Ask Allen #7

New York Land for Sale Brings Recreational Properties to Lovers of the Outdoors

From the Adirondacks to the Finger Lakes region, and all the way down to the Southern Tier, an abundance of recreational opportunities can be found across New York State. This attracts avid outdoors lovers seeking the perfect piece of recreational land to call their own. And while selling to this type of buyer may sound like an easy task, property owners are learning that more goes into a sale than relying on the natural wonders of the great outdoors.

“Recreational property buyers consider several factors that sellers need to be aware of,” says Allen Olmsted of New York Land for Sale by Canaan Realty, a premier brokerage for land sales. “And these things influence the outcome of the sale.”

The Many Uses of Recreational Land

Hunting and fishing are often top of mind when it comes to the activities possible on a recreational piece of land. But according to Allen, there are many other reasons why buyers seek out this type of property, such as hiking, camping, snowmobiling, skiing, and boating.  “A lot of times, we see families or groups of friends seeking out recreational land for a getaway in the woods,” says Allen. “Whether they want to hunt or use their RVs, buyers need to know the characteristics of the land to determine if that property will serve their desires.”

Sellers must take an accurate inventory of several characteristics when putting land on the market. For instance, the property’s location and physical composition are key, as the presence of water sources, hillsides, fields, and more dictate potential use of the property. Acreage, the types of wildlife, and other unique qualities can also influence the type of buyer interested in a plot of land.  “The nicest type of recreational property to consider has a cabin or established structure in place,” says Allen. “It should also have clear trails, well-defined boundaries, and maybe even roadways. Easy accessibility enhances the property’s marketability and makes it easier for buyers to view.”

Special Considerations for Hunting and Fishing

 While a property’s physical composition makes clear which kinds of recreational activities can be enjoyed, hunters and anglers have more to consider. For one, buyers need to know which types of hunting and fishing are permitted on the land, as well as which firearms and other hunting gear can be used.

“There are areas where you can only hunt with bows, and there are areas that can be hunted with everything – crossbows, rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders,” says Allen. “Different areas dictate what can be hunted or fished, from whitetail deer, rabbits, and bears to salmon and trout. Daily limits are also a consideration.”

Hunters and anglers will also be curious about the concentration of their desired wildlife population, such as game birds and waterfowl, in any given area. And for the property to be especially appealing to hunters, it must have a reliable source of food and water to support the herds they’re after. “If the buyer wants to hunt whitetail deer, does the property have enough bushes, nuts, and other food sources that the deer can readily find and survive on?” says Allen. “Are there grass fields and a viable habitat for the species? These are questions buyers need answered upfront.”

Allen also mentions that buyers reach out to him regarding glamping, as well as the specific factors associated with that particular type of land purchase. Glamping refers to resort-style services offered to people interested in an experience more “glamorous” than traditional rural camping.

Rely on Allen

Whether an individual is interested in buying or selling a recreational property, it’s vital to work with an expert like Allen. With over 108,000 acres and $200,000,000 in total sales, he knows what it takes to match the perfect buyer to the right piece of land.

“It’s important they find a professional that understands the unique characteristics of each property,”  says Allen,” and how it compares to other similar properties.”

For more information, watch the Ask Allen video series for additional insights or contact New York Land for Sale by Canaan Realty today. If you have additional questions about the land market, let Allen know what you’d like to hear him vlog about next by sending an email to [email protected].