What Costs Surprise First-Time Farmland Buyers?
Buying farmland involves more than paying the purchase price. First-time farmland buyers can be surprised by costs such as loan interest, closing expenses, property taxes, insurance, drainage and tile repairs, surveys, legal fees, conservation work, and ongoing property improvements. Some of these costs occur at closing. Others may not appear until months or years after […]
Can I Buy Farmland With Someone Else?
Yes, you can buy farmland with another person. In fact, spouses, family members, business partners, farmers, and investors often purchase land together. Buying farmland with someone else can make a larger purchase possible. For example, buyers can combine their down payments, borrowing power, and other resources. However, buying the farm is only the first step. […]
Can the Closing Date Be Changed on an Iowa Farmland Sale?
Yes, the closing date on an Iowa farmland sale can often be changed if the buyer and seller both agree. However, the closing date is part of the purchase agreement. Therefore, one party generally should not assume they can simply move the date on their own. If the closing date needs to change, the buyer, […]
Who Maintains an Access Easement on Iowa Farmland?
Who maintains an access easement on Iowa farmland depends first on what the easement agreement says. If the document does not clearly assign maintenance responsibility, Iowa law may place responsibility on the party benefiting from and using the easement, depending on the circumstances. That is why landowners should review the recorded easement rather than assume […]
Can Tillable Acres Change on a Farm?
Yes, the number of tillable acres on an Iowa farm can change over time. Acres may be added or removed from crop production because of drainage improvements, conservation programs, waterways, terraces, field boundaries, development, erosion, tree removal, or changes in how the land is farmed. That is why the advertised total acres and tillable acres […]
One Large Farm or Several Small Farms: Which Is Better?
One large farm may be better for buyers who value efficiency, scale, and easier management, while several smaller farms may be better for investors who want diversification, flexibility, and exposure to multiple locations. Neither strategy is automatically better. The right choice depends on your goals, budget, risk tolerance, and how you plan to use the […]
How to Compare Farmland in Two Different Counties
To compare farmland across two counties, evaluate five key factors: soil productivity ratings, recent sale prices, property tax rates, access to utilities and infrastructure, and crop yield history. USDA soil surveys, county assessor records, and experienced land brokers provide the data you need to make a confident, informed investment decision. Buying farmland is a major […]
How Quickly Can You Close on Farmland?
The average farmland closing takes about 45 days after the purchase agreement is signed. However, the exact timeline depends on financing, title work, appraisals, and other details of the transaction. Some farmland sales can close sooner. Others may take longer if title issues, financing delays, or other complications arise. Timing can be important when selling […]
How to Tell If a Farm Has Problems Before You Buy
To tell if a farm has problems, inspect soil quality, drainage, fencing, infrastructure, and review property records before purchasing. Look for signs like standing water, compacted soil, structural damage, or missing documentation. Catching these issues early can save buyers thousands of dollars in repairs and lost productivity. Buying farmland is one of the most significant […]
What Is Prime Farmland? A Guide for Land Buyers and Sellers
Prime farmland, as defined by the USDA, is land with the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, fiber, and forage crops. It features adequate moisture, fertile soil, good drainage, and minimal flooding risk—making it the most productive and valuable category of agricultural land. Farmland is not created equal. Some parcels […]