If your hunting lease has ended or you’re just tired of fighting for a spot on public land, it may be time to find a place of your own. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Our team of land specialists is ready to help you find your dream property.

We’re looking forward to getting to know you and helping you find exactly what you’re looking for. Here are some questions to ask yourself before we get started. 

What’s My Budget?

Whether you are financing the land or paying cash, we need to know your price range. Once we have that in mind, we can find the best options in your market.

But before looking at land, shop around the financial institutions. There are many lenders for recreational land these days, but terms can vary greatly and will be based largely on your financial history and the property itself. So the earlier you can start the process, the sooner you’ll know what to expect. Plus, our experienced team can help you navigate the details.

And remember, the actual cost of a property may not be reflected in the asking price. Negotiation is a possibility, and many properties, whether it’s through farming, timber or CRP programs, can provide consistent cash flow in the long term that will help to balance the expenses. We will help you get the most out of your land and your budget.

Will I Build?

An intent to build can affect the parameters of a search for the perfect piece of hunting land. We will need to confirm that the raw land has a building site, road system and utility access. If the seller has not drilled a well, gotten a “perc” test for the septic system or a land survey/slope analysis, these steps can take time. Get these items checked off the list before you close on the property, so you can hit the ground running once you’ve signed the dotted line.

Sellers can be unclear about what needs to be done to the land and what the building process requires. But our land agents are experts in the analysis and approval process and will guide you through the necessary steps to protect your purchase and ensure every aspect of your dream property comes true.

What Are My “Must-Haves?”

It’s important to know the the top priorities and qualities of the land you’re seeking. Setting the standard early will help narrow down the number of properties you’ll spend time visiting, as well as help to gauge which of your “must-haves” will fit within your budget. Maybe you’ve been hoping for a beautiful view and access to a lake, but having established food plots is also a must. One thing may end up being more important to you than the others. Here are some things to consider when prioritizing land features:

Habitat

Is the habitat and deer herd currently being managed, and do those management methods align with yours? If the answer is no, can they be easily altered? Do you have the equipment, time and knowledge to implement large habitat restoration projects? It’s important to decide beforehand, in order to prevent overcommitting financially.

Recreational use

Hunting may be a primary motivator for buying land, but are there other activities that are also important to you? Fishing? A small-scale farm or livestock operation? Run through all the options and decide what sits highest on the list. Then make sure your objectives are clearly communicated to your Whitetail Properties land specialist.

Location

Set some parameters around the search area you’d prefer. There may be an area with more appealing amenities or terrain that others. Proximity to your primary residence may also be an important factor to consider. How far are you willing travel to visit the land? Decide on a distance that you are comfortable with driving. For what it’s worth, less time in the car and more time in the woods is a feature land buyers sometimes overlook.

Like anything else in life, you hire a specialist to help with important decisions, and purchasing land is a big deal. We are honored to be able to guide you through this exciting time. Our team covers more than 20 states and is made up of many of the finest land managers and market analysts in the rural real estate industry. We are just like you. We love to hunt. We love the land. We know the land.

We strive to make smart investments that benefit our families in order to cement financial stability. And we know hunting land is an awesome place to invest. No stock certificate or mutual fund allows you to hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle - while appreciating in value - like a land investment can.