Beating the Market Slowdown

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Wondering how to unlock your real estate’s maximum value without the traditional hassle of waiting and hoping that your agent brings you an offer?

Real estate auctions flip the script. Time is literally money. Every day a property sits unsold chips away at its value. Instead of waiting and hoping facing low-ball bids and drawn-out negotiations—auction sellers gain a clear, competitive sales path. Auctions create urgency, spark buyer competition, and ensure transparency. Most properties sell in 45 days or less, often exceeding expectations. For sellers seeking both speed and top dollar, the auction block is where momentum turns into maximum value.

Lightning-Fast Sale Timeline

One of the most compelling advantages of property auctions is speed. Unlike traditional listings that can stretch over months, auctions secure a quick, binding sale:

  • Once the gavel falls, the sale is legally binding, eliminating prolonged negotiations or invisible buyer chains. Sellers typically close within 30 days.
  • Traditional sales, in contrast, can take several months from listing to closing.

This defined timeline benefits anyone looking to move quickly—like downsizing, relocating, or unlocking liquidity.

Transparent, Competitive Bidding = Potentially Higher Prices

Auctions create a public, competitive environment that can drive prices upward:

  • With open bidding, all participants see the current high bid, encouraging upward momentum.
  • This urgency and competition often help properties achieve market-driven pricing—sometimes even top-dollar outcomes.

Certainty & Qualified Buyers

Auctions attract buyers who are serious and prepared:

  • Buyers typically arrive auction-ready—they’ve reviewed legal packs, secured financing, and understand the terms. That means post-auction dropouts are rare.
  • This level of preparedness minimizes deal collapse and enhances transaction certainty.

Controlled, Predictable Timing

Auctions offer sellers more control over timing than traditional listings:

  • You select the auction date upfront, and assuming a sale, the closing follows swiftly—typically within 30–45 days.
  • Traditional listings, by contrast, often lack timing certainty, with open-ended marketing and negotiations dragging beyond expectations.

Drawbacks to Consider

A balanced approach recognizes some limitations of auctions:

  • Sales outcomes can be unpredictable; there’s no guarantee the final bid meets expectations.
  • Auctions come with fees and less room for negotiation—so sellers must weigh those costs.

Benefits vs. Limitations

Auction Benefits Traditional Listing Limitations
Fast, binding sale (28–45 days) Long, uncertain timelines
Transparent, competitive bidding Opaque, back-and-forth deals
Prepared, committed buyers Unsure buyer interest; fall-through risk
Seller controls timeframe Market-driven, undefined timeline
Potentially higher sale prices Negotiation often capped by offers

Why CJ Auctions Is Your Best Auction Partner

At CJ Auctions, we leverage these auction advantages—speed, transparency, competition, and buyer readiness—to deliver top-dollar outcomes on ranches, lake homes, and commercial properties. Our marketing precision, seasoned auctioneers, and thorough preparation help sellers outperform traditional listing expectations.

Ready to sell faster—without sacrificing value?
Contact CJ Auctions today.

Why Institutions Turn to Auction

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When banks, trust companies, or estate managers need to liquidate real estate assets, time and certainty are critical. Traditional listings can drag on for months, with no guarantee of closing. By contrast, auctions create urgency, attract qualified buyers, and define a clear sale date.

At CJ Auctions, we help institutions streamline complex sales while maximizing value, making auctions the preferred solution for:

  • Banks offloading foreclosed or REO properties
  • Trustees managing estate settlements
  • Corporate portfolio dispersals
  • Investment firms seeking rapid liquidity

The Benefits of Institutional Real Estate Auctions

Institutional sellers often face unique challenges—multiple properties, complex ownership, and tight deadlines. Auctions solve these problems by offering:

  • Speed: Sales typically close within 30–45 days.
  • Transparency: Competitive bidding creates a clear, market-driven price.
  • Certainty: Buyers sign contracts on auction day, with deposits secured.
  • Scalability: Sell a single property or multiple assets across a portfolio.

