I N S I D E
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Powered Land & Data Centers Crossroads of Residential Real Estate and Subdivision Land The Current State of Row-Crop Agricultural Land Markets Tax Deferral Strategies 2026 National Land Conference Preview
W I N T E R 2 0 2 6 • V O L . 8 0 N O. 1 • R L I L A N D. C O M
THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LANDOWNER
DEAN SAUNDERS, ALC
TODD RENFREW, ALC
CALIFORNIA OUTDOOR PROPERTIES & OUTDOOR PROPERTIES OF NEVADA “I have been working with Eric and Eddie for over 12 years. The Land Report is one of the few publications that understands land. Their passion for it can be seen in their excellent articles and insights. Their unique expertise has led them to be a leader in land marketing and is a must if you are serious about selling farms, ranches, and recreational properties. When we listed and sold one the largest ranches in California, the 50,500-acre N3 Cattle Company, The Land Report was instrumental in our success.”
SAUNDERS REAL ESTATE
“The Land Report has been a beneficial resource for the industry, not only as a channel to share top listings with the nation but because of the magazine’s journalistic quality. Eddie Lee Rider has a finger on the pulse of the land market across the country, and I appreciate Eric O’Keefe’s deep dives into the people and places of lore in this industry. They’ve made appreciation for the land accessible to a broad audience, which is great for those of us in the profession.”
DAX HAYDEN
DAN MURPHY, ALC M4 RANCH GROUP
“Seldom does a person, entity, or platform rise above. When they do, it accelerates an industry, closes a gap, fills a need. The Land Report is just such a company. The company’s efforts in all aspects — print, digital, social and imaging — have risen above and have lifted an industry. M4 Ranch Group enthusiastically partners with The Magazine of the American Landowner.”
HAYDEN OUTDOORS REAL ESTATE “I have had the pleasure of working with Eddie Lee and Eric for over a decade, and their passion for the land is second to none. The Land Report truly understands this industry — its people, its challenges, and its stories. As one of the largest land brokerages in the country, Hayden Outdoors values a partner who strengthen the entire land community. The Land Report continues to be that partner.”
W W W . L A N D R E P O R T. C O M
Contents
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36
The Current State of Row-Crop Agricultural Land Markets, Q4 2025
Powered Land & Data Centers: The Next Big Thing in Real Estate
A Note from the President
2
RLI News Briefs
6
2025 By The Numbers
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Chapter News
10
ALC Achievers
16
2026 National Land Conference
18
LANDU® Education
22
News & Views from Inside the Beltway
26
Tax-Deferral Strategies
36
The Crossroads of Residential Real Estate and Subdivision Land
42
My Land Story: How a Colorado Ranch Kid Found a Calling in Real Estate 44
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The Productive Pause
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NLC26 Preview: Land, Legacy, & Leadership Join us in San Antonio March 15-18
Terra Firma
Winter 2026 Edition REALTORS® Land Institute 430 North Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611 800-441-LAND (5263) info@rliland.com rliland.com
Inside the Habits of Top Performing Land Professionals
Publisher Aubrie Kobernus, mba, rce Chief Executive Officer Marketing Manager Kat Szymanski Design & Layout Halupka Studio • ha-lup-ka.com
Contributing Authors Craig Kaiser LandGate Megan Turnipseed, ALC Keller Williams Lone Star Doug Hensley Hertz Farm Management, Inc. Russell Riggs NAR Government Affairs Liaison
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Views expressed within the publication are not necessarily endorsed by the REALTORS® Land Institute and information should not be construed as recommendations for any course of action regarding financial, legal, or accounting matters. Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.
B O A R D S
A Note from the President Dear RLI Members,
S TA F F
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It is with immense gratitude and a touch of excitement that I step into the role of your 2026 National President for the REALTORS® Land Institute. To lead this remarkable organization—one built on the vision, grit, and passion of land professionals since 1944 is a privilege I don’t take lightly. From the pioneering spirit of our founders to the steadfast leadership of recent presidents like Dan Murphy and Sam Bowers, RLI’s legacy is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a shared love for the land. It is with diligence that I’m ready to roll up my sleeves, and I hope you’ll join me to make 2026 a year of growth, energy, and impact. As I reflect on RLI’s history, I’m inspired by the resilience of our community. We’ve weathered challenges that could have dimmed our light. The determination of those before us to rebuild RLI into a national leader reminds us that our strength lies in our unity and commitment. That same spirit drives me today as we face a rapidly changing industry, from shifting markets to evolving regulations and even AI. Together, we’ll keep RLI at the forefront, shaping the future of land real estate with professionalism and purpose. For 2026, I’ve set my sights on three core goals to strengthen our organization and elevate our members. First, quality membership growth is a top priority. We’re not just looking to expand our numbers; we want to welcome professionals who embody our mission to bring integrity, expertise, and excellence in every aspect of land real estate. By attracting those committed to these principles, we’ll ensure our community remains a trusted hub for the best in the industry. Whether it’s through targeted outreach or showcasing the value of RLI membership, we’ll grow thoughtfully to keep our organization vibrant and strong. Second, we have the chance to re-ignite enthusiasm in our community. Our industry doesn’t stand still, and neither should we. I’m committed to creating new energy and opportunities that remind us why RLI is so special. Whether it’s through inspiring events, new opportunities to connect, or simply reminding ourselves why we’re so passionate about land, I want us to challenge each other to stay engaged, share ideas, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Together, we can keep the energy high and the momentum rolling. Third, we’ll continue to strengthen our chapters, the heartbeat of RLI. Our state chapters are where relationships are built, knowledge is shared, and local impact is made. I’ll work closely with chapter leaders to provide resources, encourage collaboration, and help every chapter thrive. We will ensure our chapters are equipped to support members and elevate the land profession in every corner of the country. None of this would be possible without the incredible work of our CEO, Aubrie Kobernus, and the RLI staff; Karen, Melissa, Amanda, Kat and Santina. They are the engine behind our operations, juggling countless tasks with skill and dedication to keep RLI running smoothly. I’m deeply grateful for their support and excited to partner with them as we bring our 2026 vision to life. One of the highlights of the year will be the 20th annual National Land Conference (NLC26), set for March 15-18, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. If you haven’t been to an NLC before, you’re in for a treat, and if you’re a regular, you know why this event is unmissable. San Antonio’s unique blend of innovation, culture, and deep connection to the land makes it the perfect backdrop for us to gather, network, and dive into the latest trends shaping our industry. Expect thought-provoking sessions, lively discussions, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow land professionals. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. As I take on this role, I’m mindful of the responsibility and opportunity it represents. RLI isn’t just an organization—it’s a community built on trust, expertise, and a shared passion for land. My commitment to you is to lead diligently with integrity, listen to your ideas, and work tirelessly to make RLI stronger than ever. Thank you for placing your trust in me. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together in 2026, and I look forward to meeting many of you in San Antonio or at chapter events throughout the year. Here’s to a year of growth, connection, and celebrating the land we love!
