Farmland Auctioneer Talk

January 20, 2022

I have a ton of topics running through my head currently about farm real estate. So here’s a brain dump on this COLD Iowa winter day!

Banana Bread Muffins and Walnuts from Grandma’s Farm

Okay first, I just have to start by sharing that I made banana bread muffins the other night. Since I had ripe bananas. As I was eating one this morning, the muffin reminded me of when I would make banana bread with my mom when I was little and how my grandma would always pick her own walnuts off the farm! There was something so heart warming about this and of course delicious! Does anyone else have memories linked to objects or things like this? It’s crazy how just a muffin can trigger such emotion!

Who Will You Trust To Sell Your Farm?

My broker (and boss) Jason, shared this video with me recently. It really made us think about what makes a person hire a certain land company to sell their farm. Is it the so called performance statistics that draws sellers to hiring a certain auction company or listing agent? Such as number of acres sold, dollars sold, number of clients served, and claiming to be the leading farm real estate auctioneer or agent business?

Or do sellers look for someone who they can trust? Someone who has the qualities, knowledge, and tools to guide them to a successful sale. Even though that auctioneer or agent might not be the “top dog?” Here’s the video for reference:

Farm Real Estate

For someone that started in the farm real estate business just a few years ago, I often compare myself to the “top dogs”. Ones that have sold thousands of acres, millions of dollars, and always seem to be having a new auction. The scary thing though is that the auction business in Iowa is not regulated. It may surprise you but there are no licensing laws to becoming an auctioneer. Anyone in Iowa can wake up and say, “I’d like to be an auctioneer”. However, there are laws and licensing requirements to being a realtor in Iowa.

Are You the Seller the Number One Priority or is the Buyer?

From someone who works in this industry, I’m warning you that there are some high performers that are very un-trustworthy. Just like the video pointed out above. When it comes to selling your most valuable asset, make sure you’re hiring someone who can back up their statistics, provide evidence, and hire someone who’s full interest is helping you as a seller. There are some sneaky deals that have happened with other Iowa land companies. For example, I’ve seen deals where a buyer benefits more from the sale than the seller. This happens more than you think. At DreamDirt though, sellers are our number one priority. We are here to provide you a safe, stress and worry-free farm sale. While achieving the highest result for you farm auction or listing!

Auctioneer School

I’ve taken all the classes and tests to be a salesperson (realtor) in Iowa. Currently, I’m working on becoming a broker as well! This helps serve my auction clients since I have the knowledge of real estate law that many auctioneers who are not licensed real estate agents do not have! In March, I’ll start my second year of CAI (Certified Auctioneer Institute) school. This 3 year program is a pristine designation for auctioneers that want to learn more about the auction industry. Even though it’s not required by law.

Full-time Farm Real Estate Auctioneer and Agent

Along with all the continued education classes I’ve taken, I honestly learn something new every single day by working closely with the DeamDirt team. My full-time job is farm real estate. Many other auctioneers and agents only help clients as a side hustle or part-time job on their free time. I’m involved in farmland transactions, advertising, client calls, customer help, and more all day – every day! One of my first farmland auctions was back home in Dallas County, IA. Just down the road from where I grew up in Adel. The client was a mutual friend. They put a lot of trust into me being a young professional in this industry. Her testimonial still means the world to me!

“Thank you Rachel Hoy. We have been friends with Rachel for several years and don’t let her age fool you, she knows her stuff and is a true professional. We appreciate all her help from start to finish.” – Mandi Orman, Dallas County, IA

You Never Know Who’s Watching You

I received a message the other night from someone I went to Iowa State saying she had inherited land with other co-heirs and had been following me since I started after college in 2018. Honestly, I was a little surprised to see her message since I often don’t get a whole lot of feedback on my facebook posts, blogs, or some videos. She said she had read my most recent blog about 6 easy steps to selling farmland and that made me so excited! I have a ton of great free resources for anyone interested in selling land in Iowa and want to help as much as possible! I love answering questions from my clients and sharing how I can help them through the land seller journey.

I spend a lot of time on TikTok. Probably more than I want to admit but it’s a great place to learn about topics you’re interested in. Lately I’ve been sharing videos about recent farmland sales in Iowa and average per acre prices for the 99 counties in Iowa. I’m trying to provide valuable content that can help someone better understand the farmland selling process and the farmland market in Iowa. With a little entertainment here and there showing my background of growing up on a farm in the mix!

If you’re thinking of selling farmland, now is a great time of year to do so! To get started, fill out my contact form below or click here.

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Just Keep Swimming

January 6, 2022

If you have ever watched the Disney movie, Finding Nemo, you know the line Dory keeps repeating, “Just Keep Swimming”. For some reason, my mom feel in love with this short motivational phrase. She used it as a reminder to “Just Keep Swimming,” during her fight against Breast Cancer.

The reason this popped in my head this morning is because, one thing that makes me happy is drinking out of my Mom’s breast cancer Longaberger Horizon of Hope coffee cup! I had it sitting right next to my water cup that one of my best friends from college gave me. Which says, “Just Keep Swimming”.

It’s What You Do on the Bad Days

You’re going to have bad days, but it’s how and what gets you through bad days is important.

Is it alcohol, drugs, staying in bed, ignoring family members, criticizing everything going wrong in your life, and anything else doing more harm to you?

Or is it meditating, journaling, eating fresh fruit and vegetables, face-timing a friend, working out, getting ready for the day, getting outside for a walk, and doing small things that make you happy for the day and motivate you to have a fresh start tomorrow?