This approach helps institutions minimize carrying costs while delivering accountability to stakeholders.

The CJ Auctions 5-Step Process for Institutions

  1. Discovery & Strategy – Assess property value, market conditions, and seller goals.
  2. Marketing Campaign – Target qualified buyers through online platforms, investor networks, and industry channels.
  3. Auction Day – Live and online bidding ensures maximum exposure and fair competition.
  4. Contract Execution – Winning bidders commit immediately with deposits in place.
  5. Closing – Title work and due diligence are streamlined, ensuring on-time closings.

Why Partner with CJ Auctions

With decades of experience in institutional transactions, our team understands the unique requirements of trustees, banks, and corporate sellers. We handle the details—from compliance and marketing to auction execution — so institutional clients can focus on their core responsibilities.

Why Auctions Work for Commercial Dispersal

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Selling commercial property is a major decision. When speed, certainty, and maximum value matter, a commercial dispersal auction can be the smartest choice.

Unlike traditional listings, auctions:

  • ✅ Accelerate timelines — most sales close in 30–45 days.
  • ✅ Reduce holding costs for taxes, insurance, and upkeep.
  • ✅ Maximize value through competitive bidding, often pushing prices above expectations.

For portfolios with multiple properties—such as retail centers, industrial facilities, or office parks—auctions deliver broad exposure and streamline transactions.

The 5-Step Auction Process

At CJ Auctions, we follow a proven method that ensures every sale is organized, transparent, and effective:

  1. Discovery & Evaluation – We review your property’s strengths, market trends, and potential buyer pool.
  2. Marketing & Promotion – Tailored campaigns target investors, developers, and end-users via digital ads, email, signage, and industry networks.
  3. Auction Day – Live and online bidders compete in a transparent marketplace.
  4. Contract Signing – The winning bidder signs a purchase contract immediately.
  5. Closing – Clear timelines and terms ensure closings typically happen within 30 days.

This structure provides both speed and confidence to sellers.

What Sellers Should Prepare For

To maximize your results, here’s what to expect:

  • Buyer’s Deposit – Winning bidders usually pay a 10% earnest deposit on auction day.
  • Buyer’s Premium – Buyers pay a set premium in addition to the bid price (offsetting transaction costs).
  • Title & Due Diligence – Make title commitments, surveys, and disclosures available up front.
  • Flexibility in Sale Structure – Sometimes parceling properties or selling assets individually can generate higher overall returns.

Best for Complex or Time-Sensitive Sales

Commercial dispersal auctions are especially effective for:

  • Institutional sales — banks, trustees, and estates needing fast liquidation.
  • Multi-property portfolios — selling individually often outperforms bundled deals.
  • Specialized assets — warehouses, redevelopment sites, or unique commercial facilities.

Why Partner with CJ Auctions

Our veteran team has decades of experience selling:

  • Retail strip centers
  • Office complexes
  • Warehouses and industrial sites
  • Development land

We know how to reach qualified buyers, create urgency, and deliver results. More than 75% of our auctions exceed pre-sale expectations, and nearly all close faster than traditional listings.

Leading the Way in Rural Land Transactions

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In the real estate auction world, CJ Real Estate continues to set the standard for excellence, helping land buyers find ranch and rural properties while ensuring land sellers achieve the best possible price-per-acre. With the launch of their enhanced website, CJ Real Estate is making waves in the market.

Real estate buyers often face challenges when searching for rural land parcels. “Helping connect rural land sellers and buyers is what we do,” said Eric Johnson, owner of CJ Real Estate. “Constantly improving our process helps us maintain our edge as the industry leader. That’s why we continually invest in world-class technology that makes it easier for buyers to find what they want so that sellers can realize maximum sales price.”