Warmest regards,
Geoff Hurdle, ALC 2026 National President, REALTORS® Land Institute
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Meet the 2026 Executive Team 2026 President
2026 RLI Immediate President
Hurdle Land & Realty Chattanooga, TN thelandman@geoffhurdle.com
M4 Ranch Group Lake City, CO dan@M4ranchgroup.com
Matt Davis, alc 2025 President-Elect Cushman & Wakefield San Diego, CA matt.davis@cushwake.com Matt joined RLI in 2018 and earned his ALC designation in 2020. His record of service to RLI includes serving on the Future Leaders and Government Affairs committees as well as the National Land Conference Task Force. He currently serves on the Government Affairs Committee and was the chair of that committee and served on the Board of Directors in 2023-24. Additionally, he is current President of the Western States Chapter, representing WA, OR, CA, ID, MT and NV. Matt’s national RLI accolades include APEX 2024 Region Five Broker of the Year Commercial Land Sales, the Rising Star Award in 2019, the Commercial Land Broker of the Year in 2020. He was a member of the APEX Top Producers Club in 2018 through 2024. As the lead for Cushman & Wakefield’s North American Land Advisory Group he helps guide the company's land brokerage business and leads a team based in San Diego, CA that works nationally on diverse land transactions ranging from master plan communities to agriculture and industrial to renewable energy.
B O A R D S
Geoff joined RLI as a member in 2018 and earned the elite ALC designation in that same year. His record of service to RLI includes most recently serving on the Board of Directors in 2024. He served as the Tennessee Chapter President in 2018-20. He currently serves on the Education Committee and has served on the National Land Conference Task Force as well. Under his leadership, the Tennessee Chapter was awarded Outstanding Chapter of the Year in 2020. Geoff’s national RLI accolades include recipient of the APEX Wrangler Award in 2018 and 2020. He was a member of the APEX Top Producers Club in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Geoff was most recently recognized with the APEX 2023 Region 9 Broker of the Year Award in Residential Land Sales. As Broker/Owner of Hurdle Land & Realty based in Chattanooga, TN, he focuses on working with land acquisition managers, developers, and builders. He also owns a rural residential development firm based in Monroe, GA.
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Dan Murphy, alc
S TA F F
Geoff Hurdle, alc
Dan joined RLI as a member in 2008 and earned the elite ALC designation in 2019. His record of service to RLI includes past Chair of the Education Committee, as well as serving on the Board of Directors. In 2022, Dan served as President of the RLI Colorado Chapter. In 2020, his Chapter awarded him the prestigious Colorado Land REALTOR® of the Year Award. Dan’s national RLI accolades include APEX 2024 Region Six Broker of the Year in Ag Land Sales Ranches, the APEX Top National Producer Award in 2017, Top Twenty National Producer Award in 2024, 2021, 2020 and 2017. He was a member of the APEX Top Producers Club in 2017-2024 and received the 2017 National Broker of the Year Award in Recreational Land Sales. Dan most recently won the APEX 2023 ALC to ALC Networking Award. Dan is Broker/Co-owner of M4 Ranch Group.
Abe Mills, alc 2026 Vice President Keller Williams Greenville Upstate Greenville, SC abemills@kw.com Abe joined RLI in 2020 and after many challenges including a global pandemic, proudly earned his ALC designation in 2022. A former builder and land developer, Abe’s extensive experience in land development and client relations has made him a trusted advisor for buyers, sellers, and investors across the Southeast. Abe’s record of service to RLI demonstrates his deep commitment to the organization and its mission. He currently serves as a Board Member of the RLI Carolinas Chapter and served as an At-Large Director on the National RLI Board of Directors. He is active on the ALC Designation Committee, Government Affairs Committee, and National Land Conference Task Force, as well as the NAR Land Use and Property Rights Committee and local RPAC Legislative Committee. Abe was also a multi-year member of the NAR Professional Standards Committee. As a dedicated leader and advocate for land professionals, Abe is passionate about strengthening chapters, expanding educational opportunities, and ensuring every RLI member has the resources and representation to thrive.
Follow RLI on Social Stay on top of the latest updates: new blog posts, industry updates, partner offers and more.
