How to Buy a Cemetery Plot

Some people find peace in knowing where they will eventually rest in peace. Work with a funeral home to prearrange a purchase, and expect to spend between $350 and $3,000 for a plot. As with buying other property, it's all about location, which can significantly affect the cost.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Pick a cemetery. Consider family preferences, but look for a reasonable price. Military cemeteries as well as some connected with a specific place of worship may restrict entry to people who meet specific criteria.

2. Tour the grounds and ask for a map of available plots. Find out what the price differences are. (A view adds to the cost.) If necessary, inquire about less expensive options at the same cemetery. A mausoleum or niche generally costs less than a plot.

3. Add up the total cost of the plot. Are there opening and closing fees, and how much are they? How will payments be made?

4. Find out what happens if you change your mind. Can you sell the plot or transfer ownership to someone else?

5. Ask about the cost for adjacent plots if several family members want to be buried together. (If you don't want to lie next to Uncle Ray for eternity, speak up or forever rest in peace.)

Tips & Warnings

• Buying your own final resting place? Make sure you have left clear instructions in your will regarding your intentions(see Related eHow, How to Pay for Funeral Expenses).
• Some cemeteries have restrictions about grave markers and decorations.

[grannymim]

on 8/27/2008 A person might save quite a bit of money by checking for cemetery plots for sale by individuals who no longer need them on free classified listings sites like: craigslist.org - backpage.com - classifiedads.com - and kijiji.com

on 9/11/2006 Ask any cemeteries you are interested in if they offer perpetual care (the service of caring for the grounds around the purchased plot). Most larger cemeteries will require a portion of the purchase to go toward a fund for this purpose. If perpetual care is part of the deal, find out how long the agreement binds the property management to care for your plot and if there will be any further payments necessary for this service (normally it's a one-time fee).