The CJ Real Estate team has a long history of delivering maximum value for property owners and trustees across the south-central plains. John O’Brien of Northern Trust Company shared his experience, “We are absolutely impressed, and our clients are thrilled,” he said, referring to a sale where CJ Real Estate sold 280 acres for 131% above the pre-sale estimate. Recent sales continue to demonstrate the power of auction, with CJ Real Estate achieving record-breaking prices for land across Oklahoma and neighboring states. Marty Powers, owner of an 80-acre farmland in Enid, Oklahoma, remarked, “Results – that’s why I trust CJ Auctions to sell my land. They’ve exceeded my expectations in past sales. Now they’ve brought the highest price-per-acre that anyone can remember for my farmland.”

The impact of CJ Real Estate’s technological advancements is evident. Chris Lowers, President of Grey Partners, reported, “Over the first 90 days, our core website update for CJ Real Estate increased average daily traffic by 852%, reduced the average bounce rate by 59%, and quarterly conversions tripled.”

Eric Johnson added, “In today’s market, where demand for rural land is surging, our streamlined process ensures that sellers get the best possible price for their property. We’re committed to leveraging technology and our expertise to benefit both buyers and sellers.”

About CJ Real Estate

CJ Real Estate specializes in selling ranch and residential real estate across Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado. Led by Eric Johnson and Ronn Cunningham, the CJ Real Estate team excels in complex acreage sales, typically dispersing assets in 45 days while outperforming market conditions. What sets CJ Real Estate apart is their commitment to giving sellers more control through unbiased advice and the opportunity to choose the real estate sale method that’s best for them: auction or listing.

Media Contact:
Eric Johnson
1.918.550.8118
Info@CJ-RE.com

Source: Cunningham-Johnson Real Estate

Understanding Post-Auction Dropouts

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A post-auction dropout occurs when the winning bidder in an auction fails to complete the purchase after their bid has been accepted. These non-paying or defaulting buyers appear in both digital marketplaces (like eBay) and traditional auction settings, including real estate. While the hammer may fall with a winning bid, the deal isn’t truly closed until funds and paperwork are secured.

Common Reasons Buyers Default

Several factors drive post-auction dropouts:

  • Buyer’s remorse – Emotional bidding in a competitive atmosphere can push buyers to commit more than intended, only for regret to set in later.
  • Financing issues – Some bidders enter without secured financing, later finding themselves unable to obtain the funds.
  • Lack of due diligence – In real estate, surprises like hidden structural issues or title complications can emerge after the win.
  • Unforeseen circumstances – Job loss, medical expenses, or other financial shocks can derail a purchase.
  • Fraudulent bidding – On rare occasions, unscrupulous actors bid with no intention of paying, simply to inflate the price for others.

Consequences for Defaulting Buyers

The fallout for a post-auction dropout can be serious, with penalties varying by contract and jurisdiction:

  • Forfeiture of deposit – In real estate auctions, the deposit (often 10% of the purchase price) is typically lost.
  • Liability for damages – Dropouts may be responsible for legal fees, re-listing expenses, and the difference if the item sells later for less.
  • Legal action – Auctioneers or sellers can sue for breach of contract.
  • Reputation damage – Online bidders risk negative ratings, account strikes, and permanent bans. Traditional auction houses may blacklist offenders as well.

Seller and Auction House Responses

When a winning bidder drops out, sellers aren’t left without options. Depending on the item and auction rules, they can:

  • Offer to the next highest bidder – A fast solution, often used for lower-value items.
  • Relist in a future auction – Useful when aiming for competitive bidding momentum.
  • Sell privately – Provides more control and discretion for sellers wanting a direct deal.

Final Thoughts

While post-auction dropouts remain a frustrating reality, understanding their causes and consequences helps both buyers and sellers navigate the process with more confidence. For sellers, ensuring deposits, clear contract terms, and proper bidder vetting can significantly reduce risk. For buyers, due diligence and financial preparation are essential to avoid costly missteps.

