Regardless of whether you are selling a home located in a rural setting or within a city, the goal is to get the most for your home. Routine home selling suggestions, such as decluttering and deep cleaning, apply when selling property in any setting. But rural properties have distinct differences, which owners should consider — and make the most of — when listing their property.
“If you are talking about a home in a more rural setting, I would discuss the acreage, ponds, wildlife, peacefulness, farming and potential opportunities the land could have,” says Heidi Petesch, a realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Wostal Realty in northeast Kansas. “Whereas if you are talking about a home that is in a metro area, close proximity to amenities is often discussed.”
Although many rural areas lack standard curbs, the idea of improving “curb appeal” to make a positive first impression is still important — it may just translate a bit differently to a rural setting.
Let’s start with the driveway. If it’s gravel, make sure the gravel hasn’t spilled into the lawn or surrounding areas. Keep it nice and tidy, especially for the advertising photos. Older paved driveways with raised slabs or dips can be evened out by filling or removing the areas with sand to make them level and even.
Tidy up the property by storing equipment and hobby items not in use. An orderly looking property gives the impression the owner takes good care of the place.
“Obviously, as a seller, you need to make them fall in love with what they see right out of the gate,” Petesch says. “A little cleaning up of the outside, adding flowers and mulch, removing hoses, pulling weeds and adding benches and chairs can really go a long way.”
The last two years of the pandemic spurred an outdoor living movement. Stuck at home, families created outdoor spaces where they can spend time together and discover the joys of nature.
“A lot of metro area homes are getting really big into the outdoor living areas so it’s best to capitalize on that if you have the space, and have those looking nice and inviting,” Petesch says. “If a property doesn’t have a lot of room outside, it’s best to make the most of what you do have. Whereas, in a rural home you typically have quite a bit more space to work with and people will soak up the beauty of the extra land and not necessarily care if the little fire pit area is looking cute and on point.”
Homebuyers searching for a more peaceful place to call home during these unsure times, often consider rural properties for their tranquility and slower pace. “Most people looking to move to a more rural setting are wanting away from all of the hustle and bustle and such that draw those to the city. Once we get to a home in the country, most of my buyers fall in love with the wide-open spaces, little noise and the beauty of nature.”
Petesch says regardless of where you live, the proper preparation and marketing can get you the most return on your investment when putting your home on the market. “Take the time and do a little work on your home because the profit will pay off in the end.” KCL
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