Real Estate

Purchasing Real Estate on eBay: What to Know Before You Buy

You can buy plenty of unusual things on eBay. But did you know you can also buy real estate? Whether you want a timeshare or an undeveloped lot, there's plenty of eBay property for sale.

What types of eBay real estate can you buy?

If you search for real estate on eBay, you will likely see a section where you can select the type of property you want to purchase. In this section, you can filter out categories you don't need to see. Here are some of the main categories to choose from:

  • Timeshare: This involves partial ownership of a vacation property, which allows you to stay there (or rent it out) for a certain amount of time per year.
  • Land: You can purchase undeveloped lots of various sizes.
  • Commercial: These are either currently running businesses or commercially zoned buildings or plots of land.
  • Residential: These sales allow you to purchase established homes, and most eBay houses for sale fall into this category.
  • Manufactured homes: These homes are sometimes sold on land. In other cases, you can purchase a home separately and have it delivered to your lot.
What are some things to consider before you buy?

When you're shopping online for parcels of land or other properties, especially places you haven't seen in person, there are a few things to look for before purchasing. One of the most important things to consider is how accessible the land is. Is it on an existing road? Is it surrounded by other properties? What about infrastructure?

Another thing to consider is how close the property is to stores, towns, etc. If you are looking for a place to retire or a vacation property, a remote property might be desirable. But if you'd prefer a plot with easy access to local businesses, it's a good idea to verify how close they are before you buy.

What to do once you've chosen a property to purchase

Now that we've been through the basics of eBay real estate for sale, here are a few other things to keep in mind before you close the deal:

  • If possible, visit the property before you agree to buy it. This standard advice applies when leasing or purchasing any property.
  • Make sure you have a contract. Any sale of land should involve a signed contract, which offers valid proof that you now own the property.