What Rural Land Buyers and Sellers Need to Know About Real Estate Auctions

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Real estate auctions are becoming an increasingly popular method for buying and selling property—especially rural land. Whether you’re a landowner looking for a fast, competitive sale or a buyer searching for value and transparency, understanding the auction process is essential to making informed decisions.

What Is a Real Estate Auction?

A real estate auction is a public sale of property conducted by a licensed auctioneer. It’s a streamlined process used to sell everything from farmland and recreational plots to homes and commercial tracts. Auctions can be held in person, online, or as hybrid events.

Types of Real Estate Auctions

  1. Absolute Auction – The property is sold to the highest bidder regardless of price, ensuring a sale.
  2. Reserve Auction – A minimum acceptable price is set. The property only sells if bidding meets or exceeds this amount.
  3. Foreclosure Auction – Typically held by lenders when an owner defaults on a mortgage. These are often “as-is” sales.

Why Buyers Choose Auctions

  • Competitive Pricing – Properties may sell below market value.
  • Speed and Simplicity – Auctions close faster than traditional listings.
  • Transparency – All bids are public, ensuring a fair and open process.

What Sellers Gain from Auctions

  • Certainty – Fixed auction dates create urgency and eliminate long listing periods.
  • Control – Sellers set the terms and conditions of sale.
  • Market Exposure – Auction marketing campaigns attract qualified buyers ready to act.

“We’ve found that auctions are one of the most efficient ways to bring serious buyers and motivated sellers together—especially in rural markets where traditional listings can stall. The process cuts through the noise and delivers results.”
— Ronn Cunningham, Owner of CJ Real Estate Auctions

Key Considerations for Buyers

  • Do Your Homework – Research property details, title issues, and comparable land sales.
  • Secure Financing – Many auctions require proof of funds or pre-approval to bid.
  • Inspect Early – Properties are typically sold as-is, so take advantage of open houses or inspection periods.
  • Know the Rules – Understand the specific auction terms, deposit requirements, and closing timelines.

Tips for Successful Bidding

  • Attend Auctions First as an Observer – Get a feel for the pace and strategy.
  • Set a Firm Budget – Don’t get caught up in competitive bidding without limits.
  • Arrive Early and Ask Questions – Clarify any uncertainties before the auction begins.

Thinking About Selling?

If you’re a rural landowner considering a sale, an auction may offer the speed, exposure, and financial return you’re looking for. Working with a trusted auction firm ensures the right buyers see your property—and bid with confidence.

Want to Learn More? Reach out to Eric johnson or Ronn Cunningham at (918) 550-8118 or Info@CJ-Auctions.com

Source: Cunningham-Johnson Real Estate Auctions

How to Sell Your Lake Home Faster, For More

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Owning a lake home is a dream come true for many. The serene views, recreational opportunities, and peaceful atmosphere make for a wonderful retreat or full-time residence. However, when the time comes to sell, many lake homeowners face unique challenges that the traditional real estate market may not address effectively. If you’re considering selling your lake home, an auction could be the most beneficial route to maximize value and achieve a quicker sale. Here’s why.

Challenges of Selling a Lake Home Traditionally

Selling a lake home using the traditional listing method often presents obstacles that can lead to extended market time and potentially lower offers. Some of the key challenges include:

  • Seasonality of Demand: Lake homes tend to attract buyers during certain times of the year, such as spring and summer. If your home is listed during the off-season, it may sit on the market longer than anticipated.
  • Limited Buyer Pool: Unlike traditional suburban homes, lakefront properties appeal to a more niche market. Finding the right buyer willing to pay the premium price for a waterfront location can take time.
  • Uncertain Market Conditions: The traditional listing method often results in prolonged negotiations, price reductions, and uncertainty about when—or if—your home will sell.
  • Carrying Costs: While your home sits on the market, you’re still responsible for maintenance, insurance, and property taxes, which can add up significantly over time.

