Realtors generally cannot list these due to specialized licensing. Contact the cemetery office directly to ask about their "Buy-Back" policy or a "Letter of Transfer." Traditional real estate sites won't help you here.
Real estate agents can only sell what is considered "real property." That means, it has a deed associated with it. If your cemetery plot cannot be found listed as property on your county or city's property appraiser website, it likely cannot be sold via a real estate agent. You should confirm this with a local real estate attorney as well, as this is not legal advice.
Cemetery plots sit outside the MLS, and most Realtors don't list them. Licensing, title format, and buyer pool are all different from residential real estate.
The path most families use: (1) contact the cemetery directly. Many have a resale office or a right-of-first-refusal policy and can buy the plot back or broker the resale. (2) List on specialized marketplaces like The Cemetery Exchange, Plot Brokers, or Grave Solutions. (3) Check with local funeral homes, some keep lists of families looking for specific sections. (4) Regional Facebook groups and Craigslist work for some sellers but carry more scam risk.
Pricing: plots usually sell for less than the cemetery's new-plot price. Expect a discount of 20 to 50 percent depending on location and demand.
I'm not the right fit for this one, but I'll point you to the resources above. Best of luck.
-- Kevin
Yes, you can sell a cemetery plot, but it is a little different than selling a home, and not every Realtor handles these.
First thing to know, cemetery plots are considered real property in some states and personal property in others, so the rules can vary depending on where the cemetery is located.
Here is how to approach it step by step.
1. Start with the cemetery itself
Before involving a Realtor, contact Dale Memorial Park directly.
Ask:
Do they allow private resales?
Do they have a transfer fee?
Do they have a buyback program? (some cemeteries will repurchase the plot)
Are there any restrictions on pricing or marketing?
This step is key because some cemeteries control the resale process.
2. Decide if a Realtor is necessary
Not all Realtors will list cemetery plots because:
It is a niche market
Lower price point = lower commission
Different marketing channels than traditional real estate
That said, some agents will help, especially if they have experience with land or specialty property.
3. Alternative (and often better) selling options
Many cemetery plots are sold through:
The cemetery’s internal resale list
Online marketplaces specific to burial plots
Local Facebook groups or community boards
This is often where buyers are actually looking.
4. Pricing the plot
Value depends on:
Location within the cemetery (section, proximity, view, etc.)
Current prices from the cemetery
Demand in that specific area
A lot of resale plots are priced slightly below what the cemetery is currently selling comparable plots for.
5. Transfer process
Once you find a buyer:
The cemetery typically handles the transfer paperwork
There may be transfer fees
Ownership is reassigned through their system
This is usually much simpler than a traditional real estate closing.
Selling a cemetery plot is different from selling a house or land, but it can still be done successfully. Many people choose to work with a real estate professional or broker to help market and manage the sale, especially if they want help finding buyers and handling paperwork.
Can a Realtor Sell a Cemetery Plot?
In many cases, yes. A Realtor or real estate agent can help market and facilitate the sale of a cemetery plot, although the process can vary by state and cemetery rules. Some cemeteries allow private resales, while others require that transfers go through the cemetery management office.
Before listing the plot, it’s important to contact the cemetery directly to confirm their resale policies. Some cemeteries have restrictions on pricing, transfers, or marketing.
Steps to Sell a Cemetery Plot
1. Contact the Cemetery Office
The first step is reaching out to the cemetery where the plot is located. Ask about:
Transfer requirements
Any resale restrictions
Required paperwork
Transfer or administrative fees
Many cemeteries require the transfer to be recorded through their office.
2. Verify Ownership of the Burial Plot
You will need documentation proving ownership of the cemetery plot. This is typically a deed, certificate of ownership, or burial rights document issued when the plot was originally purchased.
3. Determine the Value of the Cemetery Plot
The resale value of a burial plot often depends on:
Location within the cemetery
Demand in that cemetery
Current prices the cemetery charges for similar plots
Your Realtor can help research comparable listings and determine a competitive price.
4. List the Cemetery Plot for Sale
A Realtor may market the cemetery plot through:
Online marketplaces
Cemetery plot listing websites
Local advertising
Real estate networks
Because cemetery plots are a niche market, listings often appear on specialized platforms that focus on burial plot resales.
5. Complete the Transfer Through the Cemetery
Once you find a buyer, the sale usually must be finalized through the cemetery’s office. They will typically:
Verify the buyer
Prepare transfer documents
Record the new ownership
Collect any transfer fees
After the paperwork is complete, ownership of the cemetery plot transfers to the buyer.
Do Cemetery Plots Sell Easily?
Cemetery plots can sell, but they may take longer than traditional real estate because the buyer pool is smaller. Pricing the plot competitively and marketing it in the right places can help speed up the process.
Plots in well-known cemeteries or desirable sections often attract more interest.
Key Things to Know Before Selling
Always check the cemetery’s resale policy first
Make sure you have proof of ownership
Be aware of transfer or administrative fees
Work with someone familiar with cemetery plot sales if possible
Bottom Line
Selling a cemetery plot through a Realtor is possible, but the process depends heavily on the rules of the specific cemetery. The most important first step is contacting the cemetery office to confirm that private resale is allowed and to learn the exact transfer procedure.
Once that is confirmed, a Realtor can help price, market, and facilitate the sale so the transaction goes smoothly.