Are you Pessimistic or Optimistic?

Many of my friends would agree that I’m a pessimistic person. I’ve always been the glass is half empty type of person and point out what’s bad in life. I can be brutally honest, straight forward, and will speak what’s on my mind. They’ve called me out on it and I’ve realized how bad I react to things now. I want to blame it on my mom’s cancer and how bad things happen to good people. It sucks and I’ve seen sickness and death first hand. Many of my friends and other family members haven’t. I was only 14 when my mom passed away. Even though I kept getting up every day and lived my teenager life, the pessimism grew in me.

The image of my grandfather, my mom’s dad, pounding on the hospital wall saying “Why God? Why did you take her” flashes in my brain.

I often think the same thing. Why did God take my mom out of my life and others, at age 46? She was so young and I still had a lot to learn from her.

Just Keep Swimming…..

So, do you see where the pessimistic side of me came from? Now that I realize that, I’m working on having a more positive outlook in life. I’m starting to enjoy the things that make me happy that are motivating and non-toxic. Earlier this week I wrote a blog with goals for 2022 and my action steps to help me. Read more here.

If you’re struggling in life right now, may Dory’s words inspire you to Just Keep Swimming.

I even have a leather bracelet with the phrase engraved in it and wear it when I wake up having a bad day or when I want my mom close by to help me spiritually.

Thursday, January 6th, 2021

Today I am thankful for a warm house, being able to move my body, and seeing family during my cousin’s wrestling meet tonight!

Until tomorrow friends,

Rachel

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This Old Farmhouse

January 5, 2022

Old Farmhouse Decor and Nostalgia

Yesterday, I made a TikTok video about things in our 1900’s old farmhouse that just make sense. I received a lot of interaction and comments on it. Here’s the video.

@iowafarmlandrealestate

Comment if you live in an old farmhouse! #oldfarmhouse #iowa #farmtok #old #toytractors #barncats #farmhousedecor

♬ Che La Luna – Louis Prima
Old farmhouse decor

You can see many people commented saying things along the line of “yup, that looks like my parent’s house or where I grew up”, and “looks homey”. I couldn’t agree more with them! Even though somethings make me laugh like the really old carpet, wood furnace, wood paneling, tractors for décor, basement full of chore clothes, and barn cats that come inside – I can’t thank my family enough for providing me with a farm to grow up on.

Visiting Grandparent’s Iowa Farmhouse

When I was a little girl, I LOVED coming over to grandma and grandpa’s house to the farm. My parents, sister and I lived on a small acreage outside of Adel, IA and the farm is outside of Redfield, IA. I would tag along with my grandparents during the day while my dad was at work and mom was resting or getting chemo treatments for her Breast Cancer. I remember helping with livestock chores and playing in the corn piles. Here’s a photo I recently came across of me and my grandma in the feed shed. My grandma was very active on the farm. She would take me along in the tractor (with my car seat). I believe this is where my love for agriculture stemmed from. My grandpa also had a few bottle calves and lambs. I vividly remember helping him mix bottles and feeding the babies.

There was something about pulling in and out of my grandparents drive that made my heart warm. I was always so excited to walk up to the door and give my grandma a hug on Sunday’s for dinner when I was in my teenage and college years. Also turning around in the car and waving out the window to her as we left to head home to our place by Adel made me smile. I could always count on her hugs and waves goodbye.

Living in an 1900’s Farmhouse

Life is a little different now. December 2020, I hugged my grandma for the last time and the farmhouse became my Dad’s. The move from Adel to Redfield early part of 2021 was extremely hard on my Dad, sister, and I. But the idea of finally living back on the farm excited my Dad. This is where our cows are, crops, and farm equipment. The only updates we did to this old farmhouse was paint the two upstairs bedrooms white instead of the blue color. After recording my TikTok yesterday, I’m starting to think that this house is fine just the way it is. Not many others have the luxury of living in an old farmhouse that their family worked so hard for. I am trying to convince Dad to at least tear up the carpet upstairs since there’s nice hardwood underneath.

Wednesday, January 5th, 2022

I’m really enjoying writing these daily blogs each morning. It’s a great way to start my day and helps me put my thoughts down on paper. Since I work from home as a farmland auctioneer and land agent for DreamDirt, I have to keep myself motivated throughout the work day. These more personal lifestyle blogs help me prepare for the day and encourage me to keep working hard. I do write blogs about farmland in Iowa on our DreamDirt page. You can read the most recent one here.

Hoy Family Farm

To wrap up, even though my last name changed to Tiffany October 9, 2021, I will always be a Hoy. My grandparents farm in Dallas County, IA will always be the Hoy Family Farm. The nickname, “Hoy Boy” will stick with me forever too!

Stay warm out there! Currently only 5 degrees and the wind is brutal.

Love,

Rachel

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Family Farm History

January 4, 2022

Tuesday, January 4th

Woke up to another beautiful sunrise in the farm and thought, “it’s only TUESDAY?”. This is going to be a long week. Then I remembered that I enjoy what I do during the day and it doesn’t have to feel like work. I get to be myself with my job at DreamDirt. Having a flexible schedule is rewarding and I can structure my days how I’d like to accomplish tasks. Yesterday, as a farmland auctioneer and land agent, I wrote a blog about what I think the farmland market will look like in 2022. You can click here if you’d like to read it.

The blog took me a majority of the morning. It’s full of great information about whether or not to sell farmland this coming year while prices are still record breaking high. Took a quick lunch break with Dad and enjoyed some pizza from Casey’s (yes, pineapple does belong on pizza). After lunch, I looked up some names of agriculture attorneys in Iowa that we would like to partner with this year. We are looking to help their clients sell land by auction or listing with our services if needed. Fill out this form to contact me about selling farmland.

