Overview:

Learn about determinants of land values and analyzing farmland investments. Understand appraisal techniques and how farmland compares to alternative investments. Compare farmland ownership to other investment opportunities.

A module by module introduction to the course is available.

There are two registration options. You choose to pay online via PayPal using the Buy Now button

or via U.S. mail

The land purchase decision is one of the most important decisions farmers will make in their life. Yet, it is a decision that is seldom made. Because the decision is not often made and due to the complexities surrounding the decision, it is too often a decision based on emotion rather than careful analysis.

The purpose of this course is to provide relevant information to help evaluate the land purchase decision. Remember as you go through the course that land price and land values are not necessarily the same. The price of land is determined in the market, whereas the value of the land is an individual determination.

This course is designed for purchase of agricultural land in Iowa. Most of the basic concepts, however, will apply to other real estate purchases as well.

To help analyze the land purchase decision, the course is divided into five lessons.

The land purchase decision involves long-term projections and substantial capital investment. As such, it is always a risky decision that can have major consequences. The decision must be carefully analyzed. Hopefully this course will provide a sound basis for making this important decision.

Course Modules

• Land Value Trends
• Using Soils Information
• Appraisal Techniques
• Financing Considerations
• Feasibility of a Land Purchase

Decision Aids

• Farmland Valuation
• Farmland Purchase Feasibility