 

Benefits of Selling Your Lake Home at Auction

An auction provides a powerful alternative to the traditional real estate market, especially for lakefront properties. Here are some key advantages:

  1. Competitive Bidding Maximizes Sale Price

One of the greatest benefits of selling your lake home at auction is the competitive bidding environment. Rather than negotiating with one buyer at a time, an auction creates urgency and encourages buyers to act decisively. As a result, the highest market value is achieved, often exceeding expectations.

  1. Faster Sale and Closing

Unlike traditional listings that may linger on the market for months, auctions have a predetermined date, creating a sense of urgency among buyers. This eliminates the waiting game and leads to a quicker sale and closing, allowing you to move forward with your next steps sooner rather than later.

  1. No Price Ceiling

In a traditional listing, setting a price too high can deter buyers, while pricing too low may leave money on the table. An auction eliminates this dilemma by letting the market determine the home’s true value through competitive bidding.

  1. Targeted Marketing to the Right Buyers

Auction companies use strategic marketing efforts to attract serious buyers who are actively looking for premium lakefront properties. These marketing campaigns focus on high-net-worth individuals and investors who understand the value of a lakefront home, increasing the likelihood of securing the best price.

  1. Certainty and Transparency

In an auction, all terms and conditions are set upfront, ensuring a smooth transaction without last-minute negotiations or contingencies. Buyers know they need to be financially prepared to purchase, reducing the risk of deals falling through.

  1. Eliminates Hassle and Ongoing Costs

Since auctions have a set timeline, sellers can avoid the ongoing costs of keeping their home on the market. The longer a property sits unsold, the more carrying costs accumulate. An auction provides a clear exit strategy, allowing sellers to cut unnecessary expenses.

 

Auction Success vs. Traditional Sales

Recent data comparing lake home sales through auctions versus traditional listings reveal significant advantages for auction sellers. Lake homes sold via auction not only result in faster transactions but also command higher prices per square foot.  Data from the NAR revealed:

Lake homes sell 6X faster via auction. The average lake home closed in 68 days when sold at auction compared to lake homes sold via traditional listing method which closed in an average 371 days.

Lake homes sell more via auction. The cost-per-square-foot sales price for auctioned properties averaged $350, compared to $275 for traditionally listed lake homes.

 

Is an Auction Right for You?

If you’re looking for a way to sell your lake home efficiently while maximizing value, an auction is worth considering. It works exceptionally well for:

  • Luxury or Unique Properties: If your home has features that set it apart, an auction highlights its exclusivity and attracts the right buyers.
  • Sellers Who Want a Faster Sale: If you prefer not to wait months for a buyer to come along, an auction guarantees a defined sale date.
  • Sellers Who Want a Transparent Process: Auctions eliminate prolonged negotiations, lowball offers, and uncertain outcomes.

Wrapping Up

Selling a lake home can be a complex process, but an auction provides a streamlined, efficient, and profitable way to achieve a successful sale. With a competitive bidding environment, targeted marketing, and a set closing date, auctions allow sellers to maximize their property’s value while avoiding the pitfalls of the traditional listing process. If you’re looking for a smart, strategic way to sell your lake home, an auction could be your best choice.

If you need guidance through the process, partner with a trusted auction company like CJ Real Estate auction. Eric and Ronn will help you make data-driven decisions and secure the best outcome for your property.

Setting an Auction Reserve Price That Drives Top Dollar

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Selling land at auction is a highly effective way to ensure you get a fair market value – or better. Auction creates the market for rural real estate and offers a transparent and efficient process to connect you to potential buyers. However, an important part of preparing for this process is setting your reserve price—the minimum amount you’re willing to accept for your land.

The reserve price is a critical benchmark that protects your financial interests while also ensuring your real property is attractive to bidders. Setting this price requires careful planning and consideration. Read on to learn how to determine the right reserve price for your land.

What is a Reserve Price?