Winter 2026
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S TA F F
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B O A R D S
2026 Board of Directors Geoff Hurdle, ALC
Bob Turner, ALC
RLI President Hurdle Land & Realty Chattanooga, TN thelandman@geoffhurdle.com
NAR Executive Committee Representative Southern Properties • Cordova, TN bturner@southernprop.net
Matt Davis, ALC
Tyler McConnell, ALC
RLI President-Elect Cushman & Wakefield San Diego, CA matt.davis@cushwake.com
ALC Designation Committee Chair Comey & Shepherd, Southern Ohio Properties • Cincinnati, OH mcconnellgt@gmail.com
Abe Mills, ALC
Spencer Smith, ALC
RLI Vice President Keller Williams Greenville Upstate Greenville, SC abemills@kw.com
Chapter Leadership Council Chair Saunders Real Estate Bloomington, IL Spencer@saundersrealestate.com
Dan Murphy, ALC
Clayton Pilgrim, ALC
RLI Immediate Past President M4 Ranch Group, LLC Lake City, CO dan@m4ranchgroup.com
Education Committee Chair Century 21 Harvey Properties Paris, TX clayton@C21php.com
Barry Upchurch, ALC
Koby Rickertsen, ALC
Treasurer Barry Upchurch Realty LLC Chesterfield, MO barry@upchurchrealty.net
Future Leaders Committee Chair Ironhorse Land Company Gothenburg, NE Koby@TheLand.Pro
Trent Lister, ALC
Tim Kellogg, ALC
At-Large Director (2026) PureWest Christie's Bozeman, MT trent@purewestmt.com
Government Affairs Committee Chair WDH Real Estate, LLC Yorkville, IL tkellogg@templeton-pc.com
Megan Turnipseed, ALC
Johnny McAllister, ALC
At-Large Director (2025-2026) Keller Williams Georgetown Turnipseed Real Estate Group • Georgetown, TX meganturnipseed@kw.com
Land Education Foundation Chair Mission Possible: John McAllister Realty Consulting, LLC • Columbia, SC john@mpjmrc.com
Trent Saunders, ALC
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
At-Large Director (2026-2027) Saunders Real Estate Lakeland, FL trent@saundersrealestate.com
REALTORS® Land Institute 430 N Michigan Ave • Chicago, IL akobernus@rliland.com
NAR LEGISLATIVE LIAISON
Russell Riggs
National Association of REALTORS® 500 New Jersey Avenue NW • Washington D.C. rriggs@nar.realtor
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Aubrie Kobernus, mba, rce
Meet the Staff Amanda Morrone, mshc
Chief Executive Officer 312.329.8837 • akobernus@rliland.com
Education Manager 312.329.8441 • amorrone@rliland.com
Aubrie is responsible for the overall management of the Institute. This includes working together with the Board of Directors to develop the vision, goals, objectives, and related policies for RLI. Within that framework, Kobernus organizes and directs the staff, programs, financial performance, and activities. She is designated by the National Association of REALTORS® as a REALTOR® Certified Executive (RCE). She is also the main point of contact for members working toward earning the elite ALC Designation. Members may contact her if they have any questions or concerns. Aubrie has been with RLI since March 2016.
As the Education Manager, Amanda manages all matters pertaining to RLI’s LANDU® Education Program. She is responsible for scheduling courses and managing instructor relationships. She also serves as the staff liaison for the Education Committee. Members may contact her with any questions about the LANDU® Education Program. Amanda has been with RLI since February 2019.
Karen Calarco Operations Manager 312.329.8287 • kcalarco@rliland.com Karen handles, manages, and controls expenditures within the set budget as well as member records. Members may contact her for assistance changing their information, paying dues, and answering financial inquiries about their account. Karen has been with RLI since September 2007.
Melissa Lutz, c2ex Programming & Events Manager 312.329.8574 • mlutz@rliland.com Melissa Lutz (rhymes with roots) is responsible for the overall programming and coordination of RLI’s meetings and events, including our largest annual event, the National Land Conference. Her role also works in conjunction with our Marketing and Education Managers, overseeing topics and programming for RLI communications, managing the Member Advantage Program (MAP) and webinar program, and serving as staff liaison to the Future Leaders Committee and National Land Conference Task Force. Melissa has been with RLI since October 2021.
S TA F F
Aubrie Kobernus, mba, rce
Santina Vietti Chapter Relations Specialist 312-329-8519 • santina@rliland.com Santina engages all RLI state and regional Chapters to help them innovate and strengthen their value to local members. She works with Chapter leaders on best practices for member engagement and Chapter programming, meetings and events. She also helps to organize and facilitate the creation of new state/regional Chapters where there is interest. Santina has been in this role with RLI national since May 2025.
Kat Szymanski Marketing Manager 312.329.8353 • kszymanski@rliland.com As Marketing Manager, Kat is responsible for all areas related to communications and marketing for the organization. She oversees the website, digital and print marketing materials, and manages the organization’s brand as well as press and social media campaigns. She also serves as the staff liaison for the Government Affairs Committee. Members may contact her with articles for publication on the RLI blog, advertising or an article contribution for Terra Firma magazine, member or Chapter news regarding awards or accomplishments, or with questions about RLI logo use policy. Kat has been with RLI since July 2022.
Update your contact book! All staff now have emails at rliland.com. All staff now have emails at rliland.com instead of addresses at nar.realtor. See above for individual addresses. To be sure you receive timely association updates, add info@rliland.com to your safe sender list.
Winter 2026
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B R I E F S
RLI News Briefs N E W S
From Policy Wins to Leadership Milestones: RLI Members Made an Impact at NAR NXT in Houston Members of the REALTORS® Land Institute, including RLI's Executive Team, traveled to Houston, TX to represent the interests of land professionals and landowners at NAR's NXT convention on November 14-16, 2025.
RLI Members at the member meeting during NXT
Russell Riggs, NAR Advocacy Liaison, updates members on current regulations and policies that impact land REALTORS and landowners.
RLI held a member meeting on Saturday, November 15 to give updates on key issues impacting land real estate and landownership, as well as share progress at the association. Priority issues included two land policies that were adopted by RLI in the spring. These issues – public lands management and landowner conservation easement incentives - were put through a process at NAR’s Land Use Property Rights and Environment Committee to craft similar policies that were officially approved in Houston by the NAR Executive Committee. Other issues discussed include the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA). Read more about these issues in the Inside the Beltway Update on page 26.
RLI 2025 President Dan Murphy, ALC inducts Geoff Hurdle, ALC as RLI’s 2026 President.
Geoff with his wife, Marlie
The highlight of NXT was the inaugural reception for RLI’s 2026 President Geoff Hurdle, ALC. Several other members of the RLI 2026 Board of Directors were inducted by CEO Aubrie Kobernus including Matt Davis, ALC (President-Elect), Abe Mills, ALC (Vice President), Megan Turnipseed, ALC (At-Large Director), Tim Kellogg, ALC (Government Affairs Committee Chair), and Koby Rickertsen, ALC (Future Leaders Committee Chair), and Bob Turner, ALC (NAR Executive Committee Representative). Dan Murphy, ALC was recognized for his service as 2025 President. A special thank you to all RLI members who attended and to our sponsors, the Greater Chattanooga REALTORS® and Tennessee REALTORS® for their support of Geoff at his inaugural celebration!