Farmland Seller Course

I also worked on editing a video. I recorded a short video about auctions versus listings for my new Farmland Seller Course. Which I hope to release soon! There will be about 10 videos with secrets, tips, and a ton of great information for anyone thinking of selling land! I hope my videos will be helpful for those that enjoy listening or watching videos instead of reading blogs. I tried to keep the videos as short and concise as possible. The majority are only a few minutes long! I address common questions I hear and topics you should understand as a land owner in the videos.

Feeding Cattle on Family Farm During Iowa Winter

Our cows were out of hay already from the bale we gave them Friday. I helped Dad give them another big bale yesterday while it was warm enough for the tractor to start. It made me nervous when I saw the tractor start sliding down the hill on the snow and ice and hoped it wasn’t going to flip over with my Dad in it. Thankfully, it didn’t and he said, “I think it needs new tires”. Yes Dad, please don’t ever scare me like that again and buy some new tires for snow and ice. Here’s a Tik-Tok video of how giving the cows a new bale of hay went!

@iowafarmlandrealestate

It’s the pink and purple pants for me 😆Also had no idea Spuds jumped through the bale ring till I watched my video and what cow knocked my phone down

♬ Stranger – Official Sound Studio
Feeding cattle in Iowa winter

Iowa Farmland Prices per County

I finished out the work day making a list of what I’d like to accomplish this week. I am going to work on making more short videos about farmland prices in Iowa per county. I’ve already started on a few and want to cover all 99 counties!

Hoy Family Farm History

Last night, Dad and I talked more about family history especially on the Hoy side. We were looking through old pictures of my great-grandpa’s family. All the pictures are in black and white and from the early 1900’s. I found out the my great-grandpa Edward Hoy was born in Pennsylvania and moved to Iowa when he was three. He grew up on a farm and went to Iowa State University for college and study agriculture – just like me!

Redfield, IA Farm

In the 1940’s is when my great-grandpa bought the farm in Redfield. It was so cool seeing all the old photos of what our farm looked like back then and the equipment they used and livestock they had. Horses, pigs, and shorthorn cattle all on this farm we still have today. One old barn from the photos is no longer standing. I could make out the majority of our farm in the pictures. My great-grandpa Ed sold the farm to my grandpa Howard Hoy who was the youngest child after he got back home from service. My grandma, Pat Hoy grew up in Earlham, IA and she worked right along with my grandpa running the farm. They were married in 1958 and had my Dad in May 1960 and four years later had my Uncle Tom.

John Deere pedal tractor and wagon

Looking at the old photos made my dad remember that they used to have an old projector that would show slides of pictures. We dug through the attic and found it! I’ve never seen one in my life. It’s an argus 300 projector and the photos we looked through were when my dad was only a few years old. My favorite picture is this one of my Dad and uncle in the yard with a John Deere pedal tractor and wagon which we still have! These types of pictures are so special to me since I was never able to meet my uncle Tom. He sadly passed away in a car accident when he was 20. I’m just now learning more about who he was and what he liked to do.

Vintage Argus 300 Slide Projector

There’s more slides of pictures that we’ll have to dig through and find in the attic. Learning about my family’s farm has been so intriguing and I want to continue raising cattle and growing crops for as long as I can and hopefully see the farm become a century farm!

May you have a blessed Tuesday and stay tuned for more!

Rachel

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Goals for 2022 and Weekend at Farm Reflection

January 3, 2022

New Year’s Eve

So much is on my mind right now for some reason. Thinking about what makes me happy, goals for 2022, what I should talk about related to farm real estate, my family’s history, and the family farm.

This weekend I’ve been home with my dad at our family farm outside of Redfield in Dallas County, IA. My husband, is currently in Oklahoma City for the Cattleman’s Congress Livestock Show for his job. When he is gone, I like to come hang out on the farm and stay with Dad for a few days and catch up.

Friday was New Year’s Eve, and I was going to go out and be with friends but we got an ice storm and roads were slick so I stayed home and was in bed by 9pm. I know right?!? I’m lame and getting old!

Who else did this?

Happy 2022!

Saturday we all woke up to a new year! Happy 2022! Like the majority, I wrote down my goals for the new year which I typically don’t do, however I really focused on what I want to accomplish this year and task that will help me accomplish those goals. I also jotted them down in my notes on my phone so I can look at them every day. Why not put my goals where I can easily access them instead of a journal or notepad? I also am liking the idea of making a dream board so I can visually see my dreams when I’m in my home office to keep me motivated. Here are my goals for 2022 and tasks to keep me accountable:

Goals need a plan and actions to help you achieve your goals

My 10 Goals:

