Question: We are planning to sell our land. When is the best time? We heard that more people look in the spring.

Answer: Sellers of recreational wooded land believe their land will sell best when leaves are on the trees and the flowers are blooming. But, our experience has shown that many buyers of wooded land would rather look at land in the late fall or winter when the leaves are off the trees. Blooming flowers and green leaves seldom influence serious buyers.

Farm buyers purchase any time of the year, but some delay the closing until late fall or winter. Since farm loan payments are due annually, the farmer may want to coincide the fall harvest with the payment due date. On the other hand, many successful farmers spread the sale of their grain over the entire year; therefore, closing the sale in the fall is not as crucial. Another reason for a fall or winter closing is to allow the new Owner 100% possession of the land. If the new Owner is a farmer, he does not want to buy the land subject to a lease.

Developers buy anytime of the year, but prefer to delay closing until the weather conditions are favorable. Several years ago a developer from California was buying our client's land. The closing was set for October, but when the developer realized that freezing weather in the St. Louis area could delay development, he wanted the closing delayed until May. For tax reasons, the buyers wanted the closing in that year. The sale nearly fell apart until we suggested that the sellers carry back a large loan, interest free until May. Both parties agreed and the sale closed. That winter was one of the coldest on record!!

In summary, land priced right will sell any time. We've sold land covered with three feet of snow. We've sold bottom cropland during a flood when there was 10 feet of water covering the ground. We've even sold land on Christmas Eve. In every case, the seller had priced the land right and the buyer was ready, willing and able!

Have A Question about buying or selling land?
Then email it to us: leonrmiller@mindspring.com