Having been in the real estate business for 30+ years, I've seen the demand for rural land purchases increase significantly and being a great investment for clients.  If you are interested in purchachasing land in Texas, it is very important to seek the proffesional advice of an experienced land Realtor.  There are many variables with land purchases that are different than purchasing a home in the city.  From types of soil, to water & utilities, to minerals, plants, etc.,  there is a wealth of knowldege that a land Realtor can share and guide you on.

For a great reference on historical land prices & of the land market, check out this link and chart of Texas rural land pricing trends created by the Texas A&M Real Estate Center:  Texas A&M University Texas RE Center

Also, if you are not paying cash for your property or facilitating a 1031 like kind exchange, you will need to obtain financing.  It is a good idea to get pre-approved in this market! One of the best lenders for purchasing raw or undeveloped land is a member of the Farm Credit System.  It was established by congress in 1916 to create liquidity in the agricultural land market & provide buyers a better way of purchasing land.  Today the Farm Credit system is a nationwide network of 71 customer owned financial institutions, 11 of which are in Texas. These are great options when you are purchasing raw land or land with more than 15 acres. These lenders specialize in raw land and agricultural financing, including equipment or livestock loans, so they are familiar with the nuances of a farm or ranch purchases.  They will also have a number of resources at their disposal who are familiar with farm and ranch transactions.

Another good option is to obtain a quote for financing from a local bank in the arear where you plan on purchasing your new land property.  Many local institutions are familiar with the surrounding areas and are comfortable lending on land nearby.  They will typically have good working relationships with local realtors, surveyors and appraisers.

Big bank chains or online lenders are almost never a good option for purchasing raw or rural land. They simply have no expierance or do not allow loans on land over 10 acres.

Besides negotiating the offer on your behalf, a good agent will have access to multiple resources to help you determine if the land tract you like is the best choice for you.  From minerals, aquifers, flood zones, water wells, soil types, suveys, etc.  This will help you in searching for your property and help you not waste time and efforts.

If you are looking to list or sell your land in Texas, one of our Trinity Ranch Land realtors will be honored to assist you!  Visit us at www.trinityranchland.com or give us a call!