This is the time of year when I hear the same mantra; “Call me when the snow melts”. Unfortunately by thinking spring, buyers are missing out on some of the best opportunities to view rural properties. So if you’re sitting on the sidelines stocking up chips for the Super Bowl, here are some things for you to consider:
1. The leaves are off the trees and the crops are harvested so the visibility is great. The snow enhances this visibility as the trees, springs, rock outcroppings and other features are in sharp contrast.
2. The snow isn’t as deep as you may think. Here in Southwest Wisconsin much of the early snow we received is melted down to a hard layer with a little fresh powder on top. Walking is quite comfortable and because of the added visibility you have to walk much less to get a good feel for a property.
3. You won’t get cold. A couple warm layers will keep you comfortable in all but the coldest weather and in my opinion it’s better than 80 degrees and humid!
4. No bugs and poison ivy.
5. There’s less competition for properties in the winter as there are fewer buyers on the hunt. In some cases, this can mean better deals.
6. For hunters this is a great time of year to check for wildlife sign and make note of where they’re traveling in case you purchase the property. By noting when the last snow fall was, the number of tracks can tell a story on animal density.
7. And finally, getting out into nature on a winter day is a great cure for cabin fever and will leave you feeling refreshed and exhilarated. Give your agent a call and don’t miss out on this rural property prime time.
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Jay,
Good article. This would never be an issue in Alabama, but I can see how it is great advice for midwestern buyers. I hope you sell a bunch in 2011.
Hey Jonathan,
Yes, snow and cold are a real factor in the sale of rural properties in Wisconsin but the year is starting off well so I think it will be a great year.
Thanks for your comment.
Jay
One must also to note that property markers and corner stakes are much more visible to find. Huge bonus!
Jay,
Nice to see your article here. Most Kansas farmland and ranchland pasture does not have the issue with timber so buyers usually do wait until the snow melts but this is so true for recreational hunting land with timber. There is a small window to see properties with all the leaves off timber property and now is the best time although maybe not this week during the blizzard warnings!
I hear you! Snowing and blowing here too so we’ll be sticking pretty close to the office for the next couple days.
Number 4 is the problem if you ask me. Poison ivy and other invasive weeds and flora are dormant and hidden. Poison ivy on a farm is to be expected, but who wants to buy a poison ivy farm? How about a multiflora rose farm? I’d like to see what’s on the ground in those woods, too….
Hello Drew,
I appreciate your comments. Multiflora rose is a real concern for some buyers but it’s visable when walking through a property in winter as it reaches above the snow. Poison ivy on the other hand is hidden in winter but I guess I’ve never had anyone make a buying decision based on it’s presence.
Thanks again for your feedback,
Jay
Jay, good article. I keep telling my clients in Virginia that they need to look at land when the leaves are off the trees, the briars are down, and the gnats are asleep. I enjoy walking land at this time of the year because the air is so fresh and you can see farther.