Does It Matter What Time of Year I List My Farm?
Ethan Stubbs
Iowa Land Specialist
As a land agent selling farms across the state of Iowa, one of the most common questions I hear from prospective sellers is:
“When’s the best time to sell my farm?”
It’s a valid question, and one that plays a major role in the planning process of any land sale. On the surface, timing may seem as simple as waiting until the grass is green and the sun is shining. But in reality, there’s more to a successful sale than just good weather and pretty pictures. It comes down to strategy, market awareness, and how your listing is positioned in front of the right buyers.
Looks Matter… But So Does Strategy
A visually appealing farm listing absolutely draws attention. Green pastures, golden hour lighting, changing fall leaves, all of these elements help highlight a property’s beauty and can make a strong first impression online. But while a good-looking farm helps, a successful sale requires more than just aesthetics.
At High Point Land Company, we go well beyond the basics. Our team works long hours, often outside the standard 9-to-5, to capture the best lighting and conditions possible. Why? Because first-class photography and video marketing attract buyers from all walks of life, many of whom are coming from hundreds of miles away. Our goal is to create a listing that answers questions before they’re even asked and presents your property in the best possible light, no matter the season.
Understanding the Market: When Are Buyers Looking?
Trying to time the market perfectly is nearly impossible. The real estate market is always moving – influenced by everything from commodity prices to interest rates. Instead of chasing a perfect window, it’s more effective to partner with an agent who knows how to:
- Maximize exposure across multiple platforms
- Tap into a wide pool of buyers
- Leverage strong local and regional relationships
That said, we do see seasonal trends.
For example, early summer often brings an uptick in land buyer activity. Farmers are out of the fields and beginning to think about next year’s acreage. Many are meeting with accountants or financial advisors and evaluating their land holdings, making it a prime time to add or subtract acres from an operation.
When Should You List Hunting Land?
If you’re selling a recreational or hunting property, spring through early fall can be ideal. The “leaf-on” look helps show a farm’s true potential, including how much bedding, cover, and browse is available to wildlife. A buyer can walk the farm and easily visualize deer movement, stand setups, and food plot opportunities.
So… When Should You List?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The “best time” to list will always be up for debate. What we believe, and what we’ve proven, is that the best results come from pairing great timing with great execution.
That means working with a land agent who:
- Knows the local and regional market
- Understands what today’s buyers are looking for
- Has the tools to present your property at a high level
Final Thoughts
Timing matters, but the right agent matters more. Whether your farm is green and blooming, or bare ground in the off-season, the right strategy, presentation, and network can lead to a successful sale in any month of the year.
If you’re considering selling, let’s talk. I’d be glad to walk through timing, market trends, and how we’d build a custom marketing plan around your farm.
Do you want to learn more?
If you’re considering buying, selling, or managing land, reach out to a local High Point Land Company Agent. For more questions visit our YouTube Knowledge Center.
Growing up in Northeast Iowa, Ethan grew a passion for chasing whitetail deer and wild turkeys at a young age. Deciding to turn this passion into a career, Ethan traveled all over the world capturing hunts with a camera. Fast forward to today, Ethan has continued his passion outdoors and will continue to work in the outdoor space selling farms in Iowa. If you are interested in selling your farmland, call Ethan at (608) 306-1788 or email him at ethan@highpointlandcompany.com