Being Honest and Upfront is Key to the Broker-Seller Relationship

Honesty and integrity are essential to building a strong reputation in the land industry and standing out from the competition. Honesty is the best policy, and nowhere is that more true than when it comes to selling land.

Transparency is key to the broker-seller relationship. In order for your land broker to provide you with first-rate service, they need to know your property inside and out. However, the only way they can do that is if you’re upfront with them from the get-go. Being upfront with brokers is very important because it makes it so much easier to accomplish a sale within a reasonable time frame.

Title issues are a common problem that can delay closing and must be taken seriously. If they’re disclosed in advance, the broker and attorneys have a chance to resolve them ahead of time and the rest of the sale goes much smoother. Also, if the seller is upfront with the listing agent, the agent is capable of answering more of the buyer’s questions while showing properties.

Real estate brokers and agents try to do their due diligence for both sellers and buyers during a transaction, in order to provide detailed and accurate information. Brokers can only pass on information they know as facts, so the more you share with your broker, the better they can sell your property. There can be legal ramifications if the proper information is not disclosed to the parties involved. All property hazards should be disclosed by the seller upfront as well as any written agreements, such as fencing agreements or easements.

Speak Frankly with the Facts

It’s important to be upfront with your land specialist about everything concerning your property, but there are some specific issues that may take precedence. Seller’s disclosure documents are required in some states, and enable all of a transaction’s active parties to have full knowledge of the property’s history. Whether you’re on the buying or selling side, the seller’s disclosure paperwork helps all parties reach a common understanding of the perceived condition of a property.

It is most important to know about any easements, fencing agreements, boundary discrepancies, proper boundary lines, fence status (what kind of shape it is in, whether it is all there), any known property hazards, such as wells, solid waste disposal or underground storage tanks present. It is also nice to know whether a property has been logged recently and what kind of farming has been taking place on the property.

For example, if you’re selling farmland, has it been farmed conventionally or in a no-till manner? These are the types of details your broker should be updated on.

Fortunately for sellers, being upfront with brokers couldn’t be simpler. In short, if you want your land sale to go smoothly, your best course of action is to be honest, open and willing to work with your land specialist to ensure all important information is available.

Article contribution by Mossy Oak Properties. The Mossy Oak Properties land brokerage network was launched in 2003 and has since grown to over 100 franchised brokerages in over 30 states throughout the country.