RLI CEO Aubrie Kobernus reads the Oath to members of RLI’s 2026 Board of Directors.
What’s the value of an RLI membership? 12.5x the dues investment! Delivering more value with no dues increase in 13 Years It can be difficult to quantify the value of a membership in an established organization like RLI. After all, RLI has been a source of land expertise for over 80 years. How do you put into dollars, the long-time friendships, accumulated knowledge, business referrals over decades, and the power of an established brand such as RLI? It’s not easy, but we calculated how a few top benefits pay members back! Renew for 2026 and take advantage of your benefits! Login to your member dashboard by going to the Login link at the top left of the screen. Once you login, go to Member Resources on the top menu, then select Member Dashboard. You can conveniently pay by credit card and retrieve your invoices within the dashboard.
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12.5X
$445
DUES COST
RLI by the Numbers As of November 30, 2025
new RLI members
ALC
new Accredited Land Consultants (ALCs)
764 total ALCs
B R I E F S
246
RLI members
40
N E W S
1,968
10
Webinars in 2025
ALC
4
2024 Virtual Education Roundtables
12
New Voices of Land Podcast Episodes in 2025
TOTAL VALUE
$5,612 FOR ALCs TOTAL VALUE
$5,495 FOR INSTITUTE Winter 2026
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RLI’s Members Get Chatty on Land Line B R I E F S
Since Land Line’s launch at the 2025 National Land Conference, the new RLI online community has seen steady engagement and meaningful conversations. Members have looked to each other for guidance on topics such as 1031 exchanges, carbon credits, geofencing, conservation easements, insurance, the Checkerboard issue in western states, DSTs, and more. They’ve shared information on regional and Chapter events, answered questions, and welcomed new members.
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Activity Leaderboard: Top 10 Members 1. Geoff Hurdle, ALC 2. Stephen Medawar 3. Joshua Christian, ALC 4. Abe Mills, ALC 5. Jennifer Janet, ALC 6. William Eshenbaugh, ALC 7. Edward Giles 8. Philip McGinnis, ALC 9. Victoria Gercans 10. Bobby Bennett, ALC
Here’s a look at what’s been happening:
232 Posts 334 Comments 448 Likes
If you’re facing a challenge, want to share what you’re seeing in your market, or would just like to say hi, join the conversation by logging into Land Line at community.rliland.com.
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R L I
C H A P T E R
N E W S
Chapter News Alabama • rliland.com/alabama
Arkansas • rliland.com/arkansas
Carolinas • rliland.com/carolinas
The RLI Alabama Chapter started the year with its first educational “Landowners Programs” course in February. The course lasted a full day educating land brokers throughout the state about the government and state programs they may encounter while helping clients buy and sell land.
The RLI Arkansas Chapter has officially elected its 2026 Board of Directors, signaling a focused strategy to significantly grow its influence and membership base, which currently stands at 38 specialists.
The RLI Carolinas Chapter hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting at the Johnston County Association of REALTORS® in Smithfield, NC on October 17. The afternoon featured several educational sessions, including a Land Scams Update, a Solar and Wind Energy presentation, and roundtable discussions on the challenges members are currently facing in land transactions.
In October, the Tennessee and Georgia Chapters hosted the Southeastern Land Conference in Chattanooga where there was a strong presence of Alabama members who attended for the great educational and networking opportunities! Great job Tennessee and Georgia on hosting a great event! In November, to follow up the Southeastern Land Conference, the Chapter hosted the LANDU Transitional Land course taught by Jeramy Stephens, ALC. This two-day course took place at the Joe Wheeler State Park Resort in Rogersville, AL and was a fitting topic because it is near the quickly growing area of Huntsville, AL. Attendees not only received 16 hours of CE for real estate, but this core class helped many get closer to obtaining their ALC designation. RLI is gaining traction in Alabama with a growing membership every year. The Chapter has continued to gain exposure to the over 40,000 licensees in the state by promoting RLI in different avenues like local and state real estate association events, the Alabama Real Estate Commission’s online roundtable, and promoting courses offered on relevant topics in the state. The Chapter has recognized that there is a strong desire for land-related educational opportunities and will continue to work towards providing those and growing RLI’s presence.
RLI Alabama Chapter Hoke Smith, ALC inducts the Alabama Chapter Board of Directors. Hoke Smith, ALC presents Eric Leisy, ALC with the Alabama Land REALTOR® of the Year award. LANDU Instructor Jeramy Stephens, ALC teaches the Transitional Land course at the Alabama Chapter.
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The new leadership is committed to making RLI the essential resource for Arkansas land professionals. The 2026 Board is led by President Duane Wright, ALC and Vice President Luke Alston, ALC. Other board members include Jeffrey Hignight, ALC (Secretary/Treasurer/Director), Ted Glaub, ALC (Immediate Past President), and Directors Melissa Lee, Kristie Morrison, David Hill, Ray Galloway, ALC, and Mark Knight, ALC. The new board is prioritizing two key initiatives: increasing active participation and securing vital partnerships. The Chapter is actively seeking 2026 sponsors to fund expanded programs and provide partners with direct exposure to Arkansas’s elite land brokerage community. The Board also extended gratitude to outgoing Directors, including Joel King, ALC, Andy Quinn, and Jeramy Stephens, ALC. The Chapter noted the recent success of a beneficial online training on Arkansas forms and contracts which was hosted by Mr. Stephens. The 2026 leadership is poised to leverage RLI’s educational pedigree to secure its position as the leading authority on land expertise in the state.
The business meeting concluded the day’s events. Keynote speaker Aubrie Kobernus, CEO of the REALTORS® Land Institute, delivered an engaging presentation, and the annual RLI Carolinas awards were presented. Todd Crosby, ALC, was named RLI of the Year, and Lou Jewell, ALC, was honored as the first recipient of the RLI Carolinas Trailblazer Award. The Chapter ended its year's education programming with a virtual CE course on December 10 titled "Understanding Wetlands: What REALTORS® Need to Know". The course was open to all RLI members as well as real estate licensees across the state.