Before diving into how to set it, it’s important to fully understand what a reserve price is. The reserve price is the minimum bid that the seller is willing to accept for their property at auction. If bidding doesn’t reach the reserve, the land will not be sold, giving the seller control over the ultimate outcome of the sale.

Unlike an ‘absolute’ or ‘no reserve’ where the property sells to the highest bidder regardless of price, having a reserve price in place ensures that your land won’t sell below your minimum price.

Why Setting the Right Reserve Price Matters

Setting the right reserve price for your land is a balancing act. An auction reserve that’s too high is likely to scare off potential buyers, dampen bidding activity and possibly result in no sale. A high reserve often creates the perception that the property is overpriced or that the seller is unlikely to accept any bid, which discourages people from participating in the auction. Setting the reserve price too low might leave money on the table, failing to maximize the value of your land. It’s essential to find the sweet spot that ensures competitive bidding while protecting your financial goals.

By setting the reserve price strategically, you create an atmosphere of excitement and opportunity, attract the largest potential buyer pool, entice people to engage in bidding wars and drive up your final sale price. Collaborating with experienced auctioneers helps you strike the balance between attracting interest and optimizing the value of your land. They will help you assess market conditions, analyze comparable sales data, and guide you in determining a reserve price that aligns with your goals and resonates with potential buyers’ expectations and capacities. With the right reserve price, you enhance the chances of getting top dollar.

Steps to Set a Reserve Price

First, understand your land’s market value.  The starting point for setting your reserve price is knowing the fair market value of your land. This depends on several factors, including location, condition, acreage, soil quality, zoning, water rights, accessibility, potential uses and neighboring properties.

Experienced land auctioneers understand local markets and can offer insight into how your property fits into buyer demand. They’ll assess your land’s unique qualities and analyze recent sales of similar properties to understand what buyers are currently paying for land with comparable features.

Take these steps to become comfortable setting your reserve price:

  1. Consider your financial goals. Think about what you need to achieve financially from the sale. Ask yourself questions such as: What is the lowest price I’m comfortable accepting? Does this sale have specific financial obligations tied to it (e.g., paying off a loan, reinvestment goals)? Establishing these benchmarks can help guide your reserve price decision.
  2. Evaluate unique selling points. Does your property have features that will drive up demand? Examples might include prime soil for farming, abundant water access, or existing fencing ideal for cattle grazing. Highlighting these features during the auction can impact bidder interest, potentially influencing your reserve price.
  3. Assess current market conditions. The agricultural and real estate markets can fluctuate based on broader economic and environmental factors. For example: Are land values in your region trending upward or downward? Is there high demand for farmland or development land in the area? Staying informed about supply and demand dynamics can help you gauge whether to set a more aggressive or conservative reserve price.
  4. Factor in costs and liabilities. Keep in mind the costs associated with selling your land, as this might influence your reserve price. These costs can include auctioneer fees, legal fees, title searches, and paying off any outstanding property tax or liens. If the land has maintenance requirements (e.g., erosion control, invasive plant removal), you may need to incorporate these factors into your reserve.
  5. Be Open to expert advice. While you might have an idea of what you want from the sale, it’s always wise to listen to professionals. Auctioneers, land agents, and appraisers are well-versed in local market trends and bidder behavior. They can help refine your expectations, ensuring you set a reserve price that strikes the right balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Setting a Reserve Price

  1. Setting the reserve too high. An overly ambitious reserve price might prevent bidders from entering the auction, leaving you with no offers at all. Remember, the goal is to generate competitive bidding that pushes the final sale price upward.
  2. Forgetting to factor in market trends. Failing to account for current market demand (or saturation) may leave your reserve price out of sync with potential buyers’ expectations and capacities.
  3. Not Revealing the reserve strategically. While it’s common for the reserve price to remain private, some sellers and auctioneers choose to hint at its range to encourage bidding activity. Discuss with your auctioneer the best strategy for your specific situation.

