Some states require that an individual selling his burial plot must first offer to sell the plot back to the cemetery before a private sale or brokerage can take place. [2] X Research source Contact your city’s comptroller office, or search online for burial plot sales laws in your area.
Even if the law permits burial plot sales in your state, and the cemetery qualifies for such a sale, it’s still best to confirm that the cemetery will honor such a transfer of ownership. [4] X Research source
Search for burial plots online, and see if there are a lot of existing advertisements. You should also check the dates on those advertisements to determine whether they tend to have a fast turnaround time. Where you live is the biggest factor in determining how successful your sale will be. Burial plots tend to sell the fastest, and net the most money, in places where people move to retire. In the United States, that means retirement destinations like Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas are often hot markets. [6] X Research source
Search the cemetery’s website for a directory or contact information. The website should list who the manager or sexton is. If you cannot determine who the sexton is using the cemetery’s website, you can try visiting the cemetery’s main office in person.
Generally speaking, cemeteries are not obligated to engage in a buyback. However, many cemeteries will buy unused plots back, or at least recognize an outside sale. [8] X Research source
Placing your own ad can be advantageous, as there are no fees or costs to the seller. [11] X Research source Working through a brokerage service can also be advantageous, as they take much of the work out of selling your plot. Brokerage services typically charge either a monthly advertising fee, a percentage of the final transaction, or a combination of the two. [12] X Research source
