The trend recently in the residential real estate market has been towards low, set fee brokerages such as Red Fin. Sellers have begun to push back against paying commissions based on percentages of the selling price. Sellers are not seeing as much value in working with brokers. Much of this is due to a large number of brokers going for the easy money and not providing much in return. No one can blame a seller for feeling cheated if they paid a $10,000 commission and all the broker did was put the seller’s property in the local MLS. However, there are excellent brokers out there who do far more and earn every penny of their commission.
This becomes even more evident in land brokerage. Land deals can be very complex and are full of possible pitfalls for both parties. If you are selling your land, farm, or ranch, or maybe thinking about buying a ranch or some land, make sure you enlist the services of a good reputable land broker.
Your needs will vary from state to state and all states have different factors and laws that impact land transfers and land usage. Below I have listed factors that your broker should be experienced in and have knowledge of:
Real Estate Contracts
Water Rights
Easements
Forest Service Permits
Bureau of Land Management Regulations
Mineral Rights
Wind Rights
Boundary Disputes
Riparian Law
Grazing Permits
Leases
Surveys
Title Commitments
Well Permits
Oil & Gas Leases
Conservation Easements
Highest & Best Use Determination
Wildlife Management
Ranch Management
Farm Management
A broker who is knowledgeable in most of these areas and others will be invaluable. You just never know what will be encountered in a land deal and a land broker has seen a good many scenarios while working on previous land deals. Brokers will not catch everything but they can save you a lot of time, money and headaches.
When you begin your search for a land broker, talk to several. Find out what their background and experience is. Absolutely do not just flip open the local listing magazine and call the broker with the most listings without doing any due diligence.
Best of luck and if you are looking for a broker, give us a call. We can refer you to some of the best brokers across the nation. (970)389-3010 Land Unlimited
