Why a Land Specialist is Your Best Bet for Selling Recreational Property
When it comes to selling property, most people automatically think of a real estate agent. While a general real estate agent is perfectly capable of handling the sale of a typical home or residential lot, if you’re looking to sell recreational land—think hunting acreage, woods, waterfront lots, or rural retreats—you might be leaving money on the table by not choosing a land specialist.
Here in northwest Wisconsin, recreational property is a unique beast. It requires a different set of knowledge, marketing strategies, and buyer connections. Here’s why opting for a land specialist over a general real estate agent is a smarter move for your recreational property sale:
1. Specialized Knowledge and Expertise
A general real estate agent’s expertise lies in residential markets, property values based on comps of houses, and urban amenities. A land specialist, on the other hand, lives and breathes land. We understand:
Timber Value: We can help assess the value of standing timber, which can be a significant asset on many recreational properties.
Wildlife Management: Knowledge of deer populations, turkey habitats, and other wildlife can be a major selling point for hunters. The use of trail cam photos as an additional marketing tool can be huge!
Water Rights & Access: Understanding the lake and pond access is crucial for waterfront properties.
Topography & Soil: We can articulate the benefits of varied terrain, soil types for food plots, or suitable building sites.
Easements & Zoning: Land specialists are usually well versed in conservation easements, and access rights that can impact land value.
This specialized knowledge allows us to accurately price your property, highlighting its unique features and maximizing its appeal to the right buyers. Many of these important attributes go unnoticed with a real estate agent, and they absolutely affect the value of your property.
2. Targeted Marketing Strategies
Selling a house involves open houses, MLS listings, and local flyers. Selling recreational land requires a more focused approach. Land specialists typically have:
Niche Market Access: We market directly to buyers who are actively seeking recreational properties, often through specialized land listing websites, social media, and dedicated land-buyer networks.
Understanding of Buyer Motivations: We know that buyers of recreational land aren’t just looking for a place to live; they’re looking for an experience – hunting, fishing, ATV riding, or simply escaping to nature.
Visual Storytelling: They understand the importance of high-quality aerial photography, drone footage, and even videos showcasing the property’s recreational features (e.g., a deer trail, a fishing spot, or a scenic overlook).
We don’t just list your property; we tell its story to the right audience- often walking the property with a potential buyer and pointing out what makes your ground so unique.
3. Understanding of Land Values
Residential real estate relies heavily on comparable sales of similar homes in the area. Land valuation is far more nuanced. A land specialist considers factors like:
Acreage and Shape: The size and configuration of the land.
Access and Road Frontage: Ease of access is critical.
Water Features: Lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams significantly impact value.
Timber Quality and Quantity: If timber is present, its market value.
Wildlife Potential: The quality of hunting or wildlife viewing.
Recreational Amenities: Trails, cabins, food plots, etc.
Our in-depth understanding of these factors ensures your property is priced competitively and accurately, preventing undervaluation or overvaluation that can deter potential buyers. Additionally, general real estate agents have a network of residential buyers. Land specialists, however, have usually cultivated relationships with individuals and groups specifically interested in land.
4. Navigating Complex Transactions
Selling land can involve unique legal and logistical considerations that a general agent might not be familiar with, such as:
Surveying Needs: Understanding when and what type of survey is necessary.
Mineral Rights: Knowledge of how mineral rights impact the sale.
Easements and Access Agreements: Handling complex access issues.
Timber Contracts: If timber is being sold separately or as part of the land.
Government Programs: Awareness of programs like CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) that can add value.
A land specialist is equipped to guide you through these intricacies, ensuring a smooth and compliant transaction.
Don’t Just List Your Recreational Property, Sell It with a Specialist
While any real estate agent can list a property, selling recreational land requires a unique understanding that most agents simply don’t possess. As a long-time whitetail outfitter in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, I’ve spent thousands of hours in the woods, learning what makes a property truly exceptional for wildlife.
I understand how to identify properties with the ideal forage, water sources, and topography that are essential for holding wildlife. This isn’t just about acreage; it’s about recognizing the hidden value in a property that signals its potential as prime hunting ground. This expertise allows me to build value in your property beyond its size, which is crucial for successful marketing.
At Coulee Land Company, our focused expertise, targeted marketing, accurate valuation skills, and specialized network are invaluable assets. These specialized resources can lead to a quicker sale and a better return on your investment.
If you’re considering selling your recreational land anywhere in northwest Wisconsin, don’t just choose an agent – choose a specialist who truly understands the value of your parcel.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Scott Kirkpatrick Coulee Land Company 715-500-5396 [email protected]