How to Get Your Colorado Farm Ready to Sell
How to Get Your Colorado Farm Ready to Sell
Selling a farm takes time. Put time on your side. Start now to get your Colorado farm ready to sell next year. Fortunately for you, more buyers and investors search the real estate market during warmer months. Look to catch them during the Spring and Summer.
Interview Brokers
Find yourself a real estate broker who specializes in farm and ranch sales. Interview agents and assess who will be the broker you need. Who will give you honest information and put in the energy required for success? Ask questions. What about farms interests you? Are you from the area and familiar with my county? When did you start selling farms and ranches? Do you have references? May I talk to any of your clients? Do you have a team with specific expertise? Do you have other interests that dovetail with large land sales?
Gather Documents
When you decide on a broker, assist by gathering documents to establish an estimated value for your property. If you have not already organized the legal documents associated with your property and the agricultural records, do it now. Pull an updated title, the land survey, any plats, along with deeded and insurable access documents, and copies of easements. Dig out the water rights, grazing leases and third-party leases. Now pull out the financial statements including annual costs, expenses, and income.
Advice from your CPA
Talk with your CPA. You want to know the financial implications of selling your farm. How will it affect your national and state taxes? Essentially, estimating your income for next year, decide if this is the time to sell—or not. And understand why.
Work with your Broker
Now that you have professional assistance, get down to business. Create goals that will drive you towards a positive outcome. List the positive aspects of your farm property and know the vulnerabilities, such as water shortages. Delineate the rights, including water and mineral rights, grazing and other leases, and conservation easements. Record the recreational advantages of the property, such as hunting and fishing possibilities. Assign value to the assets. These may include animals, equipment, a farming business, buildings, and improvements.
Develop a marketing plan based on a realistic assessment of the real estate market in your town and county.
Execute the Marketing Plan
Now decide if you want to fix up the farm and to what degree. While estates often sell as-is, resident farmers still have a few months to paint, remove trash and rubble, check irrigation systems, and more.
When the right time rolls around, you and your broker will be ready to move full steam ahead.
Farm Brokers in Southern Colorado
Contact Cruickshank Realty, Inc. in Lamar, Colorado at (719) 336-7802. Broker/Owner Gene Cruikshank, also an Accredited Land Consultant, brings decades of experience in farm and ranch real estate transactions. Gene graduated with a B.S. degree in Agriculture from Colorado State University and continued studying agriculture and marketing. He mastered farming himself and served as a professional appraiser in land, minerals, and water. Gene will be happy to visit. Discuss the best options for your farm, including auctions. Gene holds licenses in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
The latest from Cruikshank Realty
Are property auctions on your horizon? If you’ve listed your house but feel stuck waiting for a buyer in a slow market, you’re not alone. High interest rates and sluggish demand can make it feel impossible to get out from under your property and get on with your life. But you don’t have to let the current housing climate stall your plans for retirement, a new job, or for moving closer to family. A Faster Path: Selling Homes at Property Auctions In southeastern Colorado, Realtors at Cruikshank Realty offer an alternative to the traditional home-selling process. The Lamar company includes experienced auctioneers. Rather than waiting weeks or months for the right buyer, ask an auctioneer to give you a set sale date and attract competitive bids. This method allows you to move forward faster. The approach can be especially appealing if you want to springboard into new opportunities without delay. Five Moves to Get Out of the Mud 1. Consider an Auction Sale An auction is a proactive way to sell your property quickly, especially in a slow market. Auctioneers can evaluate your situation and guide you through the process, helping you achieve a fair price and a swift closing. 2. Price Realistically and Competitively Work with local experts to set a price that matches current market conditions. Being realistic helps attract serious buyers, even when the market is slow. 3. Enhance Curb Appeal Make your home stand out by improving landscaping, repainting, and ensuring everything looks inviting. First impressions matter, and a fresh-looking home can generate more interest. 4. Market Aggressively Use every tool at your disposal: online listings, social media, open houses, and even local ads. The more exposure your property gets, the sooner you’ll find the right buyer or bidder. 5. Stay Flexible Be open to negotiation and willing to consider different terms, such as flexible closing dates or including appliances. Flexibility can help overcome buyer hesitations and speed up the process. Don’t Let Market Conditions Stall Your Plans Time is money. There’s a good chance you’ll benefit from a property auction. Whether you’re ready to retire, start a new job, or just want to move closer to your loved ones, there are ways to prevent a slow market from holding you back. Auctions, expert guidance, and a proactive selling strategy can help you sell your home quickly and be done with it—so you can focus on your next chapter. Contact the Auctioneers at Cruikshank Realty, Inc. If you’re considering selling your property in southeastern Colorado, reach out to Cruikshank Realty Auctioneers for an honest evaluation and personalized advice. They can help you understand your options and provide a springboard to the future, whatever it might be. Call Cruikshank Realty in Lamar, Colorado today at (719) 336-7802 .
