Demand for Cemetery Plots Down
07/29/10 - 01:35 PM
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Experts say it’s similar to the tough housing market—but replace houses with cemetery plots. 60% of Coloradans are choosing to be cremated over a traditional burial, leaving plenty of burial property up for sale. Only six states have more cremations than Colorado.

As more people change their minds and decide to be cremated a lot of people are left with the actual cemetery plot in their name, now how else would they choose to get rid of it? Well they’re setting up an ad on the internet.

“Nobody wants it until they need it,” explains Sef Abodaca, cemetery manager of Memorial Gardens of Valley. These days the need for a cemetery plot is decreasing. “People are buying less and less because they are leaning more towards cremation.”

A big reason is the bill. A traditional burial can cost up to $5,000; a cremation less than half of that, anywhere from $1,200 to $2,000.

“People don’t want to be buried traditionally. It costs too much,” said Abodaca.

Plots are worth thousands of dollars apiece, but if you have one and don’t want it, your options are limited. You can’t take it back to the cemetery and get your cash, so a lot of people have turned to the internet to try and sell theirs. News Channel 5 found two plots in this block on Craigslist, each going for $1,100.

“I want to get rid of them,” explains Becky Stoddart, who’s selling two plots on Craigslist. “For sale by owner, two plots, Orchard Mesa Cemetery, block H, lot 15 space 5 and 6, $1,100 each.”

Similar to many situations, Stoddart inherited the plots. They were bought back in the 1950s. “There was originally four of them. Two of them are being used, so I have two left.”

Stoddart says she doesn’t need them. “My children will cremate me. I don’t need the plots.

The web is just one selling method she’s tried. The price has even been dropped; still no luck.

“There’s been a few calls, but then they don’t call back,” says Stoddart.

This saleswoman sees it as a fair deal. She makes some cash, and the buyer has a purchase that’s theirs for life.

In Colorado, more than half of people choose cremation. It’s the exact opposite over on the East Coast.

It is illegal to spread the remains of a loved one unless it’s on private property.

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