FAQ

How to Protect Yourself from Scammers?

When selling cemetery property—or conducting any transaction online—scammers are always on the lookout for easy targets. Follow these simple guidelines to stay one step ahead:

1. Know the Official Process

• Always work directly with the cemetery. Cemetery property transfers are handled by cemetery staff or their authorized agents—never privately between buyer and seller.
• Verify credentials. If someone claims to represent the cemetery, ask for official identification or documentation before proceeding.

2. Insist on Live Communication

• Talk in person or by phone. Email or text-only negotiations are a red flag. Before agreeing to any offer, speak to your buyer in real time.
• Trust your instincts. If the buyer avoids live conversation or insists solely on digital messaging, proceed with extreme caution.

3. Beware of Unsolicited Checks

• Don’t cash unrequested cashier’s checks. Scammers often send fake checks and ask you to wire back an “overpayment.”
• Request secure payment methods. Use escrow services or certified funds that you initiate—don’t accept checks you didn’t request.

4. Verify Funds with a Bank Officer

• Have checks cleared by a bank officer. A teller may not catch a counterfeit. Always ask a bank officer to verify authenticity before you hand over any documents or keys.
• Delay handing over property. Only finalize the transfer once your bank confirms that funds are fully cleared.

By following these steps—working directly with the cemetery, insisting on live communication, and verifying payments through your bank—you’ll minimize your risk and ensure a safe, legitimate transaction. If something feels off, it probably is—always double-check before you proceed.

How much does it cost to advertise?

Placing an ad is only $69. Your ad runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for one year. The ad is interactive. You select a password and the data bank assigns a User ID. With these you can edit or change your ad as often as you like through My Account found on the Home page. Advertising for 3 years is $79, and includes a written appraisal for $89.

What is the market for cemetery property?

Cemetery property is not a “want” product; it is a “need” product. Last year in the United States there were 2,355,000 deaths and the number will grow to over 4,000,000 in the year 2040. This means that at least two and a half million families will deal with this “need” product every year.

What price should I ask?

Be competitive. The Cemetery probably has hundreds or thousands of spaces in inventory for sale and has promotional programs to attract buyers. Find out what their best prices are and price your property accordingly. Keep in mind that for the past 75 years, cemetery property was sold using time payment contracts with easy terms, small down payments and years to pay. Cemeteries still do that. Today, the secondary market is a cash market with no financing available from sellers. Consider this when setting your price.

Will you sell the property for me?

Grave Solutions provides the only Nationwide Multi-Listing Data Bank where your property is exposed to the public as well as all cemetery sales people, funeral directors, cemetery brokers and all independent cemetery sales affiliates. Placing your property in the Consignment & Brokerage Program is the only way you can effectively communicate that you are under contract agreeing to pay a commission to anyone that sells your property. This program is $79 and runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for one (1) year. The commission is 20% of the gross selling price if the property is sold by any sales entity. You have the right to accept, reject, or counter any offer on your property. Consignment brokerage for 3 years is $89, and includes a written appraisal for $99.

Your “sale by owner” ad runs for the same term and if you sell the property, the only commission paid is 5% to Grave Solutions for advertising and information services.

The $99 Consignment & Brokerage Program includes a written appraisal of your cemetery property.

How long does it take to get my property advertised?

It can be done instantly. You can place your ad directly into the listing data bank using a credit card to pay for the transaction or you can call and we can take a telephone order and place the ad for you. The phone number is (540) 636-0009 or (888) 742-8046 toll free.

How long does it take to get listed under a brokerage arrangement?

After your property is advertised, we mail a Consignment & Brokerage Agreement which requires a signature. When it is returned, the “brokerage ad” will be placed.

Are there transfer fees or any other costs involved in selling cemetery property?

Yes. Most cemeteries have fees because they have to change their ownership records, their lot and block cards, their map books, etc. The fee will be determined in the appraisal process and can be paid by either the buyer or seller, which is your choice.

Does “Perpetual Care” have to be paid?

“Perpetual Care”, or contribution to the endowment care fund, is a one-time fee charged when the property was originally purchased from the cemetery. It conveys with the property.

What if we just want to donate the property to a charity for the tax deduction?

You should request an appraisal only. We will furnish you with a written appraisal of your cemetery property and will make the appropriate entries and sign IRS form 8283 that also has to be signed by the charitable organization. The appraisal fee is $75.

What is the purpose of an appraisal?

Many people choose to donate their cemetery property to a qualified charitable organization and take a tax deduction. The IRS requires an appraisal and the appraiser to sign tax form 8283. Since most people purchased their property many years ago or inherited the property from parents, the current market value can represent a sizable tax deduction and this figure must be obtained from an accountable appraisal source. Also, knowing the true market value of the property can be very useful in the selling process and is a requirement in settling estates.