  1. Do things that make ME HAPPY
    • 1. Action: Find at least one thing that makes me happy and add to 365 list each day
  2. Spend more time with Family and Friends
    • 1. Action: Set phone down when with company
    • Action: Schedule more dates and say yes for meeting up!
  3. Make more improvements on the farm
    • 1. Action: Be more present with Dad when home and utilize his help
    • 2. Action: Get outside!
    • 3. Action: Start on small projects
  4. Be more spiritual and practice my faith
    • 1. Action: Journal
    • 2. Action: Recognize signs from angels
    • 3. Action: Pray during the good and bad
  5. Be more active
    • 1. Action: Move my body for 5 minutes if I don’t feel like working out – should encourage me to keep going and complete 30-45 minutes of exercise
    • 2. Action: Take Dude on as many walks as possible!
    • 3. Action: Sign up for classes at the Crew Center
  6. Be a loving wife
    • 1. Action: Get ready in the mornings even though I work from home
    • 2. Action: Ask how Bryce’s day was and don’t complain about the small things
    • 3. Action: Set phone down at night when together and talk about our future, our goals, learn something new, our cattle herd, etc.
  7. Grow my farm real estate business:
    • Action: Create content for sellers and buyers
    • Action: Show my face more and network
  8. Eat a balanced diet
    • 1. Action: Portioning plate and include all varieties of food categories
    • 2. Action: Allow myself to have cheat meals follow 80/20 rule
    • 3. Action: Try new foods! Order Hello Fresh and Whole and Hearty Meals To – Go
  9. Drink Less Alcohol
    • 1. Action: Drink at least 100 oz of water per day
    • 2. Action: Only drink socially
    • 3. Action: Focus on progress and take it day by day
  10. Read before bed
    • 1. Action: Set phone down at night
    • 2. Action: Buy used books and sell ones I have read
    • 3. Action: At least 10 pages

Weekend Re-set

I’ve always been an open and honest person and sharing my goals to the public is uncomfortable but I hope it inspires you to try some of my goals and action tasks as well!

Now back to the weekend, I had a very relaxing snowy Saturday! I did clean up Dad’s house some, worked out, read, and went outside for about 5 minutes since it was COLD!

Sunday, I was up before 8am and Dad had already done chores. I’m determined to get out of bed one of these mornings early to help feed cows while I’m home! There’s something so rewarding about feeding livestock the depend on you it’s hard to describe but it always puts me in a good mood even if it’s below zero!

Farm House Projects

I asked Dad what projects I could help him with and we decided it was time to clean and organize the office room. It’s been a hard year on our family since my grandma passed away December of 2020. We spent majority of last January and February moving into the farm house and it’s hard knowing what to keep, give away, sell, or throw away. I feel so guilty trying to update and make grandma and grandpa’s house our own and changing out a few things. Going through the office though was a good first step.

My sister and I did do good work on the upstairs bedrooms this past year but the main floor and basement could still use some work. The office looks so much better and Dad was thankful I kept after it all day. Finished the evening by watching some football, doing some yoga and stretches and reading before bed.

Monday Morning Motivation

This morning I took Dude, my golden retriever, to the vet for his annual wellness exam at Adel Vet Clinic and grabbed a coffee from The Morning Grind. The roads are still covered in snow and icy in areas but not terrible.

Today I am focused on growing my business and how I want my work days to look like. I’ve been with DreamDirt for a little over three years now and am a full-time farmland auctioneer and real estate agent. I love creating content on social media for sellers and buyers and communicating with clients. If you’d like to see some short videos about farmland in Iowa follow my Tik-Tok and Facebook page! Helping land owners become more educated on the farmland selling process is my main priority, and I enjoy answering your questions!

Future of Farmland

Farmland Seller Resources

I have several great free resources if you are ever in the position of selling farmland or know someone who is! All you need to do is fill out my contact form and I’ll get back to you ASAP! I offer free farmland market evaluation consultations and please think of me and the team at DreamDirt when it comes to selling farm real estate.

Take care and stay warm!

Rachel

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Iowa Farmland Auction Results

June 21, 2021

Week of June 14 – 20

Several land auctions in Iowa took place this week! I’m an online auction coordinator for DreamDirt, and we had two auctions this week that were very successful! Our sellers have been extremely happy with the results of our online auctions and we’re looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year brings! I also want to mention that if you own land in Iowa but live out of state, reach out! We meet with out of state land owners all the time over zoom. If you live here in Iowa, I’m more than willing to drive and meet you anywhere or meet over video on zoom as well! I provide free consultations and want to help you get your questions of selling farmland answered! Start today by filling out my questionnaire!

Story County, Iowa Auction

  • 360 acres sold in 3 parcels
  • Near Nevada, IA
  • Virtual live auction online only bidding
  • Near 100% tillable
  • Tract 1
    • 80 acres
    • Sold for $16,100/acre
    • 84.9 CSR2
    • $189.63/CSR2
  • Tract 2
    • 120 acres
    • Sold for $16,100/acre
    • 86.30 CSR2
    • $186.56/CSR2
  • Tract 3
    • 160 acres
    • Sold for $14,500/acre
    • 84.90 CSR2
    • $170.78/CSR2

Chickasaw County, Iowa Land Auction

  • 79 acres
  • Live and online auction held at the Alta Vista Hall in Alta Vista, IA
  • Sold for $8,400/acre
  • 85.5% tillable
  • 75.72 CSR2

Fremont County, Iowa Farmland Auction

  • 186.8 acres
  • Located near Sidney, IA
  • Online Only Auction
  • Sold for $4,750/acre
  • 59.1 CSR2
  • 80% tillable
  • $80.37/CSR2

Winneshiek County, Iowa Farmland Auction

  • 24.80 Acres
  • Online only auction
  • Located near Calmar, IA
  • 80.3% tillable
  • 68.4 CSR2
  • Sold for $10,000/acre
  • $146.20/CSR2

Buena Vista County, Iowa

  • 25.10 acres
  • Online only auction
  • Located near Alta, IA
  • Sold for $13,311/acre
  • 96.4 CSR2
  • $135.37/CSR2
  • 100% tillable

O’Brien County, Iowa Auction

  • 80.15 acres
  • Live auction held at Primghar Golf and Country Club
  • Located near Primghar, IA
  • Sold for $17,200/acre
  • 94.8 CSR2
  • $181.43/CSR2

