Blog

Cemetery Property Insights & Helpful Resources

Find valuable insights on buying, selling, and planning cemetery property in Northern California. Our blog provides guidance and resources for families to make informed decisions confidently.

Hands typing on a laptop at a table with a coffee cup and water glass nearby.
By Cemetery Property Resales, Inc. • July 30, 2026
CemeteryProperty.com helps Bay Area families buy and sell cemetery property with licensed brokerage support, expert guidance, and trusted resale services.
Map of the San Francisco Bay Area with counties, cities, highways, and bay labels highlighted in color
By Cemetery Property Resales, Inc. • February 26, 2026
Spring is the perfect time to sell unwanted cemetery property. Learn how Cemetery Property Resales helps Bay Area families resell unused plots, crypts, and niches.
Veterans Day greeting with red stars, blue text, and waving U.S. flag stripes and stars
By Cemetery Property Resales, Inc. • November 10, 2025
Honor those who served this Veterans Day and learn about discounted military cemetery locations available to veterans through Cemetery Property Resales.
November 1, 2025
Honoring the Lives that Came before us: Día de Los Muertos By: Jordan Brown Every fall, families come together to celebrate Día de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. This Vibrant holiday, spanning from October 31st to November 2nd, is a time to remember, honor, and celebrate the lives of those who have passed on. While some may view cemeteries as a place of silence. Día de Los Muertos shows us that cemeteries may also be a place of celebration, and connection. Each day during Día de los Muertos, holds a special meaning. The first day is known as Día de los Angelitos. Beginning at midnight on November 1st, it is a day to remember and celebrate children that are deceased. Filled with activities to invite their spirits to visit. Families create altars (ofrendas) with offerings such as photographs, the child’s favorite foods, toys, and sugar skulls. The second day starts the main celebration, also known as Día de los Difuntos. This is a day for remembering and commemorating adult ancestors and friends. The night is filled with laughter and creating memories. The ofrendas take on a more adult theme with items such as Tequila and Mezcal. Families often play games together and reminisce about their loved ones. Starting at noon on November 2nd, is the grand finale and public celebration of Día de los Muertos. People come together in their cities, faces adorned with intricate painting, parades and offerings fill the streets, dancing and celebration can be seen wherever you go. Families decorate their loved ones’ graves with Marigold flowers, gifts, and sugar skulls with their loved ones’ name on them. It’s also customary to clean the gravestone and restore the color. This celebration is proof that love outlasts lifetimes.  Many cemeteries hold celebrations around Bay Area at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill Memorial Park and Skylawn Memorial Park.
October 5, 2025
Cedar Lawn Memorial Park: A Place of Rich Heritage and Community By: Jordan Brown Cemeteries are more than resting places, they are a time capsule of the culture and stories of those who came before us. Cedar lawn Cemetery with its natural beauty is a remarkable example of how tradition and community can come together in one sacred place. Welcoming all faiths and Traditions One of the unique features of Cedar Lawn is its Non-Denominational Chapels. Abbey Chapel and Mission Hills Chapel offers a comfortable place for people of all backgrounds to come together. Preserving Beauty and Meaning for Generations What sets Cedar Lawn apart is the way it balances heritage with community life. Join the community for a candlelight service in December, with music and tree decorating. Honor our veterans with a service on Memorial Day. Giving a chance to rediscover the cemetery not just as place of remembrance but also a place of fellowship and shared culture. Did you know? We have countless clients asking for property in Cedar Lawn, as demand for space at Cedar Lawn grows , securing cemetery property here can be challenging. That’s where our Cemetery Property Resale services come in. We help families and available plots, mausoleum spaces, and memorial options that may not be accessible through the cemetery directly, and at a fraction of the price! If you have a property that you no longer need or are searching for a final resting place. Please give our office a call at (650)372-0795. And follow along for the next blog, focusing on the tradition of honoring the lives that came before us, on Día De Los Muertos.
