Land: To Invest or Not?

Posted by Geneva on Jan 14, 2013 in Baton Rouge Real Estate Info | 0 comments

You hear a lot of contradicting advice on real estate. Should I rent? Should I buy? But one of the most controversial discussions about real estate is land. Is land a good investment or not?

Some myths about purchasing land is upkeep is difficult or that you won’t ever see a return for your investment. Well, let me break down those myths for you, and open your eyes to the wonderful world of purchasing and owning land.

First myth: Land upkeep is difficult. False. Large land upkeep is much more affordable than keeping up a larger home with maintenance issues or landscaping a front yard. Especially if you are lucky enough to find property where the original owners have taken care of their land like a gem.

For instance, I am listing a property right now where the owner has not only taken care of the 9.78 acres (What an investment!), but has also built a beautiful country road guiding you through the entire acreage. It also is already under contract for a tranquil pond to be built behind the home, using the dirt to help build up the property. Located in scenic Pride, Louisiana, this property is the sight for country, peaceful living.

Taking care of land is also not to be dreaded. You hear a lot of country songs talking about “riding the land”, driving “back roads”, or cruising on the tractor. These aren’t just good ole lyrics that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, but is actually a doctor recommended form of therapy. As John Milton said, “Make hay while sun shines.” Imagine watching your children playing out in the a huge yard with a trampoline, pool, or simply riding bikes (or fourwheelers!) on the country road. How relaxing of a picture is that?

Second myth: I’ll never see my return on my investment. Totally false. If life has taught us anything, it has taught us that nothing is for certain. Many people will find creative ways to see returns on their large land investment. The more creative, the more of a profit they see. One man in North Carolina, named Keith Brouillard, started off with a smaller purchase of land which eventually turned into 280 acres of timber and hunting land he calls Carolina Forestry. You can now go on his website and purchase one acre properties at a time for $20,000.

Now imagine if you owned about 10 acres that was originally purchased for 149,000 this year. Then, you turn around in 5-10 years, when the market slightly changes, and sell for $20,000 to $30,000 an acre. That’s a $51,000 to $151,000 profit. Doesn’t sound like a poor investment now, does it?

Let’s go back and look at my new listing in Pride, LA with 9.78 acres.

Imagine what you could do with a wonderful piece of well taken care of land like that? Not to mention it has a great mobile home with an adorable front yard gate for curb appeal. This particular property is not only a peaceful new home, it’s great investing at it’s finest.

Land investment is not only a good investment, it’s a great investment. As the Mark Twain said, “Buy land. They’re not making it anymore.”

Interested in the property mentioned about. Research it under 16529 Pride Baywood, Pride, Louisiana 70770. Pictures shown of actual property. Call Geneva Compton at (225) 938-0556 for private showing.