Poweshiek County, IA Land Auction

  • 150 acres
  • Live auction held at Montezuma Memorial Hall
  • Located in Montezuma, IA
  • 87 CSR2
  • Sold for $15,000/acre
  • $172.41/CSR2

Palo Alto County, IA

  • 236.3 acres
  • Live auction held at Mallard Community Center in Mallard, IA
  • 97% tillable
  • 82 CSR2
  • Sold for $11,800/acre
  • $143.90/CSR2

Greene County, IA

  • 304.80 acres sold in 3 parcels
  • Virtual Live Auction Online only bidding
  • Located near Bagley, IA
  • 83.9 CSR2
  • 92% tillable
  • Tract 1
    • 200 acres
    • Sold for $11,600/acre
    • 81.1 CSR2
    • $143.03/CSR2
  • Tract 2 80 acres
    • Sold for $14,400/acre
    • 88.6 CSR2
    • $162.52/CSR2
  • Tract 3 24.8 acres
    • Sold for $12,200/acre
    • 86.20 CSR2
    • $141.53/CSR2

Carroll County, IA Land Auction

  • Live auction with online bidding held at Carroll American Legion Hale in Carroll, IA
  • Tract 1
    • 91.11 acres
    • Sold for $16,200/acre
    • 95% tillable
    • 84.1 CSR2
    • $192.63/CSR2
  • Tract 2
    • 160 acres with steel machine shed and bin
    • Sold for $15,100/acre
    • 94% tillable
    • 61.4 CSR2
    • $245.92/CSR2

Shelby County, IA Land Auction

  • 420.28 acres sold in Three Tracts
  • Live auction held at Therkildsen Center in Harlan, IA
  • Tract 1
    • 152.20 acres
    • 71.3 CSR2
    • 80% tillable
    • Sold for $8,125/acre
    • $113.96/CSR2
  • Tract 2
    • 150.08 acres
    • 69.6 CSR2
    • 40% tillable
    • Sold for $5,550/acre
    • $79.74/CSR2
  • Tract 3
    • 118 acres CRP
    • Sold for $5,550/acre
    • 65.9 CSR2
    • $84.09/CSR2

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Farmland Auction That Was So Quiet You Could Hear Crickets!

April 9, 2021

Awkward Silence During Auction

Have you ever heard an auctioneer chant before? My guess is you have and think it’s amazing to listen too! If you haven’t here’s a video of one of my favorite auctioneers – Iowa native auctioneer, Emily Wears Kroul. Have you ever been to an auction where it was so quiet you could hear crickets though? Probably not, but I have and I was the auctioneer conducting it!

This story gets even better though! One of the sellers of the farm was playing the cricket noises from his phone – talk about awkward silence!

Online Auctioneer

On April 7th, we gathered at the community shelter house in Kiron, IA to sell 115.60 acres of farmland in Crawford County, IA. This wasn’t your typical land auction you might be picturing though. It was an online only auction, but we offered a bidding location to help bidders register to bid on their phone or device. Unlike a live more traditional auction where you would expect a big crowd and auctioneers chanting, the room stayed silent and the bidders watched the auction on their phone and hit the bid button on their own.

Kiron, IA Farmland Auction Results – Rachel Hoy Iowa Land Auctioneer

In a previous blog, I wrote about how I’m an auctioneer but I don’t know how to chant. During the auction, I called out each time a bid was placed and announced the current bid, asking bid price, bidding increment, and the $/CSR2 amount without actually chanting. As the time ticked down, I announced the amount of time left to place one more bid. Our timed online auctions are set to close at 2pm. and are open for about 30 days. Bids could be placed anytime up till April 7th at 2pm.

The seller’s confirmed the sale of the auction and lifted the reserve around 1pm that day. This encouraged bidders to bid even more since they know knew the farm would absolutely sell to the highest bidder. Even though it was set to close at 2pm, extended bidding happened till 2:06pm. This is because when someone bids in the last 2 minutes it extends out for another 2 additional minutes. Giving everyone a fair chance to bid until no more bids have been placed.

Social Pressure During Live Auction

Little did we know, the winning bidder was in the room with us. If it was a live auction, we all would have known the whole time who was bidding and winning. If you put yourself in the shoes of a bidder though, imagine the stress and social pressures you would feel bidding in front of your peers, the seller, banker, etc. This is why our online only auctions work so incredibly well. It takes all the social pressures away allowing the bidder to bid to his/her maximum potential without feeling judged. Their name stays anonymous online and that is why we didn’t know the winning bidder was in the room!

Our team of auction professionals call each person who registers and bids on our land auctions. They all have to accept the terms and conditions that the seller sets in order to participate in the auction. Even though it was surprising the winning bidder was in the room, we had talked to him earlier in the week to make sure he was set-up to bid online. Each bidder had their own account and participated from their own device.

We simply had a bidding location set-up to ensure extra help in-case someone struggled with using the internet. It may surprise you, but we only get a few people that call and ask if they can bid over the phone. Now a days, farmers use technology every day and we have been selling land online for the past 10 years! Online only auctions are the most powerful way to sell your land now and the most cost-efficient!

farmland in Crawford County, IA auction results

Online Only Land Auction Boone County, Iowa

We sold a farm the next day, April 8th in Boone County, IA without having a bidding location or live auction. It was completely online only! The sellers of the 75.99-acre farm near Boxholm, IA also confirmed the sale of the auction prior to 2pm. The auction extended all the way till 2:57pm!

