Land Selling Checklist

This flyer from Whitaker Marketing Group outlines essential documents for selling farmland. It emphasizes their importance for valuation and closing, although not all are required initially. Categories include basic property details (total acres, location, ownership history), FSA documents (like FSA-156EZ, FSA-578), crop insurance records, yield data, soil tests, irrigation details, and more. Each category offers […]

Frequently Asked Questions about Farmland

Frequently asked questions about selling farmland

Welcome to our exclusive video series featuring David Whitaker, a distinguished real estate broker specializing in Iowa farmland. In this collection, David addresses the most frequently asked questions about buying, selling, and investing in farmland. As you explore each video, you’ll gain practical insight directly from an experienced professional. Additionally, if you’d like a full […]

What are the different types of auctions?

Graphic with the words 'Top 50 Questions About Farmland' over a green cornfield with blue sky in the background.

Top 50 Questions about Farmland At Whitaker Marketing Group, we provide a wide range of auction formats tailored to meet the needs of both sellers and buyers. Each method is designed to increase engagement and produce the strongest results for your property. Additionally, offering multiple formats ensures every farm and every seller has the right […]

What is ALC?

Graphic displaying the text “Top 50 Questions About Farmland” over a background of a lush green cornfield under a blue sky.

Top 50 Questions about Farmland ALC stands for Accredited Land Consultant, a prestigious designation awarded by the Realtors Land Institute (RLI) to professionals who demonstrate expertise and experience in land transactions. It is a mark of excellence in the farmland and real estate industry. What Does the ALC Designation Represent? Education: ALC designees complete advanced […]

What is a closing disclosure?

Graphic with the words 'Top 50 Questions About Farmland' over a green cornfield with blue sky in the background.

Top 50 Questions about Farmland A Closing Disclosure is a detailed document that itemizes all fees, costs, and financial details for a farmland transaction. It ensures transparency by breaking down expenses for both the buyer and the seller. What’s Included in a Closing Disclosure? Buyer and Seller Sections: Both sides start with the same total […]

What happens after the auction?

Graphic with the words 'Top 50 Questions About Farmland' over a green cornfield with blue sky in the background.

Top 50 Questions about Farmland Once your farmland auction ends and the winning bidder is confirmed, several important steps begin to finalize the transaction and ensure a smooth, organized closing. 1. Signing the Purchase Agreement Right after the auction concludes, the seller and buyer meet to sign the purchase agreement. This step sets the terms […]

What do I have to pay for taxes?

Graphic with the words 'Top 50 Questions About Farmland' over a green cornfield with blue sky in the background.

Top 50 Questions about Farmland When you sell farmland, you’ll navigate three primary types of taxes. Understanding how each tax works helps you plan ahead, meet your obligations, and protect the value of your sale. 1. Property Taxes Timing: In Iowa, property taxes run a year in arrears, so you pay this year for last […]

Do you cash the check right away?

Graphic with the words 'Top 50 Questions About Farmland' over a green cornfield with blue sky in the background.

Top 50 Questions about Farmland No, the earnest money check does not get cashed immediately. Instead, the transaction follows a clear process that complies with Iowa Real Estate Commission rules. These rules require the check to be deposited into a trust account within five days, ensuring transparency and security. How the Process Works Post-Auction Communication: […]

Do you need an Attorney?

Graphic with the words 'Top 50 Questions About Farmland' over a green cornfield with blue sky in the background.

Top 50 Questions about Farmland Yes, utilizing an attorney is highly recommended when selling farmland. At Whitaker Marketing Group, we work closely with attorneys to ensure smooth and efficient closings while addressing the unique complexities of farmland transactions. Why an Attorney is Important Addressing Legal Complexities: Encumbrances: Handling debts or liens on the property. Encroachments: […]

How long does an auction take?

Graphic with the words 'Top 50 Questions About Farmland' over a green cornfield with blue sky in the background.

Top 50 Questions about Farmland The duration of a farmland auction depends on factors like the number of tracts being sold and the type of auction. On average, most farmland auctions take about 1 hour to complete. Factors Affecting Auction Duration Number of Tracts: Each tract typically takes about 30 minutes to auction. Larger farms […]