FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer two distinct services based on location: a Full Brokerage Service in California and a Classified Listing Service in all other states (National).
I. California Full-Service Brokerage (Licensed & Bonded)
This model provides comprehensive, start-to-finish support where our licensed brokers handle listing, negotiation, and all legal paperwork, offering a hands-off experience compared to the Classified Listing service.
Brokerage Basics
Understanding Our Full-Service Brokerage Model
A Cemetery Broker is a licensed professional specializing in buying, selling, or exchanging cemetery property. We act as an intermediary, handling the transaction on your behalf.
Our core services include: Listing and Selling (finding buyers), Negotiation (handling price/terms), Paperwork (managing all legal procedures and transfers), and providing expert Knowledge and Expertise. We also offer in-person showings of the plot to interested families.
We are licensed and regulated by the state of California, ensuring compliance and trust. We also hold a surety bond for consumer protection. Our services cover over 60 cemeteries in Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada.
Buyer Benefits
Why should I buy cemetery property from Bayer Cemetery Brokers?
The short answer is Price and Selection. We offer huge discounts for buyers compared to the usual retail prices charged by cemeteries—sometimes as much as 60% less than similar new plots. We also provide access to properties across a wide range of cemeteries, often in locations that are otherwise sold out.
What are the core benefits of working with a full-service broker like Bayer Cemetery Brokers?
Working with us offers several key advantages, including accessing Plots in Sought-After Areas (sold-out sections), significant Cost Savings, Personalized Service, a Simplified Process (we handle all paperwork), Impartial Advice, and reliable Market Insights to help you make informed decisions.
Seller Process
How long will it take for my plot to sell (Consignment)?
The market is unique, and the timeline varies—some plots sell in a matter of weeks, while others may take significantly longer. We ultimately maximize the value you receive by pricing plots competitively and showing them to multiple potential buyers over time. In exceptional circumstances (e.g., Rose Hills or Forest Lawn), we may be able to make a cash offer to purchase your plot for an immediate sale.
Do Cemetery Brokers offer in-person showings?
Yes! Bayer Cemetery Brokers always offers in-person showings of cemetery property to families free of charge at over 60 cemeteries in Southern California and Nevada.
Is it easy to resell a cemetery plot privately without a broker?
Reselling privately is a multi-step process governed by specific regulations. It requires expertise in appraising plot value and successfully finding a buyer. Crucially, private sellers must correctly file complex transfer paperwork and validate the plot title, which is why many people choose a licensed broker to handle these time-consuming and stressful steps.
Can I sell my cemetery plot through eBay or Craigslist?
While not strictly against their terms, this method of resale is very unlikely to work. The unique nature and high value of cemetery plots can make buyers uneasy about fraud. A full-service broker like Bayer is licensed and bonded, can offer in-person showings, and provides expertise in completing the necessary paperwork to ensure guaranteed payment and a valid transfer.
II. Nationwide Classified Listing Service (49 States, excluding CA)
Unlike our brokerage model, this service provides an advertising platform and vetted leads for a flat upfront fee. The seller retains full control and is responsible for all final negotiations and legal transfer of ownership.
Service & Fees
Are you a broker? Will you be a broker for my plots?
Our role depends entirely on the property’s location. For plots in California, yes, we act as a full-service broker. For plots in all other states (National Listing Service), we are a classified listing site, and you manage the final sale.
What is the difference between a broker and a listing site?
A broker handles all negotiation, paperwork, and legal transfer on your behalf. A listing site provides the advertising platform and lead vetting for a flat upfront fee, and the seller handles the final transaction.
Do you take a commission in addition to the $99?
No. The $99 (or $129/$149) fee for our National Classified Listing Service is a one-time charge for the listing duration. We do not take any percentage or commission from your final sale price.
What happens when the year’s listing is over?
Your listing will automatically expire after its paid duration (12 or 18 months). If your property has not sold, you have the option to renew the listing. If your listing has not received any credible inquiries, we will happily extend your listing for an additional 6 months free of charge.
Pricing Strategy
How much should I charge?
Your asking price is key to a quick sale. We recommend pricing your plot below retail value to encourage buyer interest. Pricing success depends on whether the property is in an older, highly desirable section or a newer area, and on factors like the location within the cemetery (e.g., center vs. perimeter) or if it features a prime view or easy access. Adjust your price based on these factors.
How long will it take to sell?
The timeline varies greatly, as this is a niche market. While our targeted ads maximize exposure, the average time to sell a plot privately is typically 8–12 months, or sometimes longer. Patience and competitive pricing are the biggest factors.
Do I need to tell the cemetery before I list?
It’s helpful to understand their policies. We suggest contacting the cemetery at your convenience to confirm they allow private resale and to find out the amount of their transfer fee and any required forms needed for a change of ownership.
Can I put multiple plots on one listing?
Yes. You can include multiple plots in a single listing, even if they are in different sections or locations. Just be sure to clearly specify all locations and details in your listing description so buyers have complete information.
Legal & Paperwork
Do I need a lawyer?
For a straightforward sale by the single registered owner, obtaining a lawyer is usually unnecessary. If you are concerned that you may not be the only legal owner or if the ownership documents are complicated, you should check your local regulations.
I don’t have the deeds – and they are lost, now what?
Don’t worry! The cemetery holds the official record of the Exclusive Right of Burial. You can wait until you have a credible buyer, and then request the necessary deed or documentation directly from the cemetery to finalize the transfer.
What paperwork will I have to do with the cemetery if I have a buyer?
When you have a buyer, you will complete the cemetery’s official transfer paperwork, often called an Assignment of Rights. If the original owner is deceased, the cemetery may require a Statutory Declaration to confirm ownership before the transfer is completed. A separate transfer fee will also need to be paid to the cemetery to update their ownership records.
Secure Transaction
How do I accept payment from a buyer? Should I get payment before transferring the plots?
We advise that you secure the full payment before completing the legal transfer of ownership. You can accept payment via cash, wire transfer, cashier’s check, or a secure third-party service like escrow.
Is there an escrow service?
We do not provide an in-house escrow service for our National Classified Listings, but we highly recommend considering a third-party service to guarantee a secure exchange of funds and documentation.
How can I tell if the buyer is genuine?
Our team filters out spam and time-wasting inquiries before passing leads to you. You can gauge sincerity through professional communication and by ensuring you use a secure, verifiable payment method.
Do I have to meet or speak with the buyer?
No. The entire transaction can be completed remotely. The negotiation, transfer paperwork signing, and payment exchange can all be handled through phone, email, mail, and a neutral agent if you choose to use one.
Performance Metrics
How many buyers come to your website?
We leverage our 27+ years of industry experience and deploy Google Ad Campaigns to ensure your listing is seen by thousands of unique visitors and motivated buyers across the country every month.
How many buyers can I expect?
The volume of inquiries is highly location-specific. We guarantee maximum exposure via our national platform, but the number of inquiries will correlate directly with the local demand for your specific cemetery and how competitively you’ve priced your plot.
How many plots were sold last year? / How many plots in my state did you sell last year?
As we are a classified listing service and not a party to the final private transaction, we do not track the final number of successful sales in specific states. We have, however, facilitated over 10,000 successful transactions through our full-service brokerage model.
Still have a question?
Please feel free to reach out to us. Our knowledgeable team is here to help!