The Best Time of Year to Sell Your Land

Time of Year Matters

The land market exhibits notable seasonality trends that can significantly impact both buying and selling activities. For instance, if you were to sell a house, you’d likely be advised to enter the market in the spring. Spring tends to bring better curb appeal. With flowers blooming and greenery flourishing, your home’s exterior can look more inviting, and, most importantly, potential buyers aren’t cooped up indoors because of a blizzard outside.

At the same time, some experts say that winter listings can work in your favor. It depends on your priorities. With fewer listings on the market entering the market at this time of year, it means less competition and the chance to fetch a higher price from dedicated buyers.

Still, selling land comes with its own unique ebbs and flows.

“In Arkansas, time of the year is important,” said David Hawley, with Mossy Oak Properties. “Our Certified Land Specialists in that state have people looking all year, especially for row crop farmland. That said, we have an increase in activity in the fall and winter months for waterfowl properties and most other hunting tracts.”

In short, the type of land you’re selling can significantly influence the best time of year to list it for sale, as certain features might be more appealing to buyers depending on the season.

“Our land specialists typically like listing a farm during the summer growing season,” Hawley continued. “For hunting property, it is easier to sell it during the winter. It is easier to sell a waterfowl property when waterfowl are present.”

Put Yourself in the Buyer’s Shoes

According to Hawley, one strategy to employ when selling land is to think about how the property will look to potential buyers.

“Many people do not have the imagination to visualize what a property looks like under flood,” he said, using hunting land as an example. “When properties have ducks on them, they sell easier. Our agents make sure they have all their waterfowl listings active throughout the winter.”

Another important factor to consider is how different fluctuations in the economy may affect the value of land.

“Falling commodities prices may be a ticking time bomb for farmland prices,” Hawley continued. “If a property owner plans on receiving record prices for farmland, they need to act when commodity prices are high, as this indicates strong demand for farmland and will likely result in a higher selling price due to increased farmer profitability and investor interest in the land market.”

Timing Matters, but it Isn’t Everything

As important as the time of year can be for land sellers, a well-priced and presented property can still attract buyers even if it’s not listed during the peak market season. It’s essential to not let the season dictate all your decisions.

“It is always possible to get a good deal,” Hawley said.

The season is just one of many factors sellers must take into account, in addition to elements like buyer demand.

Also, land owners should keep in mind how vital their marketing efforts will be to the overall process, just one reason why investing in the services of an experienced land broker can give sellers the edge they need.

Finally, the listing price a seller lands on as well as the visual presentation of their real estate, will affect how long it takes to find a buyer.

“With the superior marketing ability of the Mossy Oak Properties network, the listing price is one of the main reasons properties do not sell,” Hawley said. “Also, a well-manicured property, whether a farm or recreational tract, will typically bring a premium.”

In the end, it’s a good idea to keep the time of year in mind when gearing up to list. However, don’t forget to think about other factors in play, from the state of the current economy to how well maintained your land is.

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.