August 18, 2025
When people ask what my new career is, I usually get one of two reactions: A head tilt followed by “Oh that’s….interesting”. Or a curious “Wait, that’s a real job?” Yes. Yes, it is. I work for a Cemetery Property Resale Company; A Job you do not see many young people running too or dreaming of. It’s not flashy, it’s not glamorous, and some may find it a little morbid for someone my age to be apart of. But to me what matters is, It’s all about the people. We come across people in all walks of life. Each have their own story and are all on different chapters. Each of those stories matters to me. Treating everyone that comes across my path like they are my best friend, or parent or grandparent is the most gratifying feeling. The Lessons I did not Expect: Working in this field has been a crash course in perspective. I have learned: • People want reassurance, not pressure. My job is not to sell; it is to be a guide. • Mortality makes life sweet: As strange as it sounds, talking about death every day, reminds me to actually live. • Compassion matters: People remember kindness, not just another pitch. Now for my first trick: Follow along as I take on searching for sellers in Cedar Lawn Cemetery, one filled with rich heritage and culture and make those available for families looking to make that location their final resting place. Written by: Jordan Brown
April 22, 2025
Located just north of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco stands the San Francisco Columbarium, the city’s last remaining interment location. Built in 1898, the Columbarium exemplifies the epitome of neo-classical architecture with its domed ceiling, mosaic tile floors, and stained-glass windows. This historic landmark is a testament to the city’s history. It is one of the few buildings to survive the catastrophic earthquake of 1906, and it is the final resting place for Harvey Milk, famed San Francisco activist and politician. Click here to read a SF Chronicle article about Emmitt Watson, groundskeeper, gardener, and tour guide at the Columbarium for over 30 years. “I met Emmitt at the mausoleum many times. He called the niches condos, saying the occupants had decorated the niches with personal items. Emmitt always found the time to give a tour to help families feel comfortable,” said Terry Arellano, founder and CEO of Cemetery Property Resales, Inc. “Our prices for niches are considerably lower than what the cemetery charges. Our sellers chose the columbarium for personal reasons and are passing along their low prices to the new owners.” Several purchasing options are available at the San Francisco Columbarium through Cemetery Property Resales. Purchase a double glass front cremation niche for only $4,900 (cemetery price: $14,000). Our nearby sales office in San Francisco is available to meet to show and immediately transfer ownership of properties. Click here to request information , or call Cemetery Property Resales today to schedule an appointment to view available properties: 650-372-0795 . Available after-hours, weekends, and holidays. 
January 2, 2025
CEMETERY PROPERTY RESALES, INC. EXPANDS San Mateo, California – January 2, 2025 Cemetery Property Resales, Inc. has recently acquired California Cemetery Brokers, reaffirming its commitment to San Francisco Bay Area families in need of selling and buying their cemetery property in an otherwise difficult resale market. Sellers and Buyers were limited to very few options before Cemetery Property Re sales, Inc. was established in 1996 as a full-service brokerage firm. Licensed cemetery salesperson and co-founder Terry Arellano, now CEO, has created a thriving company, working with over 60 Bay Area cemeteries even before the recent acquisition of California Cemetery Brokers. Cemetery Property Resales, Inc. specializes in selling privately owned cemetery property on their client’s behalf. “We list it until it sells,” is the company’s policy. Generally, cemeteries will not buy back the purchased property from the Seller which leads to frustration. Due to a strong Buyer’s market, a property is often sold in a much shorter time span as compared to the Seller’s attempt at trying the limited avenues available to selling on their own. Well connected with many businesses in the funeral industry, Cemetery Property Resales, Inc. fills a need for numerous potential Buyers who cannot afford visiting a cemetery directly, hence, paying a much higher price for their much-needed property. Often, these buyers have experienced a sudden, traumatic and unplanned loss. Buyers are often caught, unprepared. Our stellar group of sales managers are always there to help on short notice, meeting Buyers at the cemetery and showing them available properties. Our salespeople identify with being advocates of the living and the grieving, displaying integrity, humility and professionalism. Cemetery Property Resales, Inc. is well known by all the Bay Area Funeral Directors, Hospices and word of mouth, as well as maintaining a solid online presence. An Ethical Approach CEO, Terry Arellano and her team genuinely care for the families they serve. Proven time and time again, Terry Arellano has been successful in addressing the many issues of new Buyers and Sellers. Saving 20% to 80% off the high cost of cemeteries is the goal. Cemetery Property Resales, Inc. has expert knowledge of locations preferred by Veterans as well as areas designated for the Bay Area various religious and ethnic groups.  Their new office is located at 15 North Ellsworth Avenue, Ste. 201, San Mateo, CA 94401. Call today: (650) 372-0795
