offers record browsing and watermarked images without an account. Ask about a copy if you need help finding or printing the right deed.
The county Planning & Zoning office handles land outside city and town boundaries. If your parcel is inside a town, ask which town office handles its land-use rules.
For sewer, ask the provider serving your parcel; the county page lists county districts and town services. DNREC handles septic permits and inspections. Save any records you already have.
Not just to begin. Start with records and a clear description. Before paying for new work, ask why it is needed, whether it may help the sale and who would cover the cost.
Yes. Gather the deed and any estate papers you have. Ask the closing team what ownership steps are still needed and who must sign. You can get help as you go.
Local source links reviewed October 4, 2026.