Discover Farms for Sale in Lamar Colorado Opportunities for Family Homes Discover the farms for sale in Lamar or Prowers County properties in the southeastern corner of Colorado. You might find a simpler lifestyle between beautiful fields and farmland and our welcoming small towns. It is common to find small farms for sale in Colorado, giving new families the chance to start their own agricultural adventures. Or go all in for a larger farm in Cheraw or Holly! Holly CO Farming communities offer a peaceful way of life that can be especially appealing to families with young children. Known for their wide-open spaces, friendly neighbors, and opportunities to gain experience and grow, Lamar real estate provides the unique peaceful lifestyle that many families desire. If you are interested in moving to southeastern Colorado, explore Lamar homes and farm properties. Get the key to new possibilities for your family. Know Lamar’s Farming Communities Farming is a big part of everyday life in the Arkansas River Valley. If you visit a farming community near Lamar, you’ll notice that life moves at a slower pace. People wave as you drive by, and children play outside without worrying about busy streets. Many families own land or work in agriculture, growing crops like wheat, corn, and sorghum, or raising cattle. These communities often come together to help each other during planting and harvesting seasons, making it easy to feel like you are part of a big family. Options for Young Families Southern Colorado farming communities offer many opportunities for families with young children. Families can buy homes with plenty of space for children to run and play. Some families even own small farms themselves, where their kids can learn about animals, gardening, and responsibility. For starters, housing is usually more affordable compared to big cities. If you search for houses in Prowers County, you’ll find a variety of options, from cozy homes in town to properties with large yards and open land. Safety is another big advantage in Prowers County. With less traffic and fewer strangers, parents feel comfortable letting their children explore outside. Neighborhoods are close-knit, and people look out for each other. It’s common for neighbors to become lifelong friends, and for families to gather for picnics, barbecues, and local festivals. For parents who want their children to grow up surrounded by nature, Lamar is a wonderful choice. Kids can help plant gardens, ride horses, or fish in nearby lakes. There are also many community events, like county fairs and farmers’ markets, where families can meet others and learn more about local traditions. Learning and Growing Together Children in Lamar’s farming communities have the chance to learn important life skills from an early age. They can help with chores on the farm, such as feeding animals, planting seeds, or picking vegetables. These experiences teach responsibility, teamwork, and the value of demanding work. Parents say their kids become more independent and confident because of the firsthand learning they get every day. Schools in the area offer programs that focus on agriculture, science, and technology, preparing children for a variety of future careers. Many students get involved in 4-H clubs and Future Farmers of America, where they can learn about leadership and community service. These programs also give children the chance to compete in local contests and show their projects at fairs. Community Support and Activities Farming communities around Lamar are known for their staunch support systems. Churches, schools, community centers, and local organizations often organize events for families, such as pancake breakfasts, holiday celebrations, and sports tournaments. These activities help families bond and make new friends. Parents can also find support from other families who understand the joys and challenges of raising children in a rural setting. Schools also serve as important centers in these towns. Teachers know their students well, and parents are often involved in school activities. Small class sizes mean that children get more attention from teachers and can build strong friendships with their classmates. Local libraries, parks, and sports teams give kids plenty of chances to be active and learn new things after school. For families who are new to the area, neighbors are quick to offer help and advice. Whether you need a babysitter, someone to fix a fence, or just a friendly chat, you’ll find people who care in all of Lamar’s small towns. Why Explore Farms for Sale near Lamar If you’re looking for a safe, friendly place to raise your family, consider the farming communities around Lamar, Colorado. With affordable homes listed on Lamar, Co Real Estate, great schools, and plenty of opportunities for children to learn and grow, these towns offer a lifestyle that is both rewarding and fulfilling. Whether you are interested in small farms for sale in Lamar or searching for houses in Prowers County, you’ll find that families with young children can truly thrive in this unique part of Colorado. Ask our Family Farming Realtors Call (719) 336-7802 to speak to one of the Realtors at Cruikshank Realty . Or stop by our offices on Main Street in Lamar, Colorado. We know the schools, and farming life like the back of our hand. Try us and see!
