Tips for Selling Recreational Land in Vermont

Ever dreamed of owning a slice of Vermont's breathtaking landscape? You're not alone. The Green Mountain State's allure has captivated nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts for generations. But what if you're on the other side of the fence, looking to sell your piece of Vermont paradise?

Let's dive into the world of selling recreational land in Vermont, armed with some eye-opening facts and a heap of practical advice.

Vermont's Land Market: By the Numbers

Before we roll up our sleeves, let's take a quick look at what the data tells us. The USDA's 2017 Census of Agriculture paints an interesting picture of Vermont's land scene:

• Total farmland: 1,193,437 acres (that's about 1,807 square miles of green goodness)
• Average farm size: 175 acres (plenty of room for activities!)
• Average market value: $3,652 per acre

Now, these numbers might make your head spin, but here's the takeaway: Vermont's land market is diverse, valuable, and ripe with opportunity for savvy sellers.

The Vermont Vibe: More Than Just Pretty Scenery

Vermont isn't just about postcard-perfect landscapes (though we've got those in spades). It's a state where you can hike the Long Trail in the morning, hit up a farmers market for lunch, and catch a sunset over Lake Champlain in the evening. This unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm is what makes Vermont land so appealing to buyers.

But here's the kicker: selling land here isn't always a walk in the park (pun intended). The market can be as unpredictable as Vermont weather, and that's saying something!

Cracking the Code: Tips for Selling Your Vermont Land

1. Know What You've Got

First things first: take stock of your land's strengths. Does it have:

• A babbling brook perfect for fly fishing?
• Prime spots for viewing the fall foliage?
• Trails that would make a mountain biker drool?

Identifying these gems will help you market your property effectively. Remember, you're not just selling land; you're selling a lifestyle.

2. Do Your Homework

Before you plant that "For Sale" sign, roll up your sleeves and do some detective work:

• Get a proper survey done (trust us, boundary disputes are no fun)
• Check out the soil quality (potential buyers might have visions of organic farming dancing in their heads)
• Look into zoning laws (nothing crushes dreams faster than finding out you can't build that dream cabin)

Having this info at your fingertips will make you look like a pro and build trust with potential buyers.

3. Price It Right

Ah, the million-dollar question (hopefully not literally, unless you're selling a massive estate). Pricing land in Vermont can be trickier than navigating a covered bridge in a snowstorm. Do your research, check out comparable sales, and maybe chat with a local real estate pro. Remember, aim for the sweet spot – not so high that it scares folks off, but not so low that you're leaving money on the table.

4. Spread the Word

In today's digital age, you've got more tools at your disposal than a Swiss Army knife. Use 'em all:

• List on popular real estate websites
• Harness the power of social media (Facebook Marketplace can be surprisingly effective)
• Don't forget good old-fashioned newspaper ads (some folks still read those, especially in small Vermont towns)
• Network with local outdoor clubs (they might know someone looking for the perfect hunting grounds)

5. Picture Perfect

A picture's worth a thousand words, but in real estate, it might be worth thousands of dollars. Invest in quality photos that showcase your land's best features. And if you really want to wow potential buyers, consider drone footage. Nothing sells Vermont land like a bird's-eye view of those rolling hills and dense forests.

6. Timing Is Everything

In Vermont, seasons matter. Spring and fall? Prime time for land shopping. Winter? It might be slower, but don't count it out – there's something magical about land blanketed in snow. Summer? Great for showcasing recreational potential. Play to each season's strengths in your marketing.

7. Keep It Real

Found a sinkhole on your property? Neighbor's planning to build a wind farm next door? Don't sweep it under the rug. Being upfront about challenges builds trust and can prevent headaches down the road. Plus, what you see as a flaw, someone else might see as a feature. (Sinkhole? More like natural swimming hole!)

8. Think Outside the Box

If traditional methods aren't cutting it, get creative:

• Consider seller financing (it could open doors for buyers who don't qualify for conventional loans)
• Look into conservation easements (you might attract environmentally-conscious buyers)
• Explore auction options (sometimes a little urgency can light a fire under potential buyers)

9. Highlight the Local Flavor

Selling land in Vermont isn't just about the property – it's about the community. Is your land near a charming town with great maple syrup? A stone's throw from world-class ski slopes? Don't be shy about mentioning these perks. You're not just selling land; you're selling a slice of Vermont life.

10. Patience Is a Virtue

Here's the truth: selling land often takes longer than selling houses. We're talking months, sometimes years. Don't get discouraged. The right buyer is out there, probably dreaming about owning a piece of Vermont as we speak.

11. Consider Calling in the Pros

While going solo is doable, sometimes it pays to bring in reinforcements. Real estate agents who specialize in land sales know the local market inside and out. They can help you navigate the trickier aspects of land sales and might have a rolodex full of potential buyers.

The Land Boss Option

Now, if all this sounds like more work than you bargained for, there's another route to consider. At Land Boss, we've been in the land game for five years, with over 100 transactions under our belt. We buy land directly, offering cash deals that can save you the hassle of marketing, negotiations, and lengthy wait times.

Final Thoughts

Selling recreational land in Vermont is part science, part art, and a whole lot of patience. But with the right approach and a dash of Vermont ingenuity, you can turn that "For Sale" sign into a "Sold" one.

Remember, whether you're showcasing a hunter's paradise in the Northeast Kingdom or a skier's dream plot near Stowe, you're not just selling land – you're selling the Vermont dream. And trust us, that's a pretty easy sell.

‍