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    Land & Acreage

    Selling Inherited Land in Waco & McLennan County (2026)

    Tony Dabney

    As Waco suburbs expand in 2026, inherited land values are shifting. Learn about utility costs, city liens, rural challenges, and why cash sales beat waiting 6-18 months.

    Need Help With Your Property?

    We understand this might be a difficult time. Get a compassionate consultation and fair cash offer.

    Looking for house selling information? See our guide for Selling an Inherited House in Waco (2025 Market Guide).

    As suburbs like Lorena, Robinson, and China Spring expand in 2026, your inherited land might be valuable—but unlocking that cash isn't always easy. Whether you've inherited a vacant lot in Waco or acreage in rural McLennan County, this guide covers the unique challenges and opportunities.

    Suburban Growth 2026

    McLennan County's suburbs are experiencing significant growth. This expansion is creating new opportunities—and complications—for land sales.

    🏘️ Growing Suburbs (2026 Outlook)

    High Growth Areas:

    • China Spring: New subdivisions expanding
    • Robinson: Commercial development (Hwy 77)
    • Lorena: Population up 18% since 2020
    • Woodway: Premium land values holding steady

    Emerging Markets:

    • Crawford: Still rural but growing interest
    • McGregor: SpaceX effect driving demand
    • Hewitt: Limited land, high prices
    • Riesel: Ag transitioning to residential

    The Challenge of Selling Land in Waco

    Unlike selling a house, land sales involve complex questions that can make or break a deal:

    🚰 Utilities (The #1 Question)

    • New water meters in rural areas: $5,000-$15,000
    • Sewer tap fees in city limits: $3,000-$8,000
    • Electric service establishment: $10,000+

    No utilities = 75% fewer potential buyers

    🚗 Access

    Is the property landlocked? This is a deal-killer.

    • Need legal easement for access
    • Road maintenance agreements required

    🏗️ Zoning

    Can a buyer put a mobile home on it?

    • Many areas restrict mobile homes
    • Deed restrictions from 1970s still apply

    City Lots vs. Rural Acreage

    City Lots (Waco/Bellmead)

    Common Issues:

    • • City mowing liens ($200-$2,000)
    • • Demolition orders
    • • Back taxes
    • • Narrow lots (don't meet code)
    💡 We pay off liens at closing so you don't have to.

    Rural Acreage

    Common Challenges:

    • • No financing (Cash buyers only)
    • • Survey costs ($3k-$10k)
    • • Ag exemption rollbacks
    • • Mineral rights
    💡 We buy with cash, no financing contingencies.

    Common Land Issues in McLennan County

    IssueTraditional Sale ImpactOur Solution
    Overgrown/UnmaintainedMust clear before showing ($2k-5k)We buy as-is
    Unclear BoundariesNew survey required ($3k-10k)We work with existing records
    Multiple HeirsComplex negotiations, delaysOne offer, one closing
    Back TaxesMust pay before listingPaid from proceeds at closing

    Why Land is Harder to Sell Than Houses

    ⏳ The Timeline Reality in 2025

    Listing land can mean waiting 6 to 18 months for a buyer.

    • Limited financing: Most banks won't lend on raw land.
    • Smaller buyer pool: Only builders, developers, or cash buyers.
    • Due diligence period: Buyers need 60-90 days for studies.

    Why Sell to Dabney Real Estate?

    We are local land buyers who understand the value of dirt in Central Texas. Unlike out-of-state investors or online "we buy land" companies, we know McLennan County.

    Get a Cash Offer for Your Inherited Land

    Whether it's a weed-filled lot in town or 20 acres in the county, we are interested. No surveys, no commissions, no waiting months for a buyer.

    • Fair cash offer in 24-48 hours
    • We handle all paperwork
    • Close in as little as 7 days
    • Zero commissions

    QHow much does it cost to install utilities on vacant land in McLennan County?

    Water meters in rural McLennan County cost $5,000-$15,000 to install. Sewer taps in city limits run $3,000-$8,000. Electric service to undeveloped land can exceed $10,000.

    QCan I sell land in Waco with city mowing liens?

    Yes, cash buyers like Dabney Real Estate Group can pay off city mowing liens (typically $200-$2,000) at closing from the sale proceeds, so you don't have to pay upfront.

    QWhy is rural land in China Spring and Crawford hard to sell?

    Rural land faces limited financing (banks won't lend), high survey costs ($3,000-$10,000), questions about mineral rights, and a small pool of cash-only buyers, leading to 6-18 month selling times.

    QWhich Waco suburbs are seeing the most growth in 2026?

    China Spring (new subdivisions), Robinson (Highway 77 commercial development), and Lorena (18% population growth since 2020) are experiencing the most expansion, while Crawford and McGregor are emerging markets.

    Want a cash offer without showings?

    If selling fast is your priority, request a no-obligation offer and we can typically respond within 24 hours.

    Ready to Move Forward?

    We've helped dozens of Texas families through difficult property situations with compassion and fairness.