Maximizing the Value of Your Rural Property Before Selling

Travis Owen
Missouri Land Specialist

Selling rural property is more than just putting up a “For Sale” sign. Whether it’s tillable land, recreational property, or a rural homestead, maximizing your property’s value before listing it can significantly impact the final sale price and speed of the transaction. Here are key strategies to ensure you get the best return on your investment.

1. Enhance Curb Appeal and First Impressions

First impressions matter, even in rural real estate. Buyers are looking for well-maintained properties that reflect care and attention.

• Clean up the property – Mow the grass, trim overgrown trees, and clear away debris such as partially fallen in buildings, grandpas collection of 9000 feed sacks, that antique farm equipment nobody has moved in 50 years, and anything else that has gone on the list of things I’ve been meaning to get to. I feel for you strongly if you had a similar experience growing up. I was fortunate enough to meet my grandparents on both sides and my great grandma who all grew up through the great depression. If you’ve had the misfortune of having to say goodbye to them and clean the place up it can be very hard to see things that bring up tough memories, or it can be very frustrating (Why did grandpa have a closet full of clothes when he only wore one greasy shirt?!) There are ways around some of this though such as estate auctions, or hiring scrap crews to take off broken down equipment or antiquated grain bins.
• Improve access points – Grade gravel roads, repair gates, and ensure driveways are in good condition. Your access point is the first thing a buyer sees when coming to look at the farm do not let the access be in disarray. Even taking a blade to the road a few times may do the trick without adding any material.
• Update fencing – If your property has fencing, repairing or replacing damaged sections can be a strong selling point for buyers needing livestock or hunting boundaries.

2. Highlight Key Land Features

Land buyers want to know the potential of the property they’re purchasing.

• Tillable Land – Test soil quality and share reports if possible. Well-maintained fields with proven productivity are highly attractive. A 156EZ form is recommended to show data recorded on the federal level.
• Recreational Land – Improve food plots, create ATV trails, or enhance water sources like ponds or streams to showcase the property’s full potential. Wildlife photos kept in a file on your computer are worth their weight in gold. Being able to show 5 or 10 years of what wildlife is on the property will give a prospective buyer a feeling of assurance of what they are purchasing.
• Rural Residential Properties – Stage outdoor spaces like porches or barns to create a warm, inviting feel.

3. Improve Infrastructure and Utilities

Infrastructure can be a major selling point, especially for rural properties.

• Electric and Water Access – Ensure all utilities are in working order. If your property has a well or septic system, consider a professional inspection.
• High-Speed Internet – Rural buyers increasingly prioritize internet access. If fiber optic or Starlink is available, make sure to mention it in the listing.
• Outbuildings and Barns – Clean out unnecessary clutter and make minor repairs to showcase their functionality.

4. Provide Hunting or Farming Lease Opportunities

If the land is already generating income, this can be a huge selling point for investors or recreational buyers.

• Hunting Leases – Outline any agreements in place or potential for leasing out hunting rights.
• Cash Rent for Farming – If the land is leased for crops, provide income history and lease details to attract buyers looking for passive income opportunities.

5. Professional Photography and Marketing

High-quality visuals can make all the difference in attracting the right buyer.

• Drone Photography – Aerial shots provide a full view of the property, showcasing its layout and key features.
• Twilight or Seasonal Photos – Highlight different aspects of the land, such as spring crops or fall timber landscapes.
• Video Walkthroughs – Virtual tours or narrated property walkthroughs can engage buyers before they even step foot on-site.

6. Work with a Land Specialist

Having an agent who specializes in rural real estate ensures that your property is marketed to the right audience and priced competitively. A land specialist understands the unique aspects of rural properties, from soil values to hunting leases, and can position your property to sell at its highest potential.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your rural property for sale takes effort, but the results are well worth it. By enhancing curb appeal, improving infrastructure, and leveraging professional marketing, you can maximize your property’s value and attract serious buyers. Whether selling a farm, recreational land, or a homestead, these steps will help you secure the best possible deal.

If you’re considering selling your rural property and want expert guidance, reach out to a trusted land specialist who can help you navigate the process successfully.

Do you want to learn more?

Learn how maximizing the value of your rural property before selling can be done by reaching out to a local High Point Land Company agent. For more questions visit our YouTube Knowledge Center.

Travis was born and raised just outside of Middletown, Missouri. He spent his childhood in the outdoors, hunting and working on the family farm. After graduation, he hit the road as a pipefitter, hunting from state to state on his days off. In 2021, Travis moved back to Missouri and purchased his first piece of land with his wife in Lincoln County, MO. During the off-season, he enjoys improving the habitat for local wildlife. He has extensive knowledge of timber stand improvement, invasive species removal, and utilizing fire as a land management tool. Travis has a wealth of outdoor knowledge, from hunting and farming to dirt work. He is passionate about helping others succeed, no matter their goals. Whether you need assistance setting up a property for more efficient hunting, increasing encounters with target game species, solving erosion problems through soil conservation, or making land improvements, Travis is eager to help. If you are interesting in selling your farmland, call Travis at (573) 470-8776 or email him at travis@highpointlandcompany.com