Listing land for sale can feel simple at first. But when it’s time to price land per acre, many landowners make costly mistakes. Whether you’re selling in rural Texas or elsewhere, understanding how to set the right price—and avoid common pitfalls—can make all the difference.
Why Pricing Per Acre Matters
One of the first things buyers look at is how much land costs per acre. If your land is priced too high, it might sit unsold for months. If it’s priced too low, you might lose out on money. Finding that sweet spot takes more than guesswork.
Common Mistakes When You Price Land Per Acre
1. Using House Prices as a Guide
Land doesn’t follow the same rules as homes. Some sellers try to use nearby house sales to price land per acre, but that leads to bad numbers. Land values depend on access, zoning, utilities, and location, not square footage or how new a kitchen is.
2. Ignoring Local Sales
To get a fair price, compare your land with recent local land sales. For example, in Central Texas, land near water sources or with road access often sells for more. Skipping this step can lead to unrealistic expectations and slow sales.
3. Overlooking Land Features
Buyers look at more than just size. Is the land cleared? Does it have trees or fences? A rocky lot with no utilities might be worth less per acre than one that’s ready to build on.
4. Not Getting a Professional Opinion
A real estate agent who understands rural land in Texas can help you price land per acre correctly. They have access to market data and know what buyers are willing to pay. Trying to go it alone often leads to overpricing or underpricing.
How to Price Land Per Acre the Right Way
Start by reviewing recent land sales in your area. Tools like Zillow offer great data. Then, walk your land and take note of features that could raise or lower its value.
If you’re near places like Bastrop or Waco, find listings for similar acreage and see how they’re priced. This gives you a solid baseline. Finally, speak with a land professional to get an informed estimate.
Pricing land per acre doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By avoiding common mistakes and doing a little homework, you can make a smart choice that helps your land sell smoothly.
Want help figuring out what your land is worth? Reach out anytime.
Photo by Andrii Yalanskyi