Do you own farmland in Iowa but only want to sell part of it? The good news is that you can often sell some acres while keeping the rest.
For example, you may own 160 acres but only want to sell 80. You might also want to keep your home and buildings while selling the farmland around them.
Before you sell, there are a few things to consider. These include property boundaries, surveys, road access, and county rules.
Can I Sell Just a Few Acres of My Iowa Farm?
Yes, you can often sell a portion of your Iowa farmland without selling the entire property.
For example, you could sell 40 acres from an 80-acre farm. You could also sell the tillable ground while keeping the pasture or building site.
However, you need to make sure the new property boundaries meet local requirements. Some divisions may require a survey or county approval.
Talking with a farmland real estate broker can help you understand your options.
Do I Need a Survey to Sell Part of My Farm?
In many cases, you will need a survey before selling part of your farmland.
A survey shows the exact boundaries of the land being sold. It also helps create a legal description for the new parcel.
For example, if you want to sell 30 acres from a larger farm, a surveyor can identify where those 30 acres begin and end.
However, not every sale requires a new survey. The requirements depend on the property and local rules.
Can I Make More Money by Selling My Farm in Smaller Tracts?
Sometimes, dividing farmland into smaller tracts can bring a higher total selling price.
For example, a 240-acre farm may be too expensive for some buyers. However, if the farm is divided into three 80-acre tracts, more buyers may be able to participate.
In addition, neighboring farmers may only want certain parts of the property.
As a result, offering smaller tracts can create more competition among buyers.
However, dividing a farm does not always increase its value. Soil quality, location, field layout, and access all play a role.
Can I Sell My Farmland in Multiple Tracts at Auction?
Yes. A multi-tract auction allows buyers to bid on different parts of a farm.
Depending on the auction format, buyers may be able to purchase one tract, several tracts, or the entire farm.
For example, one farmer may want 40 acres next to their current operation. Another buyer may want the entire 160 acres.
By offering different buying options, an auction may attract more interested buyers.
At Whitaker Marketing Group, we review each property before recommending how to divide it for an auction.
What If the Farmland I Want to Sell Has No Road Access?
Road access is an important part of selling farmland.
If the land does not touch a public road, the buyer may need an access easement.
An easement gives someone the legal right to use part of another property for a specific purpose, such as reaching their farmland.
Without legal access, some buyers may be less interested in the property.
Therefore, it’s important to review access before dividing your farm. You should also make sure the land you plan to keep will still have proper access.
Can I Keep My House and Buildings but Sell the Farmland?
Yes. Many Iowa landowners choose to keep their home and buildings while selling the surrounding farmland.
For example, you may own 120 acres with a farmhouse and several outbuildings.
You could keep 10 acres around your home and sell the other 110 acres.
This can be a good option if you want to stay in your home but no longer want to own or manage the farmland.
However, you should review the driveway, utilities, wells, and property boundaries before selling.
Should I Sell Part of My Farm or All of It?
The best choice depends on your goals.
If you need money but want to keep some farmland, selling a portion may be a good option.
On the other hand, selling the entire farm may make more sense if you’re retiring or settling an estate.
You should also consider how dividing the farm could affect the value of the remaining acres.
Before making a decision, getting a farmland valuation can help you compare your options.
How Do I Get Started Selling Part of My Iowa Farm?
The first step is to decide which acres you want to sell and which acres you want to keep.
Next, review the property’s boundaries, road access, and any existing leases.
Then, talk with a farmland real estate broker about the property’s value and your selling options.
At Whitaker Marketing Group, we help Iowa landowners sell farmland through auctions, traditional listings, and sealed bids.
Whether you want to sell 40 acres or divide a larger farm into several tracts, we can help you develop a plan.
Thinking about selling part of your Iowa farmland?
Contact Whitaker Marketing Group for a farmland valuation and learn more about your options.
