We have a homestead (10+ acres totally chemical free) which we have farmed and loved for 16 years. We don't want to move but we have too. We want just the right people to purchase it. Is there some kind of clearing house for folks like us. We have it listed with a real estate agent who keeps bringing people around who have no idea of the value of "chemical free," etc. Did I mention we are also off the grid and always have been? Anyway, how do we find like-minded folks. We are in the Southern Tier of NYS. Have also put an ad in the NOFA newsletter which has so far brought us "wanna be" garden farmers who are just looking. Can anyone lend any assistance please. Thanks a bunch.

-- Joyce Besemer (joycemb3@juno.com), March 02, 2002

Answers

I would add more info on the house here .Price ,county , number of bedrooms ect. You never know someone may jump at it .

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@hotmail.com), March 03, 2002.

Joyce, Please e-mail me with more info. For now, I am looking for something close to where I am and your place may be it. Please let me know. Thanks- Sheryl

-- Sheryl in NJ (all295@aol.com), March 03, 2002.

You might try United Country (unitedcountry.com). They're a real estate agency which is more or less nation-wide, which specializes in rural property. If anyone would appreciate a "chemical-free" property, it's them.

We're getting ready to sell our own place (it's only 4 acres, too small for us now), and we randomly called in a real estate agent to take a look and make recommendations for improvements to make before selling it. She told us to bulldoze our 1874 historic house (!) and build a fancy-shmancy new house to sell for a half-million bucks. We booted her out and called a United Country agent. He took one look and nearly fell over at the rural beauty of our place, gave us a few suggestions for improvements, and told us what we can expect price-wise. Needless to say, there's no question who we'll have represent us when the time comes to sell.

Good luck.

-- Patrice (dldesigns@wave.net), March 03, 2002.

Please send me more information. thanks !!

-- Helena (windyacs@npacc.net), March 03, 2002.

Yes Joyce, there is a clearing house for folks like us. It's called Countryside's classified section. It's cheap, it's easy and it works.

-- Pete (plucas@rvn.net), March 03, 2002.

Joyce,

First things first. Since you now have your property listed you are most likely obligated to pay a commission to the broker even if you sell the property yourself. Find out if this is the case or not. If you are obligated to pay a commission even for a buyer that you find yourself, be sure to figure that expense into the transaction.

Since you have already selected the agent, it is a bit late to seek an agent who is more knowledgable on the subject. Looks like you have taken on the job of educating the agent, or doing the agents job for him or her, or both...Have fun.

If this listing should expire, and it seems likely that it might; be sure to seek out a real estate brokerage firm that is well versed in what you have to sell. As you already know there are very few of us out here (both chemical free homesteaders, and knowledgable real estate brokers). I happen to be both but I am not licensed in your state.

If you choose to advertise on your own, look to places where you might find people like yourself. Publications like "Countryside" are good. and web sites like "Theequator.com" are also good. There are no doubt others too. Most likely a lot of folks know what you are talking about (chemical free) but are just not willing to pay for it.

A lot depends on what your needs are here. How fast you need to move is very important. Do you owe money on the property? Would you finance part of the purchase yourself?

You mention selling to the "right people". Now it is very important that you know the definition of the word discrimination here. You need to know just exactly what you can and can not do and say. Your real estate agent should be able to advise you on this.

-- Ed Copp (OH) (edcopp@yahoo.com), March 03, 2002.

The only other advice not mentioned that I can offer you, is to try to advertise it as if you were selling a business, and a lifestyle. If you were self supportive off of your land, that is a drawing feature to potential buyers. You are selling a gold mine still full of gold. Understanding this, and advertising this, will at least get you people interested in it's postential.

-- roberto pokachinni (pokachinni@yahoo.com), March 03, 2002.

Rather than being concerned about "the right people" you might consider a restriction on the deed. Understand though that this is a drastic (was trying to think of a more appropriate word but couldn't) step.

My wife and I live on an acre and a half that is surrounded by forest preserves. There is a deed restriction from building any structure (including a fence) on the west side of our property. It also limits our ability to run a business (of any sort) from home.

If you are truly concerned about the chemical free nature of the property (more than getting the mximum price) you might consider a conservation easement to a group like the nature conservancy.

To be honest, I have mixed feelings about deed restrictions. Just wanted to pint out this option.

-- Mike (mhammer@ix.netcom.com), March 03, 2002.