The Pros and Cons of Land Auctions in Colorado An overview of land auctions in Colorado considers potential benefits and drawbacks. It all depends on the property and the owner’s situation. For sure, land auctions have become an increasingly popular method for buying and selling parcels in Colorado. Auctions offer a unique alternative to traditional real estate transactions. Nevertheless, although farm and ranch real estate auctions promise certain benefits, for some they also present notable risks and drawbacks. Below, we explore the most important pros and cons of land auctions in Colorado, presented in order of significance. Pros of Land Auctions in Colorado • Transparency and Fair Market Value Auctions encourage open bidding, allowing the true market value of property or land to emerge. Sellers and buyers alike can see competing offers. This transparency reduces the likelihood of hidden deals or under-the-table arrangements. • Speed and Efficiency Land auctions are typically faster than traditional real estate sales. The auction date is set in advance, providing certainty for both buyers and sellers. A defined time limit usually helps to get the transaction completed quickly. • Competitive Bidding The auction format can spark competitive bidding, which may drive up the sale price—beneficial for sellers. For buyers, there’s a chance to secure property at a fair price if demand is low, especially in less popular or rural areas. • Clear Terms and Conditions Auction properties typically sell with clear terms, reducing ambiguity about specifics in the sale and the timeline for closing. • Opportunities for Investment Auctions can offer unique land investment opportunities, including access to Colorado unadvertised farm and ranch properties. Land auctions may include Colorado properties previously unavailable on traditional markets. Cons of Land Auctions • Limited Due Diligence Time Buyers often have limited time to research properties before auction. At times, they may rush. Skipping the inspections and title searches, and other sleuthing around, does increase the risk of unforeseen issues. What problems may surface? How about zoning restrictions, liens, or environmental problems? • No Guarantee of Purchase Price For sellers, there is a risk the property will sell for less than expected if bidding is weak or if there are few interested buyers. Reserve prices can help, but not all auctions set a minimum bid. • Non-Refundable Deposits and Strict Terms Winning bidders often must pay a non-refundable deposit immediately and they need to adhere to strict payment timelines. Failure to comply can result in the loss of the deposit and the opportunity. • As-Is Sale Condition Auctioned land normally sells “as-is,” meaning buyers assume all risks. If problems surface later, buyers must accept responsibility. • Potential for Overpaying In the heat of competitive bidding, buyers might exceed their budgets, risking overpayment relative to true market value. Conclusion Land auctions in Colorado present both significant opportunities and serious challenges. The process can deliver speed, transparency, and the possibility of favorable deals for both buyers and sellers. However, the risks—especially those related to limited due diligence and the “as-is” nature of most auctions—make careful preparation and a clear understanding of auction terms are essential. For anyone considering buying or selling ag property at a Colorado auction, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. In fact, careful consideration of personal goals and resources is the key to a successful outcome. Colorado Auction Companies and Realtors We can better steer you to the best option after knowing your circumstances. Call Owner/Auctioneer Gene Cruikshank at (719) 336-7802 . Cruikshank Realty, Inc. offers complete real estate auction services and normal private treaty marketing. We provide expertise on farm and ranch properties. Our guiding principle has always been to respect all customers and clients and match them with the best real estate investment. Licensed in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
