You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression
You only get one chance at a first impression. Why do you think so many residential realtors stage houses? Why do people trim their hedges, cut the grass, paint, etc. before they put their home on the market? Why would selling your LAND be any different?
As a land professional for many years, I have looked at countless properties. Some properties have character and some just do not. Some properties are well managed, whereas others are not. A potential buyer’s first impression of your property is of huge importance. This is why a subdivision has a grand gated entrance. Land is no different. Frankly, if your land looks good, then it will most probably sell quicker and for more money.
Roads help sell your land. I have always been a huge believer in great roads. Roads serve so many purposes. Most importantly, we have found that if you cannot access the property, you cannot properly show the property. How will potential buyers see how beautiful a property is if they cannot get around the land?
Some of the many uses for roads:
- Access – ability to utilize land and enjoy
- Improved Timber Sales
- Linear Game Patches
- Shooting Lanes
- Firebreaks
- Grassy areas for nesting and bugging
- Creating an edge effect for wildlife
- Aesthetics
- Facilitate management of land
I could go on and on about roads, but you do need to be able to access your property to be able to use it efficiently. If you have to walk the property, you can’t get full utility of the land. With proper access, landowners can experience their property easily and with more frequency allowing for better use and enjoyment.
How to Make Your Land Stand Out and Have More Appeal!
- Mow your roads – wider roads are better.
- Cut limbs out of the road – stop encroachment.
- Have a nice entrance with a functional gate and room to get off the public road.
- Entrances should have a curve so you cannot see into your property.
- Have periodic game fields of 1 to 3 acres. Grassy areas make good cover for nesting and all wildlife utilize them. You do not have to plant the entire patch.
- Clean up your deer stands so they look inviting and you can see out of them
- Hunt clubs are notorious for destroying roads. Make sure there are no bog holes and the roads are smooth and passible.
- Pond edges should be cleared for easy access for fishing.
- Try not to have a dead-end road. This helps with flow and may serve as a firebreak if it connects to other roads.
- Delineate your property boundaries with flags or paint.
- Put metal posts with thick wall PVC pipe over posts at property corners.
- If you have a barn or shed, clean it up and make it orderly. Cut grass and bushes.
- If you have some grand oaks or special trees for aesthetics, clear around them.
- If you have a bluff or area with a great view, do what you can to enhance the experience.
- Prescribed burns significantly enhance the character of land. There are many additional benefits of burning that we may address in another article.
As you can see, there are many ways to improve aesthetics, and most are not expensive with huge impact. Not everything has to be done, but prioritize what you think will help make your investment stand out. You will also enjoy your property more with better access. Not only do these practices improve curb appeal, but you may find it enjoyable to implement. I see more wildlife from my tractor seat mowing roads, spreading seed, and maintaining fire breaks. You have a different vantage point from on the tractor, and wildlife often relate tractors with food and tend not to be so skittish as with vehicles and ATVs.
These practices will enhance the sale of your property. Your property will shine and be more marketable if you do these things. It is our goal to help landowners enjoy and get the most out of their land investment, whether you are a long-term owner or plan to sell soon. Let us know how we can help you!