RLI Carolinas Chapter RLI Carolinas Chapter members attend the October Annual Meeting: Lou Jewell, ALC; Abe Mills, ALC; Johnny McAlister, ALC; Eric Andrews, ALC, Randolph "Randy" Voller and Sponsor Katelyn Fisher of Ag Carolinas Farm Credit.
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Georgia • rliland.com/georgia
The RLI Colorado Chapter’s September 2025 meeting in Grand Junction drew 75 attendees, including sponsors, representing more than 750 years of combined real estate experience. Roughly 30 properties were presented, and an interactive buyer board created valuable opportunities expressing buyer's property needs totaling nearly $200 million. Following Thursday's marketing session, a lively Cowboy Auction raised nearly $12,000 for the Chapter.
The RLI Florida Chapter had a successful 2025. The year commenced in Orlando at the Florida REALTORS’ meetings with a new Board of Directors being appointed. The Florida Land Values Update was presented state-wide at this meeting and provided valuable information on Florida’s overall land environment. The bi-annual marketing session with CCIM was well attended with several deals transpiring from the event. The August state-wide meeting provided additional land values updates, and a new set of governing documents were adopted.
The RLI Georgia and Tennessee Chapters successfully hosted the Southeastern Land Conference in October, a high-impact two-day event packed with expert panel discussions spanning everything from dirt to vertical in commercial land and residential development. Attendees enjoyed valuable networking and the interactive “Let’s Make a Deal” session, led by moderator Raborn Taylor III, ALC, spotlighting southeastern land listings.
Friday’s educational session focused on advanced AI tools for land and ranch brokerage, co-hosted by Steve Atkinson, Managing Broker at Fay Ranches in Utah, and a digital marketing expert who shared practical technology strategies for brokers. In January 2026, the Chapter will convene at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs for its traditionally best-attended marketing session. The highlight will be an interactive water rights presentation by James Eklund, a fifth-generation Coloradan and leading water attorney with Sherman & Howard, where he manages the firm’s water and natural resources practice. The session will examine legal frameworks, allocation challenges, and dispute resolution strategies to help brokers navigate complex transactions. Also in 2026, Colorado will partner with RLI National to host the LANDU (Land University) Bootcamp, an intensive six-day program featuring the three Core Courses foundational to the ALC curriculum: Land 101: Fundamentals of Land Brokerage, Transitional Land, and Land Investment Analysis. For more information or to get involved, contact the Chapter at rlicoloradochapter@ gmail.com or https://www.rliland.com/ colorado. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, and listen to The Voices of Land podcast at riland.com/voices.
RLI members completed massive deals across the state in 2025. One of the largest transactions was a $100 million transaction in Southwest Florida co-brokered by William Rollins, ALC. Several members received major awards in 2025. Bill Eshenbaugh, ALC won a prestigious Deal Making Award from CCIM in Vancouver for a large land transaction in Central Florida. In 2025, RLI recognized Dean Saunders, ALC as the 2024 Land REALTOR® of America. Trent Saunders, ALC and Keat Waldron, ALC won the ALC-to-ALC Networking Award and Regional Broker of the Year awards were handed out to Trent Saunders, ALC, FL, Ag Land Sales, Jon Kohler, FL, Recreational Land Sales, Todd Crosby, ALC, SC, Timber Land Sales and Bill Eshenbaugh, ALC, FL, Commercial Land Sales. The Florida Land REALTOR® of the Year Award was given to Tyler Davis, ALC. To cap the year off, Sage Andress, ALC was voted in as the 2026 CCIM Florida President. Sage will be one of the few members to hold the Presidency of both organizations in Florida.
N E W S
Florida • rliland.com/florida
C H A P T E R
Colorado • rliland.com/colorado
We greatly appreciate the time and expertise shared by National RLI leaders Aubrie Kobernus (CEO), Geoff Hurdle, ALC (2026 President), and John McAllister, ALC (Land Education Foundation). Their presence brought national insight to the Southeastern Land Conference. Keep an eye out for Southeastern Land Conference 2026, hosted by one of our Southeastern RLI Chapters!
RLI Georgia Chapter
Bobby Mink teaches on commercial and residential land development at the Southeastern Land Conference.
RLI members attend the Southeastern Land Conference in October.
RLI Florida Chapter Tyler Davis, ALC receives the Florida Land REALTOR® of the Year award. Pictured with Clay Taylor, ALC.
RLI Colorado Chapter Left: RLI Colorado Chapter members Joette Schalla, ALC and Bill Davis, ALC. Right: Bidders bring in $12,000 at the Colorado Chapter’s Cowboy Auction.
Winter 2026
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N E W S
Illinois
Iowa
rliland.com/Illinois
rliland.com/iowa
The RLI Illinois Chapter had an exciting and productive 2025 and look forward to 2026.
The RLI Iowa Chapter held a successful Land Law Update class with the Iowa Association of REALTORS® on September 11. The Chapter also hosted the Land 101: Fundamentals of Land Brokerage course in November, which was taught by Iowa Chapter members Doug Bear, ALC and Randy Hertz, ALC.
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C H A P T E R
In March, the Chapter once again partnered with the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers to host the annual Brokers Education Day, held in conjunction with the Land Values Conference in Bloomington, IL. The event featured an engaging course led by Norm Willoughby of Illinois REALTORS® and offered valuable continuing education and networking opportunities for land professionals across IL. The Chapter's Summer Social took place in June at DESTIHL Brewery in Bloomington. Members enjoyed a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere as experienced land professionals discussed current market trends, shared insights, and even explored new business opportunities. This annual event remains a highlight for the Chapter — a perfect blend of networking, education, and fun. The Annual Meeting wrapped up the year in September, bringing together members from across Illinois for an evening of recognition and connection. Rob Warmbir, ALC, presided over the swearing-in of new board members, including incoming Chapter President Tucker Wood, ALC.
RLI Illinois Chapter
Above: Rob Warmbir, ALC receives the Illinois Land REALTOR of the Year Award. Pictured with Chapter board member Elizabeth Strom. • Below: RLI Illinois Chapter 2025 President, Rob Warmbir, ALC, swears in the Chapter’s 2026 Board of Directors
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The Chapter is excited to announce its new leadership team, which includes President Doug Bear, ALC, President-Elect Elliott Siefert, Vice President Luke Nissen, ALC, and Past President Otto Nobis. Ryan Kay, ALC will continue to serve as Treasurer and Traci Schermerhorn is the Executive Director. The RLI Iowa Chapter will host the ASFMRA/ RLI Joint Spring Seminar and Annual Dinner on March 11 in Ankeny, IA. More information on the RLI Chapter Iowa and future education offerings can be found on their website.
