Land Articles
Why is Rural Land a Wise Investment Now?
by Sassy Stanton
Stanton – Pinckard Realty
Since 2008 we have seen the price in homes and the stock market values drop. During this same time period the prices of rural land have generally maintained their value. “Land prices usually stabilize during a downturn and hold their value during financial storms,” according to the Realtors Land Institute (RLI).
The Wall Street Journal has created a term for individuals seeking rural land, “Ruralpolitan”. This group is looking for investments, a hedge against unpredictable 401ks, lifestyle changes, or new job prospects.
“Land is the ultimate source of wealth. As the population expands, there will be more demand for an increasingly scarce resource, so values will trend up. It’s a basic economic principle,” says Dr. John Baen of the University of North Texas at Denton. According to the most recent figures available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farm real estate values rose 8.8 percent between 2007 and 2009. Pasture land saw an increase of 6 percent during the same period.
Smart investors agree that land ownership today offers a stable, long-term source of wealth. They also recognize that not just any land purchase will produce a profit. Investors need to understand the primary profit sector of the land business – the smart investors are purchasing timber, crops and grazing land.
As a specialized and experienced RLI brokerage firm, Stanton-Pinckard Realty can bring the best opportunities to the awareness of interested investors. “Rural land brokerage requires specialized knowledge, the kind of comprehensive education and professional synergies that the Realtors Land Institute can provide”, says Bill Pinckard, a RLI member. The Realtors Land Institute (RLI), a national, professional membership organization, offers superior education through its RLI Land University and professional development programs.
Why is Rural Land a Wise Investment Now? reprint from 
January 2010 issue.
Sarijane “Sassy” Stanton
business 713-861-4097
cell 713-824-8387
fax 713-524-5650
sassy@stanton-pinckard.com
Read additional articles on land by Sassy Stanton below:
Why Rural Land is a Good Investment reprint from February 2011 issue.
Land Requires Specialized Knowledge and Expertise reprint from March 2010 issue.
The Rich Resources of Texas reprint from April 2010 issue.
The Law of the Land reprint from May 2010 issue.
Conservation Easement reprint from June 2010 issue.
A choice when buying land reprint from June 2010 issue.
Let’s Go Sightseeing! reprint from July 2010 issue.