How do I sell land I inherited in Tennessee?
The short answer
First, confirm you have the legal right to sell it: that usually means the land has been transferred to you through the estate, or that you're the executor or administrator with authority from the court. If several family members inherited it together, all of the owners usually need to agree and sign. Once that's in place, you can sell to a cash buyer like us or list it, and a title company or attorney handles the closing.
By Esther & Luke Mbongo, owners of Good Shepherd Land Co. · Updated November 5, 2026
1. Find out how the land passed to you
How you inherited the land decides what paperwork you need before you can sell:
- Through a will or without a will (probate): the estate usually goes through probate court. The court gives the executor (named in the will) or administrator (if there's no will) the authority to handle the estate's property, which can include selling the land or deeding it to the heirs.
- Through the deed itself: some deeds say the land passes automatically to a surviving owner, such as a spouse. In that case the survivor may already own it, and probate may not be needed for that parcel.
- Through a trust: the trustee usually has the authority to sell.
If you aren't sure which applies, a copy of the deed (available from the county Register of Deeds) and the will, if there is one, are the best place to start. A probate or real estate attorney can tell you exactly what's needed.
2. Get everyone on the same page
It's common for land to be inherited by several siblings or relatives together. When that happens, each owner usually has to agree to the sale and sign the closing documents. Talking early about the price and how the money will be split saves a lot of stress later.
3. Check for back taxes or liens
Inherited land sometimes comes with unpaid property taxes, especially if no one has been paying the bill since the owner passed away. That doesn't stop a sale. In most cases past-due taxes and liens are paid off from the sale proceeds at closing. Your county trustee's office can tell you how much is owed. See what happens if you have back taxes on land.
4. Decide how to sell
You have two main options:
- List it with a real estate agent. This can bring a higher price for land that's in demand, but you'll pay a commission and closing costs, and land can take a long time to sell.
- Sell to a cash land buyer. This is usually faster and simpler. You sell as-is, with no showings or commissions. With us, you get an offer in about 48 hours, and we pay the closing costs.
5. Close the sale
A title company or real estate attorney checks the title, confirms who needs to sign, pays off any taxes or liens, and sends each seller their money. If you or other heirs live out of state, closing documents can often be signed remotely.
Inherited land in Tennessee you don't need?
Tell us about it. We'll walk you through the next steps and make you a fair cash offer, usually within 48 hours, with no obligation.
Related
- Sell your land in Tennessee for cash
- What happens if I have back taxes on land?
- How long does a cash land sale take?
This article is general information, not legal advice. Every property and family situation is different. For advice about your situation, talk with a real estate attorney.