Key Takeaways

Setting the reserve price for your land is a crucial step that requires careful planning and collaboration with experts. By understanding your land’s value, staying informed on market conditions, and aligning the reserve with your financial goals, you can maximize the chances of a successful sale.

If you need guidance through the process, partner with a trusted auction company like CJ Real Estate auction. Eric and Ronn will help you make data-driven decisions and secure the best outcome for your property.

5 Common Real Estate Auction Bidding Mistakes to Avoid

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5 Common Real Estate Auction Bidding Mistakes to Avoid

Bidding on real estate, whether a ranch, farmland, or an investment property, can be both exciting and challenging. However, this process often comes with pitfalls that can cost you financially and emotionally if you’re not prepared. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced real estate investor, avoiding these common mistakes can make all the difference in securing a winning bid and ensuring a successful investment.

1. Failing to Research the Property Thoroughly

One of the most significant mistakes buyers make is placing bids without doing proper research. Each property comes with its unique details and challenges, such as zoning regulations, water access, soil quality, and existing structures. For farmland and ranch buyers, these factors can significantly affect the property’s value and long-term viability.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Visit the property multiple times.
  • Get a professional inspection.
  • Review property records, including ownership history and any liens.
  • Check for any environmental concerns.

By knowing exactly what you’re bidding on, you’ll be more confident in making an informed decision.

2. Setting Unrealistic Expectations

Many buyers enter the bidding phase with unrealistic goals—either expecting to snag the property at an impossibly low price or assuming it will meet all their ideal criteria without compromise. This mindset can lead to frustration and missed opportunities.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Research comparable sales in the area to get a realistic sense of market values.
  • Define your non-negotiables but be prepared to compromise on secondary wants.
  • Set a clear budget and stick to it.
  • While aiming high is great, balancing aspirations with reality will help you stay grounded.

3. Overlooking the Cost of Ownership

Placing a winning bid is just the start of your financial commitment. Many buyers focus solely on securing the property without considering the ongoing costs of ownership, such as maintenance, property taxes, insurance, and operational expenses for farms or ranches.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • List all potential expenses, such as upkeep for fences, barns, irrigation systems, and equipment if it’s farmland.
  • Factor in unexpected costs, such as repairs or market fluctuations in crop prices for agricultural property.
  • Discuss your financial capacity with a realtor or financial advisor before making a bid.
  • By understanding the full scope of ownership costs, you can avoid financial surprises further down the road.

4. Getting Emotionally Attached

It’s easy to fall in love with a property, especially a beautiful ranch or a piece of farmland with breathtaking views. However, letting your emotions guide your bidding decisions can lead to overpaying or making unwise compromises.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Approach the bidding process as a business transaction.
  • Set a strict maximum bid amount and stick to it, no matter how much you want the property.
  • Work with a trusted real estate agent who can help keep emotions in check during negotiations.
  • Remember, there will always be other opportunities, and it’s better to walk away than to regret an emotional, overinflated purchase.

5. Failing to Prepare Financing in Advance

Walking into a bidding situation without your finances in order can lead to delays and even cause you to lose the property to a more prepared buyer. Sellers prioritize buyers who have their financing ready to ensure a quick, smooth transaction.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Get pre-approved by a lender to understand your borrowing capacity.
  • Have proof of funds ready, particularly if you’re making a cash offer.
  • Understand the terms of your financing, including interest rates and repayment timelines.
  • Being financially prepared signals to the seller that you’re serious and can speed up the closing process.

Closing Thought

Investing in real estate, especially farmland, ranches, or other large properties, is a rewarding but complex process. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you can make smarter, more informed decisions while bidding on the property of your dreams. Whether you’re a rancher expanding your operations, a real estate investor looking for the next opportunity, or a farmer buying your first field, preparation and mindfulness are key.

If you’re ready to take the next step, work with a trusted real estate agent or consultant who specializes in the type of properties you’re interested in. With the right guidance, you’ll be well-positioned to bid strategically and secure a winning deal.