Kentucky-Indiana rliland.com/kentucky-indiana
The RLI Kentucky-Indiana Chapter held its first Chapter elections in 2025. Luke Schrader began as the Chapter President in December 2025. In October, Chapter members attended the Southeastern Land Conference in Chattanooga, TN. Ron Kirby Jr., ALC (Bowling Green, KY) attended and presented an incredible opportunity during the conference’s Let’s Make a Deal session. The conference was well attended, executed impressively, and had great sessions for the attendees. Across both states, Chapter members have been working hard. In the Western Region, Lee Blythe (Russellville, KY) completed his third field report of 2025 for landowners and clients. He noted that farm ground purchased by operators has declined considerably, which is a departure from trends within the last five years. In contrast to previous years, investorbased purchasing materialized more strongly in the market’s activity via 1031 exchanges and leaseback provisions. In Central Kentucky, Stephen J B Davis (Lexington, KY) published The Five-Year Bluegrass Land Report highlighting changes in the region’s land market since Covid along with projections and potential opportunities for the next three to five years.
Chad Chism (Lafayette, IN) was recently awarded the Indiana REALTOR® of the Year award. Membership is very excited that he will join the Chapter’s Board of Directors for the 2026 term. Luke Schrader shared that there is still a lot of trading going on within the state in spite of the downward pressure on the commodities market. He noted that agricultural land prices are holding relatively steady.
Mid-Atlantic rliland.com/mid-atlantic
The RLI Mid-Atlantic Chapter (MAC) has been moving upward and onward with the perpetual support of the Board and members. Efforts continue to share CCIM events with the Chapter which has been highly welcomed since there are seven states within the Chapter's territory. The first Lunch & Learn was held December 5 in the Washington DC, NOVA area near Dulles corridor and airport. NAR legislative guru Russell Riggs, Environmental & Sustainability Policy Director at the National Association of REALTORS®, spoke about these challenging and uncertain times. The Chapter thanks John McAllister Realty Consulting for sponsoring the very first RLI Mid-Atlantic Chapter (RLI MAC) Lunch & Learn event.
Missouri rliland.com/missouri
The RLI Missouri Chapter successfully hosted its inaugural state conference on December 3-4, 2025, at Old Kinderhook Resort, Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. The event was a significant achievement, drawing nearly 50 attendees, including land professionals, brokers, appraisers, investors, and developers. Spearheaded by the diligent efforts of the education committee and chapter admin Annette Wallace, CMP, CGMP, the robust attendance highlighted the strong demand for specialized land education and networking within the state and the Midwest. The program featured expert speakers, including Aubrie Kobernus, CEO of the REALTORS® Land Institute, and Russell Riggs, Environmental & Sustainability Policy Director at the National Association of REALTORS®. The conference covered crucial topics such as land trends, relevant legislation, and effective investment strategies.
The RLI Texas Chapter successfully hosted their 2025 Ranch Tour in June, welcoming nearly 50 attendees to a two-day event exploring premier ranch properties across the Stephenville and Central Texas region. Held on June 5-6, the tour highlighted some of the region's most unique ranches and provided an opportunity for attendees to network and gain insight into Texas land investment. Day one kicked off at Millionaire Ranch in Dublin, TX hosted by Pepe Briseno, before moving to Leon River Ranch in De Leon, TX where guests were welcomed by Kasey Mock, ALC. Texas Farm Bureau Insurance provided a catered lunch in the ranch’s horse barn, allowing participants to refuel while connecting with fellow land professionals. The afternoon continued with a visit to Hidden Oaks Ranch in Evant, hosted by Lani Rust, showcasing the property’s natural beauty. The day concluded with a steak dinner at Kasey and Elizabeth Mock’s residence, sponsored by Hoffpauir Auto Group, offering a relaxed setting for participants to share their experiences. The second day included an agribusiness tour of Brazos Valley Stallion Station in Stephenville, led by Darrell Hicks, and a final stop at Paluxy River Ranch in Bluff Dale, with lunch provided by AgTrust Farm Credit. The 2025 Ranch Tour provided a unique blend of education, networking, and scenic ranch tours, reaffirming the RLI Texas Chapter's commitment to connecting land professionals with valuable resources and insights in Texas land markets.
The RLI Upper Midwest Chapter hosted monthly meetings via Zoom in 2025, with several recent sessions featuring presentations from Chapter sponsors. The Land Sales Bulletin brought presenter Inder Majumdar, who shared his research on Wisconsin Farmland Preservation programs and their impact on rural land values. Discipline Advisors discussed “Legacy Planning,” and representatives of First American Exchange Co., Farmers First Trust, and the Legacy Farmland Fund gave an insightful presentation on Farmland Transition Solutions. Additionally, a Chapter member led a discussion on the growing issue of fraudulent land sales. Looking ahead, the Chapter is gearing up for 2026 and developing a strategic plan for the new year, focusing on increasing membership, planning a 2026 annual conference, and expanding educational and networking opportunities for members.
Western States rliland.com/western
The RLI Western States Chapter had a quiet summer as it is the Chapter’s first year to host an ALC designation course in the Spring only. On October 15 the Chapter hosted a free all-chapter zoom class. Ross and Tracee Jones, with Landverse AI, presented useful information on utilizing AI to take land businesses to the next level. Thank you to Ross and Tracee for sharing their expertise with the group. Two Chapter members will serve on NAR committees in 2026. Matt Davis, ALC, California, will be on the Smart Growth Advisory Board and the Commercial Committee. Matt is also taking the reins as RLI National 2026 President-Elect. Paul Bottari, ALC, Nevada, will serve on the Insurance Committee.
RLI Missouri Chapter Left: Installation of RLI Missouri Chapter's 2026 Board. • Right: Missouri Chapter 2026 President, Mark Stallman, takes the reins from 2025 President Tim Hadley, ALC.
