How to Buy a Cemetery Plot
When it comes to cemetery plots, there are a lot of things to consider. Where do you go to buy cemetery plots? Can you purchase cemetery plots privately or do you have to purchase them directly from a cemetery? How long is the cemetery plot yours? What are the ownership laws around cemetery plots? These are common questions for a subject that's not common knowledge, so if you're feeling overwhelmed when first venturing into cemetery plot ownership, don't worry - you're not alone. This article will attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions around cemetery plots so that you can be better informed when making your decision.
How long do you own a cemetery plot?
Cemetery plots are generally speaking, owned in perpetuity in the United States. This means that the owner of the cemetery plot owns it for their lifetime unless otherwise stated. There are a few exceptions to this rule, so it's always best to check with your cemetery first to see if there are any restrictions.
How much is a funeral plot?
One of the first questions you might have when buying a cemetery plot is, "How much does a funeral plot cost?" The answer to this question can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the location of the cemetery, the size of the plot, and whether or not you're purchasing additional features like a headstone. Additionally, the type of plot you're purchasing will greatly influence the total cost of the cemetery plot (e.g. family burial plots are more expensive than individual plots, or plots for ashes vs. plots for caskets). A standard cost of an individual cemetery plot is between $200- $3,000 while the average cost of a family plot is between $1,000 - $6,000. But how much is a burial plot for ashes? You can expect to spend around $500 - $1,000 for a burial plot for ashes.
Of course, these are just averages and your final cost will be determined by the cemetery you choose to buy from as well as the specific plot you select. The low end of these cemetery plot prices is taking into account public cemeteries vs. private cemeteries. In general, private cemeteries are more expensive than public cemeteries. Additionally, the cemetery's location will influence the total price of the plots.
Where can I find cemetery plots for sale near me?
Now that you have an idea of what to expect, it's time to find out how to buy a cemetery plot. Luckily, there are a handful of choices you'll have when it comes to finding cemetery plots for sale. Here are some methods to buy cemetery plots online and offline:
Contact and visit cemeteries in your area
One method is to simply contact or visit cemeteries in person and inquire about purchasing a plot. If you'd rather send out your interest online, you can use Ever Loved to contact cemeteries and request pricing information on their plots. If you'd like to make a trip, visiting the cemetery in person gives you the opportunity to see the cemetery for yourself and get a feel for the local area. In addition, speaking with a representative from the cemetery will allow you to get all of your questions answered in one sitting, and can help you feel more comfortable with the purchase.
Check for cemetery plots online
Another popular method is to purchase cemetery plots for sale on sites like Craigslist or eBay. These sites list cemetery plots for sale by the owner (or other parties) which can let you skip the cemetery when it comes to purchasing the plot. You may even be able to find discounted burial plots for sale by searching online and purchasing directly from the owner. If you're interested in finding funeral plots for sale online, the following sites are great places to check: Craigslist eBay Grave Solutions
Hire a cemetery plot broker
If you're still not sure where to buy cemetery plots, or would prefer someone else handle the purchase for you, there's always the option of hiring a cemetery plot broker. These professionals are experienced in finding and purchasing cemetery plots on behalf of their clients, and can help take some of the stress out of the process. Hiring a broker will likely come with a fee, but it may be worth it if you're not comfortable handling the purchase yourself.
Whatever method you choose, be sure to do the following when making your purchase:
- Get everything in writing: When you buy a cemetery plot, be sure to get a sales contract or deed that outlines all of the details of the purchase. This document will serve as your proof of ownership and should be kept in a safe place.
- Check for restrictions: Some cemeteries may have restrictions on who can purchase plots, so be sure to ask about any restrictions before making your purchase.
- Shop around: Don't buy the first cemetery plot you see! Be sure to compare prices and find a plot that's right for you.
Purchasing a cemetery plot is a big decision, but with a little research it doesn't have to be a difficult one.
Cemetery plot ownership laws
Each state has different cemetery plot ownership laws, so it's always best to check with your local authorities before making a purchase. Some states have rules regarding selling a plot as an individual and require that you sell your plot back to the cemetery instead of selling it privately, but this varies from state to state. This is an especially important law to check when you're considering purchasing a plot from the owner instead of the cemetery.
Questions to ask when buying a cemetery plot
Buying a cemetery plot is a big purchase, so it's important to be prepared when discussing the plot purchase with the cemetery or owner of the plot before purchasing. Here are some important questions to ask when making a cemetery plot purchase:
- How much does the cemetery plot cost?
- Is there an annual fee for owning the cemetery plot?
- Are there other fees I should be aware of?
- Are there rules or restrictions around reselling the plot?
- What type of decorations are allowed on the plot?
- Is selling the plot back to the cemetery an option?
- What is the price difference between an individual and family plot?
- Are there any restrictions on who can own the cemetery plot?
- When is payment due for my cemetery plot?
- What if I change my mind after buying the cemetery plot?
- What kind of maintenance is required for the cemetery plot?
- Can I erect my own headstone or tombstone at the gravesite?
If you're in the market for a cemetery plot, or are just interested in learning more about cemeteries and burial plots, then be sure to use Ever Loved to compare and contact cemeteries. Ever Loved makes it easy to find cemeteries near you, submit your interest directly to cemeteries, and read reviews from other patrons so that you can feel good when deciding on a plot.
