Selling your property can be a daunting task. It's easy to understand why some landowners might think that certain seasons make it easier or harder to sell their land. But the truth is, no matter the time of year, there are always buyers, and with the right approach, it's possible to sell your property successfully.
1. Does Season Matter?
The truth is, in most cases, the season in which you sell your property won't make much of a difference. While you might think that it's easier to sell land during a specific season, such as summer when the land is lush, or spring when flowers are in bloom, this often isn't the case. Instead, it's the demand, the current market situation, and a range of other economic factors that can impact whether or not a sale will happen.
However, the housing market fluctuates throughout the year, and whether or not a person should list their home for sale at a certain time depends on the current market conditions. Generally speaking, spring and summer are considered the busiest times for buying and selling homes, as these are when most people are looking for new properties. During this time, competition is usually high and prices tend to be at their highest levels.
Winter tends to be the slowest season for the housing market with fewer buyers and sellers. As a result, prices tend to be lower during this period due to decreased demand. Therefore, it may make sense for someone to list their home during the busy seasons in order to get the best price for their property, but they may also find success by listing during winter if they're willing to accept a lower price.
2. Selling Farm or Agricultural Land
If you're selling a piece of farmland or agricultural land, it's important to take into account the current growing season. This is especially true if crops are currently in the ground, as prospective buyers will want to know what kind of crop rotations, seeds, and fertilizers have been used in the soil. Be sure to have information ready about the land’s water availability, irrigation, and drainage system, as well as information on crops and yields in past growing seasons.
It could be beneficial for sellers to investigate the potential of their property for farmland or agricultural land. Many landowners use LandGate’s free property reports to quickly evaluate their land to identify crop potential, soil information, and what kind of topography is present on their land. Land real estate agents can help landowners use this information to leverage better sale prices!
3. Selling Ranching Land
Ranching land is often used as grazing or pasture land for livestock, and buyers will want to know if the grazing season has started or ended. If it's in the middle of the grazing season, you'll want to showcase the land's productivity and current animal health. Land professionals can help you highlight potential revenue streams, such as hunting, fishing, or eco-tourism. By showcasing all the benefits of your land, you'll increase the likelihood of a successful sale.
Selling ranching land with a home on it could be a more ideal situation for a potential buyer because they would have the opportunity to purchase both the land and the home in one transaction. This means that they can immediately move into a home that is tailored to their needs and lifestyle, while also having access to acres of land for farming or ranching activities. Since the property is already set up for these activities, there is no need to invest in expensive equipment or build additional structures. The buyer would simply have to ensure that the existing structures are in usable condition before moving in.
4. Selling a Property with a House
When you're selling property of any kind, it's important to be consistent with your messaging and all available information. Be sure to create a "property features" list, highlight property improvements and upgrades, outline current income streams, and be transparent about any existing issues such as easements, encroachments, or wetlands.
Providing disclosure documents upfront helps establish trust and reduces the likelihood of issues cropping up later in the sale. Don't forget to stage the property to appeal to prospective buyers, remove any seasonal décor that may detract or distract from the land's natural beauty, and create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
The ideal time to sell a house is when the housing market is strong. Generally speaking, sellers should look for a period of sustained high demand and rising home prices. This can be determined by looking at recent housing market trends in your area, as well as keeping an eye on news about the economy.
To make your house listing stand out from the competition, you should start by highlighting the most attractive qualities of your home. Make sure that your listing stands out with great photos and interesting descriptions about features that could draw buyers in. You should consider offering incentives to potential buyers such as closing cost assistance or even providing a home warranty plan. Make sure to price your home competitively to attract more buyers.
5. Tips for Selling in any Season
The key to selling your land in any season is preparation and adaptability. You don't want to be rigid in your selling approach, so be willing to adjust your plans depending on the market, the season, and the potential buyers. Get your land professionally photographed and create a marketing strategy that works with the current season.
If it's summer, consider creating drone footage or shots of the surrounding landscape. Use social media to your advantage and consider running paid ads. Be sure to mention your property's unique selling points, such as proximity to natural features like rivers or mountains, and convey the potential income streams. By being proactive and strategic, you can increase your chances of a successful sale.
Selling your property in any season requires careful planning, strategy, and due diligence. While there might be unique considerations when selling farm or ranching land, by following these practical tips and adjusting your approach based on your property’s unique features, you'll increase the chances of a successful sale, no matter the season.
Remember, it's not always the time of year or season that determines whether or not you can sell your land, it's your unique selling points, strengths, and opportunity to sell. Are you interested in getting a thorough property estimate? Get a free property report now!
