How to Get Your Farmhouse Ready to Sell

Exterior of yellow farmhouse with cute front porch and blue door

Home of Samantha Young; photograph by Bret Gum

Written by Tony Gilbert

Did you know that almost 1 million people live on farms in the US? Combine that with the skyrocketing popularity of farmhouse style homes, and you’re left with a significant portion of the US population. More and more homebuyers are seeking out farmhouses, and some of them intend on starting a hobby farm while others simple value the rustic charm. So how do you get your farmhouse ready to sell in this ideal market?

In the world of real estate, selling a farmhouse requires careful planning and meticulous attention to detail. Whether you’re an investor looking to sell high on a property or an owner ready to move on, the pre-sale preparations play a crucial role in maximizing the value and appeal of your rustic abode. Every step counts towards getting your farmhouse ready to sell to potential buyers, from enhancing the curb appeal to addressing any necessary repairs and upgrades.

Here are our top tips!

indoor swing in Villas at Spanish Court living room — The Villas at Spanish Court; photograph by Hector Sanchez

1. Understanding the Market

To get your farmhouse ready to sell, you’ve got to understand the real estate market. Imagine driving down a well-maintained road, past vibrant food plots and hay meadows, and arriving at a property that’s been cared for. It’s these details that today’s buyers are looking for. Buyers aren’t just investing in a home when they purchase a farm—they’re investing in a lifestyle. They want the tranquility of rural life but also appreciate well-kept amenities.

Research your target audience. Are they keen gardeners or aspiring small-scale farmers? Maybe they’re outdoor enthusiasts who value wildlife habitats or homebuyers shopping for a second home in a rural setting. If prospective buyers are equestrians, how can you prepare the home for a horse? Your marketing efforts should highlight features that appeal to these potential buyers.

vintage duck paintings in historic Pennsylvania home — Home of Tiffany St. John; photograph by Kristina Kroot

Next, stay updated on current trends in farmhouse real estate. What features are most sought after? Which ones add more value to your property? Take note of competition, too. Are other properties up for sale in your area? How does yours compare?

Remember, getting your farmhouse ready to sell goes beyond finding someone who wants four walls and a roof. It involves finding someone who appreciates the farmhouse lifestyle. Ensuring your property showcases this could be the difference between getting an average price or securing top dollar!

Exterior of farmhouse with gable and turquoise front door — Home of Stacy Smith; photograph by Jeremiah Hull of Attic Fire

2. Get Your Farmhouse Ready to Sell by Preparing the Property

Before placing that charming farmhouse on the market, give the property a good sprucing up. Mow the roads, weed the food plots and clear away eyesores. These steps will all go a long way to get your farmhouse ready to sell. Remember, first impressions count. Most of the standard residential real estate rules apply here—your farm or farmhouse should show off its best features.

Start by enhancing the landscape. Mow all the roads and ensure they are graded properly. This improves access and gives potential buyers a sense of the care you take with the property. Clear away any fallen trees and overgrown vegetation from roadways, as these can obstruct views and make navigation difficult.

A foyer with a large staircase and banister in a custom farmhouse. — Home of Jaclyn James; photograph by Chad Mellon

Next, focus on repairs and renovations. If there are any outstanding issues with the house or outbuildings, now is the time to address them. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a building’s appearance, and don’t underestimate the power of minor fixes like leaky faucets or squeaky doors.

Last, highlight what makes your farmhouse unique. Is there an original stone fireplace? A vintage shed? Ensure these features shine during showings because they can significantly increase your property’s appeal to potential buyers. A little effort here could result in a speedy sale at an attractive price!

Back of kitchen with large sign reading "super market." — Home of Astra Spanbauer; photograph by Astra Spanbauer

3. Promote Your Farmhouse

Now that your property is in top shape, it’s time to show it off and attract those eager buyers! Get your farmhouse ready to sell by creating an enticing listing. Highlight the unique features of the farmhouse, its potential uses for various activities like farming or relaxation and any recent renovations or improvements you’ve made. Don’t forget to mention the “pasture appeal,” if applicable.

Your listing should include high-quality photographs, which are crucial to catching a buyer’s eye online. Hire a professional photographer who can capture the beauty of your property from every angle. Ensure that all rooms are well-lit and remove any personal items before taking photos to help prospective buyers visualize themselves living there. Homebuyers considering farmhouses typically value and plan on saving certain architectural details of an old home, so focus on such details in your marketing materials.

This farm-cottage bedroom shows off the comforts of home with a white comforter, peel-away gray patterned wallpaper and plenty of windows for natural light. — Farm cottage bedroom; photograph by Ridgelight Studio LLC

Digital marketing strategies are also essential to get your farmhouse ready to sell. Come up with a game plan with your realtor for how you’re going to utilize social media platforms, create engaging content related to your property and whether or not you’re going to invest in targeted ads for a wider reach.

Collaborating with your local real estate agent or agency to give you an edge. They have access to networks of potential buyers you might not reach alone. Remember, selling a farmhouse isn’t just about making a transaction; it’s about sharing a lifestyle and inviting others into it.

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An elegant white dining room in a custom farmhouse — Home of Jaclyn James; photograph by Chad Mellon

4. How to Sell Your Farmhouse: Establish a Pre-Sale Checklist

Make sure all the legal documents are in order, conduct thorough inspections and set an appropriate listing price. These should be at the top of your checklist when you’re getting ready to put that charming farmhouse on the market. It’s also crucial to obtain any necessary certifications for your property. These steps not only ensure a smooth transaction but also strengthen buyer confidence.

Don’t forget about creating documentation to get ready to sell your farmhouse, too. This includes detailing its history, amenities, potential uses and showcasing its unique charm. Buyers love stories—they appreciate knowing how the house has been cared for over the years and what makes it unique.

Dining room with farmhouse table, kitchen opening, and farmhouse details. — Home of Samantha Young; photograph by Bret Gum

Be sure to include the planned visual improvements in your checklist. Tending to overgrown vegetation and removing fallen trees are critical steps that are easily overlooked amid the chaos of pre-sale preparations. Ensuring roads are mowed and graded will give potential buyers a good impression as they tour around.

Setting up this pre-sale checklist might seem daunting, but it’s worth every effort. Each step enhances your property’s appeal and brings you one step closer to sealing a deal.

green botanical wallpaper — The Villas at Spanish Court; photograph by Hector Sanchez

Pre-Sale Preparation: Vital to Selling Success

Selling a farmhouse can be manageable when approached with a well-executed pre-sale strategy. By focusing on key aspects such as curb appeal, repairs and staging, sellers can present their property in the best possible light and captivate potential buyers. Investing time and effort in preparing the farmhouse for sale can lead to higher offers and a faster transaction. From researching the market to creating a pre-sale checklist to work from, every detail counts in enticing buyers seeking a countryside retreat. By following these pre-sale preparations, sellers can confidently navigate the real estate market and secure a successful sale for their cherished farmhouse.

Ready to get started? Check out more tips for selling a farmhouse! Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterestto get your daily dose of farmhouse inspiration!

Nathan Boschult is a writer and spokesman for Texas Real Estate Source. He lives in Austin, Texas, and is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.