N E W S
rliland.com/texas
rliland.com/upper-midwest
The Chapter continues to advocate for many issues that primarily impact the western states, such as the rescission of the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule and improved federal land exchange rules to better facilitate consolidation of checkerboard land ownership. The Chapter will continue to push for smart policies that enable good stewardship of the land and improve access to public and private lands alike.
C H A P T E R
Texas
Upper Midwest
R L I
Attendees enjoyed networking with fellow Midwest professionals and had the opportunity to gain valuable continuing education credits. The inaugural event proved to be a pivotal and successful occasion for professional development and collaboration, firmly establishing the Missouri Chapter's leadership in the region.
Nominations opened for a Director from California, one At-Large Director from any of the six states the Chapter serves— CA, OR, WA, ID, MT and NV, and Chapter Vice-President. Matt Davis, ALC (President), Ellie Perkins Stillman (Vice President), Lisa Johnson, ALC (Immediate Past President), Scott Hawes, ALC (Treasurer). Directors: Brent Lawson, Idaho; Meredith McKinney, ALC Montana; Oscar Evans (At-Large) Idaho; Jennifer Shupe, ALC, Washington; Venus McBride, ALC (At-Large) Oregon; Paul Bottari, ALC (At-Large) Nevada; Ettie Blankenship, Admin
Wyoming rliland.com/wyoming
The RLI Wyoming Chapter continued its commitment to grow its membership and add value to its members’ businesses. The Chapter recently hosted a Fall Member Meeting in Cheyenne, WY, and offered multiple continuing education classes, including Digital Mapping and Renewable Energy. Along with a solid turnout of Wyoming resident brokers, professionals from Colorado, South Dakota, and Nebraska attended the two-day event. Mike Callan, ALC, Wyoming Chapter President, knows that Wyoming is both a unique and sought-after state, and believes that being a stand-alone chapter better serves its members and their clients. The board members are working diligently to develop a long-term vision and plan for the Chapter's future, welcoming career-driven brokers to join this exclusive and dedicated community. The Wyoming Chapter is excited to collaborate with like-minded chapters across the country!
Winter 2026
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RLI members qualify for access to health plans through our partnership with Land Broker Co-op!
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A L C
A C H I E V E R S
Congratulations to Our New Accredited Land Consultants! ccredited Land Consultants (ALCs) are the most experienced, most accomplished and highest-performing land real estate experts in the nation. Conferred exclusively by the REALTORS® Land Institute, and the only land-specific designation backed by the National Association of REALTORS®, the ALC is the gold standard of achievement in the land sales profession.
The individuals highlighted below completed their ALC designations from June 2025 through November 2025.
5 Steps to Become a Prestigious Accredited Land Consultant Complete the Education Requirements Applicants must complete six LANDU® courses, which are divided into three categories. Once the education requirements are met, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam which covers the three core courses.
Meet the Volume Production Requirements for Land Sales Applicants must complete a minimum of $15M in land transactions within the five years before their application, or complete 25 separate land transactions. A transaction is considered a land transaction if the value of the land, including improvements that are agricultural in nature, account for at least 51% of the total sale of the transaction. Agricultural improvements include, but are not limited to, barns, livestock operations, equine facilities, etc.
Attend a National Land Conference Applicants must have attended a National Land Conference within the five-year period prior to submitting their ALC application.
Compile a Portfolio Applicants must compile a portfolio documenting the completion of the education, experience and volume requirements.
Submit the Application Applicants must submit their portfolio to the REALTORS® Land Institute Designation Committee and Board of Directors for final review and approval.
to start your path to becoming ALC Ready an Accredited Land Consultant? Visit rliland.com/ALC for more information.
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Lee Blythe, ALC
Jim Ferguson, ALC
Russellville, KY
Saunders Real Estate
Farmers National
Trenton, FL
LeRoy, IL
Chris Gier, ALC
Jason Heathcoe, ALC
Darrell Fisher, ALC St. James Sporting Properties
Premier Farm Realty Group LLC Jackson, MO
Pueblo, CO
SmallTown Hunting Properties Dayton, TN
Michael Horrigan, ALC
Steve Martens, ALC
Bradley Company
Small Town Hunting Properties & Real Estate
Indianapolis, IN
A C H I E V E R S
Gregory Driskell, ALC
A L C
Blythe Real Estate LLC
Jack Pretti, ALC Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Real Estate Carbondale, CO
Flora, MS
David C. Sietsema, ALC
Hoke Smith, ALC
Colorado Ranch and Land Brokers
Montgomery, AL
Grand Junction, CO
Saunders Real Estate
Anthony Steen, ALC Tom Smith Land and Homes Madison, MS
Matt Young, ALC Whitetail Properties Real Estate, LLC Marion, KY
S AV E T H E DAT E !
We'll recognize everyone who received their ALC since NLC25 at our Recognition Lunch at NLC26, Tuesday, March 17 at noon CT.
Winter 2026
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C O N F E R E N C E
NLC26
L A N D
The 2026 National Land Conference Celebrating 20 Years of Land, Legacy, & Leadership We’re returning to San Antonio, TX - site of the first NLC! March 15 – 18, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk Join us for an extraordinary National Land Conference in San Antonio, TX as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the NLC, the premier event for the top professionals in land to connect, collaborate, and make deals. From powerful keynotes to can’t-miss networking events and education, the vibrant Riverwalk in historic downtown San Antonio is a fitting backdrop to honor two decades of Land, Legacy, & Leadership.
See the full schedule at rliland.com/NLC LAND
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LEGACY
LEADERSHIP
Please view the full schedule at rliland.com/NLC to see all the changes to this conference schedule.
First Time Attendees/New Member Welcome Reception Sunday, March 15 4:45 to 5:45 pm CT
C O N F E R E N C E
The NLC26 schedule has new changes. The APEX Awards Dinner will be held on Monday evening, while the Cowboy Auction will take place Tuesday evening.
L A N D
Don't-Miss Events at NLC26 The National Land Conference begins with a welcome reception for first time attendees and RLI’s newest members, helping them get connected and comfortable at the start of the event. Hosted by the Future Leaders Committee and RLI Leadership. Enjoy a beverage while getting to know other firsttime attendees and new members and find out how to make the most of all that NLC offers!