December 22, 2024
Discussing cemetery arrangements with your family is never easy. As the 2020 holiday season approaches, consider taking the opportunity to protect your loved ones and discuss options together. With Cemetery Property Resales, you can save money by purchasing today. Cemetery property ownership adds value to your estate, and purchases are tax-free. The knowledgeable team of brokers and professionals at Cemetery Property Resales is available to help guide you through every step of this emotional process. Our expansive inventory provides property options for every size and budget– including burial plots, niches, family crypts, and veteran gardens. Save thousands off today’s high cemetery prices with our unique service. We have conveniently located offices throughout the Bay Area. Experienced and licensed salespeople are standing by to meet you directly at the cemetery. San Mateo, CA San Francisco, CA Hayward, CA Fremont, CA San Jose, CA Belmont, CA Colma, CA Click here to request information , or call Cemetery Property Resales today to schedule an appointment to view available properties: 650-372-0795 . Available after-hours, weekends, and holidays.
December 22, 2024
Veteran Gardens are reserved and honored for veterans and their families. We find it an honor and privilege to help veterans select their final resting place among others who served our country. “Veterans selling their ground properties or cremation niches keep their prices low because they know a fellow vet will be the new owner,” said Terry Arellano, CEO of Cemetery Property Resales. “We have tremendous selection with hundreds of spaces to chose from with prices as low as 80% less than the cemetery prices today.” People who served in the military for any period of time are considered veterans and eligible to purchase in reserved Veteran Gardens at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo. A replica of the Winged Victory statue from Arlington National Cemetery graces the veteran cremation area overlooking the garden with spectacular Pacific Ocean views. Veteran spaces also available at Los Gatos Memorial Park in San Jose, Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, Chapel of the Chimes Memorial Park in Hayward, Rolling Hills Memorial Park in Richmond, Memory Garden in Livermore. Click here to request information , or call Cemetery Property Resales today to schedule an appointment to view available properties: 650-372-0795 . Available after-hours, weekends, and holidays.
December 22, 2024
Mt. Tamalpais Cemetery has served as a final resting place for Marin County families since 1867. Its sprawling 65 acres delivers views of Marin County and the San Francisco bay, and the scenic architecture provides the familiar tranquil feeling of a local park. We have many options at Mt. Tamalpais, including double spaces, family crypts, and cremation niches. Side by side single burial spaces are available, as low as $3,500 each. Since 1996, Cemetery Property Resales has saved buyers millions every year off current retail cemetery prices. Click here to request information about selling your cemetery property at Mt Tamalpais or to schedule a time to meet and view cemetery property options. When in need, our nearby sales office in San Francisco is available to meet to show and immediately transfer ownership of properties at Mt. Tamalpais. We are available after-hours, weekends, and holidays. Call today to learn how you and your family can save. 650-372-0795. 
April 22, 2024
Dear Cemetery Property owners who previously requested a proposal to sell their cemetery property. There is only so much earth to share. Today, On Worldwide Earth Day, please consider completing your paperwork to sell your cemetery property so that another family may use. We sent you three price options to sell. All you have to do is... 1) Choose your price option, sign the forms at a notary, then mail your signed forms to our office. 2) When we receive your signed forms we will reply with an acknowledgement letter/email. 3) We market your property to anxious buyers and complete the transfer paperwork at the cemetery office. You receive a check for your $$$ asking price. Cemetery Property Resales is a full-service licensed and bonded cemetery property resale brokerage business. Our buyers make purchases right away when referred by funeral directors, hospice care providers, Veteran organizations, and previous buyers. We can resell your unwanted cemetery property for you. You are a few easy steps away from cashing your tax free* check for the price you select. Return your signed forms or call us 650-372-0795 for an update or questions answered? Visit our website to read many testimonials from our satisfied sellers. Cemeteryproperty.com Greater Bay Area Business Serving 45 Cemeteries in 8 Bay Area Counties including SF Peninsula, Colma, North, East and South Bay Cemeteries ~ Caring Since 1996 *Cemetery property is personal property - there is no tax reporting for your sale.