Looking to Sell Your Land? CJ Real Estate is Here to Assist

At CJ Real Estate, we specialize in selling ranch, residential, and commercial land. Whether you’re looking to sell quickly through a high-value auction or prefer to list and wait for the perfect buyer, our experienced team delivers tailored solutions and a track record of success. When you need results, trust the proven expertise of CJ Real Estate.

2025 Land Value Expectations

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2025 Land Value Expectations: What Ranchers, Landowners, and Investors Need to Know

As we head into the new year Landowners, ranchers, farmers, and investors alike are focused on the latest value projections. The good news? Stability continues to define the market, providing confidence for stakeholders navigating this competitive space.

Land values and buyer interest remained robust in 2024, despite challenges posed by lower commodity prices and a slower economy. Experts predict this strength will not only be maintained but could see modest growth as broader economic conditions improve due to lower interest rates, lack of supply ad excellent incomes over the past three years.

Market Insights from Industry Experts

“It’s always tough to predict land sales on a given day,” says Ronn Cunningham of CJ Auctions. “Our 2024 sales consistently exceeded seller expectations. Other brokers reported inconsistent results. I expect to see land prices stabilize with modest improvement as the economy continues to improve post-election.”

This perspective aligns with broader market trends. Land pricing volatility from 2021-2023 calmed down in 2024 with high-quality agricultural land commanding consistently strong values. Average price-pre-acre for raw land or lower quality ag land has fallen slightly. This moderation highlights the market’s resilience, particularly in regions like Oklahoma and Kansas, where demand remains high.

Declining Supply Meets Strong Buyer Demand

One notable trend in recent years has been a reduction in the overall number of properties for sale. Over the past three years, listings have dropped by 22%. Despite the tighter supply, demand continues to thrive, driven by both cattle and crop producers as well as institutional investors increasingly recognizing the value of agricultural land.

High-quality family farms and ranches have emerged as enduring favorites in the buyer landscape. These properties are not only maintaining their value but, in some cases, are poised to see modest increases as competition remains healthy.

Standout Regional Value Growth

Regional markets tell a particularly compelling story. Oklahoma and Kansas pastureland values shone bright in 2024, and that momentum is expected to carry through 2025. Nationally, pastureland values grew by 5.2% on average last year, but Oklahoma and Kansas outpaced the trend, achieving an impressive 9% average annual value growth across the south-central region.

Additionally, cash rental rates further boosted landowner returns. Oklahoma led the nation with a remarkable 10% increase in cropland cash rental rates in 2024, further cementing its position as a leader in the agricultural land market.

Key Takeaways for 2025

For those involved in or considering entering the ag land market, here are the main points to know:

  • Expect Less Volatility: Despite economic fluctuations, the agricultural land market remains stable, with modest improvements expected into 2025.
  • High-Quality Land Holds Strong: Properties with strong agricultural value, such as family farms and ranches, are maintaining high demand and value.
  • Regional Bright Spots: Oklahoma and Kansas continue to lead the way in terms of growth and strong returns in both land value and cash rental rates.
  • Supply Challenges Persist: With fewer listings on the market, opportunities for land acquisition are becoming increasingly competitive.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 market outlook offers optimism for ranchers, landowners, and investors. Stability coupled with continued regional growth suggests strong opportunities for those looking to invest in high-quality properties or maximize value from existing holdings.

Whether you’re actively participating in the market or simply keeping an eye on trends, staying informed has never been more critical. By understanding the forces shaping the land market, you’ll be better positioned to make savvy decisions in the year ahead.

Thinking of Selling Your Land?  CJ Real Estate Can Help

We are real estate experts specializing in ranch, residential and commercial land sales. Whether you need to diversify assets quickly for top-dollar via auction or are prepared to list and wait for a buyer to come to you, the CJ Real Estate team provides comprehensive solutions and proven sales performance. When results matter, choose CJ Real Estate.