Sold farmland in Boone county, Iowa price

Auctions Create Competition!

Auctions create competition! You can definitely see it when two bidders go back and forth bidding against each other for almost and hour! The seller’s confirmed the farm would sell and trade hands prior to the auction closing. This encouraged the bidders to keep bidding knowing they had a chance of owning the farm.

Are you curious how our online auctions work and what they look like? View the recording of this past auction here.

Free Auction Consultation

If you are thinking about selling land in Iowa, now is a good time! I offer free consultations! Let me help you get started on the right path to selling your most valuable asset. Contact me at 515-954-8063 or email Rachel@DreamDirt.com to request your free consultation.  

Auctioneer Rachel contact at 515-954-8063
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Farmland Auctioneer

March 30, 2021

When I first meet someone and introduce myself as an auctioneer I get some strange looks. My family and friends also have troubles grasping the fact that I’m an Iowa farmland auctioneer. Why is this? When most people hear the word auctioneer, they picture someone chanting. I don’t have the talent to do so or know what words to say in a chant. However, I am an Iowa farmland auctioneer and here’s why.

Definition of an Auctioneer

According to the National Association of Realtors, an auctioneer is,“The person whom the seller engages to direct, conduct, or be responsible for a sale by auction. This person may or may not actually call or cry the auction.”

There are several auctioneer schools around the country that offer different types of classes and designations. World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, IA helps those who are interested in learning how to chant. I know many auctioneers that have been to this school. However, I knew it wouldn’t be the right fit for me. I wanted to learn more about the business side of the auction industry and strategies to best serve my clients.

Jason Smith and Tom Bradley, (brokers, and auctioneers of DreamDirt), both suggested I attend Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) School. CAI is hosted by the National Auctioneers Association. It is a three-year program and covers auction methods, improving business skills, staying up-to-date with technology, networking, and becoming a leader.

I couldn’t wait to sign-up and get started on my CAI journey after hearing what all it has to offer!

Certified Auctioneer Institute School

Even though CAI was going to look different this year due to COVID, I still wanted to attend. Typically, the class is held in Bloomington, Indiana at the University of Indiana. With COVID gathering limitations, the NAA decided to host the class virtually. I’ve used Zoom before when meeting with clients. Yet, I didn’t know what to expect from taking this class over a period of 5 days all online. CAI starts on a Sunday and goes through Thursday. By the time Thursday came, I was familiar with everyone in my class! I was able to network even from my own home office!

Using Zoom for Online Class
CAI Class of 2023 meet over Zoom our first year! Here’s a few of my classmates!

During our introductions on Sunday, I quickly realized the majority of my classmates come from an auction family. Which made me sit back and think, do I know anyone in my family that was/is an auctioneer? The answer: no. Wow! I am a first-generation Iowa farmland auctioneer and the only one in my class from Iowa! What also surprised me was out of the 40 auctioneers in my class, there are only 8 of us females! We also represent 17 different states and specialize in selling all different types of assets. My class consist of a wide range of benefit, personal property, commercial real estate, farm machinery, and land auctioneers. We all specialize in selling different assets, but are still helping each other!

Auction Proposal

Besides listening to our speakers, we also worked in groups to present an auction proposal. My group’s assignment was to compose a professional proposal to present to the seller’s of a brewery. Since we were all working over Zoom, we built communication skills and showed our strengths through group work. This group proposal was practice for our individual work which includes submitting an auction proposal by August 1st. A proposal is required in order to advance to CAI Class II next year.

CAI 2022 Benefit Auction

While working on our proposals, we will also be planning to host the CAI 2022 Benefit Auction. I’m the administrator of the executive team and will be handling communications between our committees for the coming year. I’m excited to help coordinate the best benefit auction for next year!

Licensing Requirements of Real Estate Salesperson versus Auctioneer in Iowa

After become a licensed salesperson in Iowa, I found it odd auctioneers in Iowa don’t need a license.

I’ve been in the auction industry since late 2018 and have seen a lack of professional and educated auctioneers. Yes, I’m an auctioneer in Iowa because there is no licensing requirements in this state. Even so, I wanted to become educated and more knowledgeable about auction business. This is where CAI school comes into play.

Taking Action!

I decided to enroll in CAI school to help set myself apart from the rest of the industry. Less than 850 professionals currently hold the CAI designation and I want to become one of the elites. I will stay up to date with the best practices in the auction industry, laws, regulations, and conducting business. I’m taking it upon myself to invest into furthering my education in order to protect and best serve my clients

I’m here to help!

Selling farm assets is a very complex process. I suggest hiring a professional who is willing to dedicate their time into becoming the best Iowa farmland auctioneer. I can explain the auction process and guide you along every step of the way. Not just calling for bids and chanting.

Contact me at 515-954-8063 or rachel@dreamdirt.com to get started with a free consultation. Get to know me more my watching this video!

Selling land by online auction
Photo was taken of me after our Live and Online Auction for the Larry Schenkelberg Estate Land Auction consisting of 813 acres in Carroll and Greene County, IA
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Land Auctions vs. Listings

December 15, 2020

So, you’re thinking about selling your land, but not sure if you should have an auction or list the farm.

Selling land is a huge process and you only really get one chance at it. Should I start with an auction first or listing? This decision is important to make sure you get the most money for your land and done correctly the first time. 

From my experience of helping landowners, I would recommend an auction first. Does the word auction scare you? Do you feel that it is a last resort option and your land will sell for cheap? What price should I list my farm at?