February 22, 2024
Dating back to 1847, Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose is California’s oldest secular cemetery. This non-denominational funeral home and cemetery welcomes all religions and cultures. Prominent figures ranging from politicians, artists, veterans, and athletes all call Oak Hill their final resting place. Oak Hill offers expansive views of the Santa Clara Valley and it is the only cemetery that overlooks Silicon Valley. Inside the gates, the landscape is sprawling with oak, sequoia, cedar, and pepper trees, as well as 30 unique stone statues. Over the last 24 years, Cemetery Property Resales has sold over 10,000 properties. We help guide sellers through an easy process with our full-service cemetery brokerage. Cash offers, suggested pricing, or an option to name your own price are provided. Cemetery Property Resales has saved buyers millions every year off current retail cemetery prices. At Oak Hill, we have many spaces available, including mausoleum crypts and cremation niches as low as $2,900. Click here to request information , or call Cemetery Property Resales today to schedule an appointment to view available properties: 650-372-0795 . Available after-hours, weekends, and holidays.
February 24, 2023
San Mateo, Calif. – February 24, 2023 – Cemetery Property Resales, a brokerage firm that specializes in marketing discounted cemetery properties, today announced that the beginning of 2023 marks its 27th year of providing services to families throughout the Bay Area. Cemetery Property Resales sells properties at Skylawn Memorial Park, Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward and Oakland, Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, and many other locations in Colma, Sacramento, and on the East Bay , at prices that are significantly lower than those charged by the cemeteries themselves. Early in the New Year when resolutions are top of mind - is a perfect time to begin the process. Families can avoid confusion, anxiety, and arguments by pre-planning burial arrangements - one of the most loving gifts family members can give each other. Not surprisingly, people procrastinate when it comes to making burial arrangements. Because women typically live longer than men, they are the ones left unfortunately in an emotional state at the time of need. Responsiveness and an Ethical Approach “People move out of the area, divorce, or change their needs for cemetery arrangements,” explains Terry Arellano, CEO, Co. Founder and Licensed Cemetery Salesperson. "We sell properties for sellers living nationwide." Founder Terry Arellano attribute their success in this unique market to several factors. Perhaps the most important is that we are highly responsive. “Not only do we meet with buyers quickly,” says Arellano, “we also save families from 20% to 80% off the high prices charged by cemeteries for low cost graves, burial plots, crypts, or cremation niches. We can often find space in the same area as the rest of their family, even though they may have been told that the cemetery is sold out.” Arellano is genuinely concerned about the families, Arellano remarks, “By saving a family a significant amount of money on a lawn plot or a niche for cremated remains, we enable them to purchase a casket or plan a funeral service that truly reflects their feelings for their family member.” Meeting Real Needs The value Cemetery Property Resales provides is best expressed by a San Jose couple who wrote, “Thank you very much for helping us get the two plots at Oak Hill Memorial Cemetery… Since then, we have visited twice, and each time there was a funeral. As we have watched the funeral, we have felt assured that when the time comes, we know we have a place to rest.” About Cemetery Property Resales Founded in San Mateo in 1996, Cemetery Property Resales maintains an extensive inventory of properties at cemeteries throughout the Bay Area at prices that represent a significant discount over those charged by cemeteries. Cemetery Property Resales has expert knowledge of the cemeteries and sections that are preferred. The company is licensed by the state of California and bonded working closely with funeral homes, hospices, and clergy. Media Contact: help@cemeteryproperty.com 650-372-0795

Blog