TIMING is one of the most important factors when you are considering bringing your land to the market. You want the presentation of your farm to be as close to perfect as possible, so if the country experiences a very wet winter – as happened in the one gone by – it may take longer to get your farm to that desired presentation.

The spring season, which is beginning to kick off, will run through until June or July. National agents are reporting a slow start, with a huge portion of the country still suffering due to the disastrous flooding that put much of the land around the country, particularly in the mid-west, under water in the latter part of 2015 and into January of this year. Traditionally, the market will begin to get busy after St Patrick’s Day, when the days are drier and longer and the countryside looks its best.

First impressions last and in many cases, simple practices around the farm will ensure that the place leaves a lasting impression on any potential buyer. In most cases, a few simple improvements to lift the general appearance of the property will go a long way. It may cost a couple of thousand euros, but will be worth the expense when the land makes the best price it deserves.

Keep in mind that many people may drive past your property to decide whether or not they would like to view the place with an agent. It may well be just one in a very long list of properties a buyer will see, so it’s crucial that they see it in the best possible light. The more desirable your property appears, the better your sale price is likely to be.

PRESENTATION

Here are some straightforward ways to improve the presentation of your property:

  • Cut back any overgrown ditches and hedges
  • Hang gates and ensure all post and rail fencing is upright, painted and looks presentable
  • Clean moss and weeds off the yard. Clean up any horse dung before potential buyers arrive to walk the land and ensure that any working yards are swept and tidy
  • Clean down stable doors and ensure that they are all in working order
  • If you have the resources to paint the stables, it can make an immediate appeal. If painting is out of budget, then a simple whitewash can make a big difference
  • Open drains to let the land dry out if necessary
  • Harrowing and rolling the land if the ground has been poached will leave it looking level
  • If there is a residential property with the land, mow the surrounding lawns, weed flower beds and plant flowers if feasible
  • Introduce potted plants around the residential property and stable yard
  • Finish any odd jobs around the land, such as abandoned fencing around an arena or field

    • With these small improvements, brighter days and desirable weather conditions, the selling agent can then organise to have your property photographed.

    While there is no gaurantee that an immaculate property will achieve top price, it is sure to help command premium. A potential buyer will only view your property once, if you want to achieve the highest result, don’t take any shortcuts.