A person reviewing documents for a land sale with a scenic rural property in the background.

Land Ally: Helping Land Owners Inherit a Better Future

May 21, 20254 min read

In the open prairies of Eastern New Mexico, the Cross 5 Ranch—spanning over 2,200 acres—was recently sold by Walker & Martin Ranch Sales. At a glance, it may seem like a typical land transaction. But behind it lies a common yet emotional story: a family land legacy transitioning into a new chapter.

For generations, the land had been a part of the family’s identity. But with evolving priorities, new careers, and the realities of modern land ownership, the decision was made to sell. This is where Land Ally offers a fresh path forward—not just as buyers, but as trusted partners in the process of letting go and moving on.

A Better Way to Sell Inherited or Unused Land

Land Ally is not a listing service or a commission-driven broker. We are direct land buyers, and that distinction makes all the difference—especially for those dealing with inherited land, family ranches, or underused rural property.

We buy land:

  • Directly from owners

  • In any condition

  • In any location—including remote parcels

With over 30 years of combined land acquisition experience, our team understands the legal complexities, emotional stakes, and financial concerns landowners face—particularly after inheriting land they may not want to manage long-term.

Understanding the Probate Process for Landowners

One of the biggest challenges for landowners—especially heirs—is understanding how probate affects their ability to sell land.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of transferring property from a deceased person's estate to their heirs. If you’ve inherited land, you typically can’t sell it until probate is complete, unless the property was already jointly owned or had a transfer-on-death deed.

Common Steps in the Probate Process:

  1. Filing the will in probate court or initiating intestate proceedings if no will exists.

  2. Appointing an executor or administrator, usually named in the will.

  3. Notifying heirs and creditors and publishing legal notices.

  4. Inventorying and appraising assets, including any land.

  5. Paying debts and taxes owed by the estate.

  6. Transferring ownership of the land to rightful heirs, enabling them to sell.

This process often takes 3 to 12 months, depending on the state and complexity of the estate. Delays may arise from disputes among heirs, missing documents, or unpaid taxes.

Simplified Probate Options

Some states, including New Mexico, offer streamlined or simplified probate for smaller estates. If the value of the estate falls below a certain threshold, heirs may qualify to use a small estate affidavit, significantly reducing the time and complexity involved.

💡 How Land Ally Helps: We regularly work with heirs during probate. In many cases, we can make an offer on land while probate is underway and close as soon as it’s resolved. We also connect sellers with trusted probate attorneys when legal support is needed.

Tools to Help You Decide

We understand that selling land—especially inherited family land—is a big decision. That’s why we offer free tools to help you evaluate your options:

Why Sellers Like Working with Land Ally

Our approach is designed to remove stress, save time, and deliver value:

  • No real estate agents or commissions

  • Fast, fair offers

  • Close on your timeline

  • Help navigating probate and title issues

We specialize in buying land across the Great Plains, Midwest, and Southern U.S., including states like New Mexico, Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina, where large parcels and legacy ranches are common.

A Story That’s Familiar to Many Landowners

The Cross 5 Ranch family chose to sell not out of desperation—but out of clarity. They recognized that while the land had deep meaning, it no longer fit into the next generation’s lifestyle or financial goals.

This is the case for thousands of Americans who inherit land each year. According to the USDA, more than 10 million acres of farmland and rural property change hands annually through inheritance—often to heirs who live far away or have no intention of maintaining it.

“It was bittersweet,” one Cross 5 family member shared. “But we knew it was the right decision. Land Ally helped us feel like we were honoring our past while stepping into the future.”

Ready to Inherit a Better Future?

Whether you’ve inherited a multi-acre ranch or a single lot you’ll never visit, Land Ally is here to make the sale process smooth, fair, and respectful.

Visit inherited.landally.com today to:

  • 🧭 Get a free land value estimate

  • 📘 Download the free seller guide

  • 🤝 Start a conversation with our team

Helpful Resources:

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