I’m going to lay out the key differences between auctions and listings to give you a better idea of why you should not feel nervous about having an auction, and why I think they produce the best results for you. 

How Land Auctions Work

When I was younger, I would picture the word auction as people gathering in a room and eating donuts and drinking coffee while getting ready to raise their hand and bid when the auctioneer started chanting. Today though, I picture auctions differently.

Online Land Auctions

I think of bidders competing against each other bidding to their maximum potential and producing incredible sale results. Not necessarily done in-person. Online land auctions are becoming more popular than ever before! When done correctly they are the most powerful way to sell land. 

Be careful! When deciding what auction company to use, make sure you are choosing someone who has done online auctions for several years. With the world pandemic and the chaos of 2020, several auction companies have switched to online only auctions. Which is totally okay, as long as they understand how to properly conduct online land auctions.

Land Auction Company

Tip – look for a company that has several past sale results from online land auctions, own their own software (don’t use a third-party bidding platform), and have testimonials from previous sellers who have decided to sell their land by online only auction.

I have helped sell thousands of acres online and work with a team of auction professionals who are truly the pioneers of online land auctions. If you are curious how online land auctions work, I can send you a video of what your land auction would look like on our online bidding website!

Whether you decide to have a live in-person auction, or online only auction, these key features apply to both. 

1. Auctions have a set date

Unlike a listing, auctions have a set date and time where bidding will either begin for a live auction or when bidding will end for an online timed auction. This can give you and the bidders an idea of when the farm will sell and create momentum to get bids in. 

I know if I were a seller, I would prefer to know what day my land was going to sell instead of waiting around for an offer to come in for a listing which can take up to several months depending on buyer’s urgency. We all live busy lives, and by setting a certain date and time for your auction you know exactly when you need to be available to watch your auction and accept the bids. Offers for listings are not planned and can create stress if you are planner like me!

2. Let bidders’ price your farm

How much is your farm really worth? What if your listing price was lower than what a bidder would actually pay for it? When you put a price on your farm you are creating a cap of what you are wanting for your land. With an auction, bidders can go beyond the price and can produce results you wouldn’t have even dreamt about! How do you know what others think your land is worth? Maybe they have had an eye on your farm for several years and would pay 2x as much as what you think it’s worth. This is why auctions are the best at determining what your land is really worth and letting bidders determine how much they are willing to give. 

Prime example – I witnessed an acreage consisting of 19 acres and a house sell for $70,000 more than what the sellers thought it was worth and what they would have listed it at. They had no idea bidders were willing to go that high. Iif they did a listing, they would have shorted themselves $70,000! I don’t know about you but that’s a lot of money! The sellers were extremely happy with this online land auction that I helped coordinate. 

Auction Ladder

They way auctions work is similar to climbing a ladder. You start low and work your way up. Every time someone bids the next person has to be higher – next step on the ladder. Bidders can only work up and never back down to $0 which can happen with listings. Listings, a buyer can offer a price anywhere on the ladder and other buyers have no idea if they have to be higher or if they can submit a lower offer. If you as a seller decided to reject an offer on your listing – you start back at $0 until someone comes in with another offer. 

You also have the right to accept or reject the last bid on your land auction and to confirm the sale. This is another hefty topic though, and I wrote a separate blog dedicated to this topic, “5 Secrets to Setting an Auction Reserve”.  

3. Terms and Conditions of Auctions

One of my favorite parts of auction is – sellers get to set the terms and conditions.  You decide everything from how much earnest money is due, the closing date, auction date, selling as-is where-is, possession of the farm, and more! With a listing, buyers can present all of the terms and conditions and often have contingencies attached that you either have to accept, reject, or counter offer as a seller. An auction lays it all out on the table of what you are willing to accept from a bidder. You make the rules. 

Terms and conditions are extremely important and protect you as a seller. Experienced auctioneers like myself, understand what needs to be included, and how to tailor set terms and conditions to your land. 

4. What if no one bids on your auction?

It’s highly unlikely no one will bid. If for some reason you don’t agree to the highest bid on auction day, I ask my sellers to move into a 60-day listing to achieve the price you are looking for. This is why having an auction before a listing is critical. Remember how I said auction dates create bidder momentum? We now have a better understanding of how the rest of the world sees your land and who is interested.

Negotiating with Bidders

Even if no one bids, or the last bid is too low for you to accept, I now have a list of people who have expressed interest and have called with questions. It’s my job to work for you, and reach out to those who had sparked interest. I will continue to negotiate with potential buyers to reach a sold price. 

The majority of farmland I have helped sell doesn’t reach this point. Sellers often confirm the sale of their auction even before bidding ends. The farm trades hands to the highest bidder on auction day. There are secrets to how this works in your favor to achieve top prices. You can read more in my blog, “5 Secretes to Setting and Auction Reserve”. 

How Land Listings Work

What do you picture when you hear the word listing? Is it different than the word auction?

I bet you are imaging driving by a For Sale sign in the yard with a number to call or seeing a piece of land on a website with a price listed. 

1. Choose a Licensed Real Estate Land Agent

If you read, How Land Auctions Work, you should have an idea of why I recommend choosing to have an auction versus a listing. I do want to mention some of my past sellers have used a listing. I’m licensed to do so in Iowa. Be careful – some auctioneers are not licensed real estate agents and don’t have the ability to sell your land by listing! 

2. Who Buys Listings?

The buyer pool who most likely is interested in seeing listings, is investors and 1031 exchange buyers. Now this doesn’t mean they don’t bid on farmland auctions. Some investors calculate their return and cap rates based on the listing price and what they are willing to offer. 

