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The Simple Way We Cut the Banks Out

Monday, October 13, 2025

(and Why It Works)

Matt Cornell

Years ago, I applied for a small loan.

Nothing crazy. Just enough to build something real.

I had a steady job.
Good income.
Paid on time.
Did everything “right.”

I imagined the banker reviewing my application.
Tie tight. Smile fake.
I was hopeful, but not shocked by the answer.

Denied.

Not because I was a bad risk.
Because I wasn’t profitable.

Banks don’t make their money helping people get started.
They lend to people who already have money.
The ones who don’t even need it.

That’s when it hit me.
The system isn’t broken.
It’s working exactly as designed—just not for people like us.

People who work with their hands.
Who pay their way.
Who don’t want favors—just a fair shot.

So I stopped playing their game.
I cut them out completely.

                                                        What We Use Instead

It’s called seller financing.
Think of it like buying a truck from the owner instead of a dealership.

Less paperwork.
No bank.
No credit check.
No one in a tie telling you “no.”

It isn’t rent.
It isn’t a lease.
Every payment moves you toward full ownership.

A simple contract spells it out.
You keep your word; you get the land.

Old-school. Straightforward. It works.

                                                        Step-by-Step: From “I Want It” to “It’s Mine”

1. You raise your hand.
    You tell us which property you want.
    We answer questions and tell you why we like that parcel.

2. You put money down.
    We send a link for the down payment and doc fee.
    You pay those online.

3. You review the contract.
    We draft it.
    You read it. You sign it. We sign it.
    Contract confirms your down + doc are paid.

4. You set up autopay.
    Simple monthly payment. Same day every month. No surprises.

5. You use the land while you pay.
    You can camp, level, fence, or survey.
    You cannot live on it or store things long-term.

6. You can pay it off faster.
    0% interest. No prepayment penalty.
    Got a bonus or tax refund? Make extra payments any time.

7. You finish. We deed it.
    You make the last payment.
    Cornell Properties records the deed to you within 3–5 business      days.

That’s it.
No bank. No credit department. No committee.

                                                        What the Contract Actually Says (The Important Parts)

Title: Held by Cornell Properties until paid in full.
The contract guarantees deed delivery once you finish.

Payments: Fixed monthly. Autopay required.

Late Fee: $25 if you’re 5 days late.

Default: 90 days with no payment = default.

Early Payoff: Allowed. No penalty.

Refunds: 30-day money-back on the down payment if you change your mind.
Doc fee is non-refundable (that covers paperwork).

Credit Check: None.
No hard pull. No soft pull.
You’re giving your word and signing a contract.

                                                        A Real Example

Property ID CC11 — Costilla County, Colorado
Approx. 5.04 acres

Down: $499

Doc Fee: $249

Monthly: $259

Term: 84 months

Interest: 0%

You pay it down. You own it.
Simple math. No games.

(We also run offers as low as $299 down / $249 doc / $209 per month on other parcels, same 84-month term, 0% interest. Structure is the same.)

                                                        A Caution Worth Hearing

Every property has a best use.
Your job is to make sure that this property fits your plan.

Weekend escape? Great.
Future build? Check the rules.
Long-term hold? Make sure you like the area.

Know what you’re buying.
That one habit prevents 80% of regrets.

                                                        Why This Matters

You’re not asking for charity.
You’re asking for a fair path to own something real.

From renting to owning.
From “someday” to a deed with your name on it.

And here’s what surprises folks:
A few years go by.
They look at their land’s value.
Prices moved up.
Their payment never did.

That’s when it clicks.
This wasn’t a gamble.
It was a plan.

                                                        Financing Quick-Checks (Save This)

Before you sign any seller-financing deal—ours or anyone’s—ask:

1. What’s the down, doc fee, monthly, term, and interest?
Get all five. In writing.

2. Who holds title during payments and when is the deed recorded? Contract for deed? Warranty deed at payoff? How fast?

3. What’s the late fee, grace period, and default window?
You need the real numbers, not guesses.

4. Is early payoff allowed—and is there a penalty?
If you plan to pay faster, this matters.

5. What can I do on the land while I’m paying?
Camping? Fencing? Storage? Be clear before you start.

If a seller can’t answer these cleanly, walk.

                                                        Proof It’s Not Just Talk

“Just Want Land made investing in land easy and stress-free, and thanks to Matt and Rachelle’s patience and guidance, I’ve already purchased multiple properties!”
— Wayne, Utah

That’s the goal.
Simple. Stress-free. Honest.

Use this guide.
Ask better questions.
Pick land that fits your plan.
Own something real without asking a bank for permission.

— Matt
Just Want Land

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We are
Matt & Rachelle

Owners of Just Want Land

Matt and Rachelle Cornell are the husband-and-wife team behind Just Want Land. Driven by faith, freedom, and family adventure, they’ve helped hundreds of people break free from city limits and claim their own piece of the American West. Their mission is simple: make land ownership affordable, authentic, and life-changing.

Want to see exactly how I: verify land, avoid scams, and pick the right property
without ever stepping foot on it?

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