3. Record Breaking Results!

Something to look at is what land has been selling for in the county your farm is located in. Are auctions producing the best results or listings? It’s rare you will see record breaking results from listings – they are simply set by auctions. 

4. Why it’s not a good idea to have a listing first 

Many sellers believe they can list the farm on the market for a few months to see how it does. Then switch to an auction. By listing land first, you price the farm and people will bid with that figure in mind creating undesirable results for your auction. By selling at auction first, bidders are allowed to truly discover the fair market value of your land with no preconceived notions. 

Choosing a land auctioneer or farm real estate agent 

Once you have decided the route you want to take, reach out to several auctioneers or real estate agents and get to know them. Still not sure if you should have an auction or listing? Schedule a free consultation with me! Being a land auctioneer and land real estate agent in Iowa, I can help answer any questions you have about either method. 

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Pros and Cons to 5 Different Ways to Sell Farmland

November 22, 2020

Are you feeling confused on how you should sell your farmland? Here’s a quick checklist of the pros and cons to common methods of selling land. Choose one which best fits you and your farm, or reach out today to have a free professional consultation!

Sell by Live Bidding Auction

This is where people show up to a common place and the auctioneer calls for bids in-person on a certain day. Sellers typically come to live auctions and talk with their auctioneer during a “break” in bidding to discuss the price of where bidding is at. With a reserve auction, which is most popular, you as a seller have the right to accept the highest bid, reject it, or confirm the sale at your reserve price and sell to the highest bidder.

Pros

  1. As a seller, you set your own terms and conditions bidders have to agree to.
  2. Live auctions are widely recognized as the traditional way of selling land. 
  3. In this method, an auctioneer will chant out-loud and take bids. Creating a unique atmosphere that the public enjoys listening to.
  4. Some live auctions also include online bidding depending on the auction company. 

Cons

  1. Venue expenses to hold the auction can be an extra cost.
  2. Bidders experience social pressures and often become nervous bidding against friends, the farm tenant, and the public. Resulting in lower prices when compared to online only auctions.
  3. Live auctions are often stressful to you as a seller because you have very little time typically during the 10-minute break between bidding to decide if the price is high enough for you to sell your land or not with your auctioneer.

Sell by Timed Online Auction

In this method, all bidding is online and timed. Bidding is typically open for 30-45 days and the auction has a set date and time where bidding will end. I recommend online land auctions to all of my clients as the preferred method of selling land because of the benefits they provide compared to live in-person auctions.

Pros

  1. Bidding online greatly reduces bidder friction by taking away social pressures that are experienced at a live auction. The bidders remain anonymous online and can sit in the comfort of their home and bid!
  2. Bid from anywhere! 
  3. Unlike a live auction, there are bids already placed before auction day!
  4. Setting a date for the auction to end creates momentum and competitions for people to bid. Unlike a listing which could take several months!

Cons

  1. In this case the auctioneer does not chant out loud, but the time ticks down and flashes when someone bids. Still creating an exhilarating experience for bidders to keep placing bids!
  2. Tip – research auction companies and choose one who owns their bidding software and has multiple sold results of online land auctions over several years!

Sell by Listing

The biggest difference between auctions and listings is a for sale price instead of an auction date. Your real estate agent helps you understand offers submitted by buyers and markets the property for you.

Pros

  1. You set the price as a seller.
  2. Buyers who are investors can calculate return rate since the price is established. 

Cons

  1. Buyer’s will present offers with contingencies and terms which you either have to accept, counter-offer, or decline.
  2. Typically, listings are a longer process than auctions since there is no set date.
  3. You can easily over-price your farm or acreage and have to work down on price instead of up.
  4. Listings require a higher commission fee to cover paying both seller and buyer brokerages when compared to auctions.
  5. If there are multiple owners, all sellers will have to agree on the terms presented by buyer which can be challenging to achieve.
  6. Multiple open houses dates which are time consuming!

Sell by For Sale by Owner

Have land to sell? You can try selling on your own!

Pros

  1. You could get the job accomplished yourself as a seller. 
  2. Since you are the primary contact you will deal directly with potential buyers and receive all inquiries!

Cons

  1. Marketing/Advertising is all on your and cost money!
  2. You have to be comfortable accepting offers with contingencies and having conversations with potential buyers. 
  3. There is no sense of urgency for buyers to present an offer when compared to timed online auctions which have a time frame laid out. 
  4. If selling land with a house, you will need to have multiple open house dates. Visits from potential buyers can be very inconvenient.
  5. You will be responsible for making sure the closing process is moving correctly and on time.
  6. Selling land is complex, and sometimes paying an attorney for legal advice is necessary!

Private Direct Offer

I offer this method to sellers looking to keep their name private and not listed on their land auction or listing. This method is only advertised to select list of buyers who are required to accept the terms and conditions and place an offer within a few days.

Pros

  1. Completely private – you don’t have to display your name or who owns the farm.
  2. You will set your terms and conditions similar to an auction.
  3. Your property will only be marketed to a select few individuals and investors to make offers. 
  4. Typically, a fast process and can be used for lease back options.

Cons

  1. Since it is not advertised to the public, this creates a smaller buyer pool and may not achieve as high of a price like an auction would.
  2. Not as common when compared to auctions and listings. 
  3. Only select auctioneers and land agents provide this method.

Most landowners only sell land once in their life, and only get one shot at it to make it right. My advice – reach out to a professional who has sold multiple properties and can offer advice on what method best fits your land. If you have any questions or would like a free consultation, fill out this form and I will reach out to you!  

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