Welcome Reception
Howdy Partner Happy Hour
Sunday, March 15 • 6:00 pm CT
Monday, March 16 • 4:00 to 5:00 pm CT
The Alamo is a fitting backdrop to celebrate 20 Years of Land, Legacy, and Leadership. Enjoy cocktails, appetizers, and live entertainment as you make new connections and catch up with long-time friends. The Welcome Reception will be held at the Ralston Family Collections Center + Center Garden at the historic Alamo in downtown San Antonio, a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
Join us for appetizers and drinks at the Howdy Partner Happy Hour where we will be thanking our 2026 RLI Partners for making the National Land Conference possible. Mix and mingle with fellow attendees and, most importantly at this event, our valuable partners! Take full advantage of this opportunity to network while discovering the latest and greatest land technology and service providers in the industry to help you grow your business and close more deals. Howdy Partner Happy Hour will take place on the day of the APEX Awards Dinner.
Cowboy Auction Tuesday, March 17 • 5:30 to 7:00 pm CT Get ready to pony up and lasso in some great items at this year's Cowboy Auction sponsored by United Country Real Estate! This fun-filled event is brimming with energy and laughter. Bid on exclusive items like hunting trips, autographed memorabilia, vacation packages, and unique items. Auctioneers are sure to drive excitement and bids throughout the event. The Cowboy Auction will take place on Tuesday evening immediately after Let’s Make Deal$ with Drinks! Donated items are what make this auction a success. All auction proceeds benefit the Land Education Foundation (LEF) which provides financial scholarship grants for assistance in land-based education opportunities, including the pursuit of the elite ALC Designation through RLIs LANDU® Education Program. To donate an item, contact Amanda Morrone at amorrone@rliland.com.
Let’s Make Deal$ with Drinks! Tuesday, March 17 • 4:00 to 5:30 pm CT Have a tough property to sell? Have a buyer looking for a unique piece of land? Let's Make Deal$ is the perfect place to make deals happen! Let's Make Deal$ brings together the top professionals in land to showcase investment-grade listings and present client property needs. This year's event promises to be even livelier as we serve drinks! Enjoy a cocktail, see what's being listed across the country, and browse auction items. Cowboy Auction begins immediately after Let's Make Deal$. The Let’s Make Deal$ application opens in February 2025.
Winter 2026
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C O N F E R E N C E
Join Us
MONDAY, MARCH 16 • 6:30 PM CT TICKETED EVENT
L A N D
RLI APEX Production Awards Dinner at NLC26 Sponsored by The Land Report
Recognizing Industry Excellence Enjoy an elegant evening of cocktails and dinner while we celebrate excellence in the land industry. The Land Report and the REALTORS® Land Institute are partnering again to bring maximum exposure to the APEX Awards recipients to ensure they get the national industry recognition they deserve as a top-producing agent. APEX Award recipients are the highest achieving members when it comes to land transactions. This formal event is a highlight of the National Land Conference. Top APEX award winners receive special recognition nationwide in addition to being recognized at the National Land Conference. The REALTORS® Land Institute and The Land Report partner to ensure recipients receive maximum exposure for this prestigious award. For details, visit rliland.com/events. For details, visit rliland.com/events.
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GENERAL SESSION SPEAKERS
Campfire Chat • Kasey Mock, ALC, CEO and Founder, Mock Ranches
Data Centers & Land Needs Panel • Moderated by Craig Kaiser of LandGate with expert guest panelists.
From Grit to Growth: Uncover Your Company's True Potential • Jim Bygland, Certified EOS Implementer, Entrepreneurial Operating System OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER
C LOS I N G K E Y N OT E SPEAKER
Leigh Brown
Dr. Mark Dotzour
Disruption Navigator, Keynote Speaker, Strategic Guide
Real Estate Economist
Topic: Next is Now! How to move forward when disruption, doubt, and discomfort hit all at once.
Topic: Economic Outlook for the 2026 Real Estate Market
F E AT U R E D A G E C O N O M I S T
Jackson Takach
Chief Economist and Vice President of Strategy, Research, and Analytics at Farmer Mac Topic: Land in Motion: The Ag Economy’s Impact on Farmland Values and Lending
Groundwater & Land Value: What Every Ranchland Agent Should Know • Andrew Vandekop, Inventor & CEO, Well Water Finders Land, Lies and AI Deepfakes: Anatomy of High-Tech Scams • Tracey Hawkins, "The Safety Lady" Unlocking Listing Opportunities with 1031 Exchange Strategies: Real Stories from the Field • Accruit and Discipline Advisors Unlocking a Powerful TaxDeferral Strategy: Understanding Structured Installment Sales • Chad Ettmueller, Senior Vice President, JCR Settlements
C O N F E R E N C E
BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKERS
L A N D
NLC26 Featured Speakers
Inside the Beltway: DC Update • Russell Riggs, RLI Advocacy Liaison, National Association of REALTORS • An update on current legislative and regulatory issues impacting land real estate. Land Solutions Showcase • 15-minute talks from land solutions providers • Take a deeper dive into how the latest land technologies, products, and services can benefit your business during 15-minute talks by partner providers. RLI Townhall • Aubrie Kobernus, CEO, REALTORS Land Institute • Get an update on RLI membership, financials, education, offerings, and events.
Sponsored by Land.com
Thank you to our 2026 Partners
Thank you to our attendees, partners and speakers who make this event a huge success!
Gold
Platinum
Bronze
Silver
A D D I T I O N A L PA RT N E R S
We are frequently adding new partners and NLC26 exhibitors. Check the 2026 Partners page at rliland.com/nlc for updates. If you'd like to be an RLI 2026 Partner, please contact our Programming and Events Manager, Melissa Lutz at mlutz@rliland.com.
Winter 2026
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L A N D U ® E D U C A T I O N
LANDU Education Course Updates RLI is excited to announce our partnership with Hiveologie to update and enhance our courses by incorporating relevant, timely content for the ever-evolving land real estate industry. With over 20 years of experience working with leading real estate organizations such as NAR and REBI, Hiveologie brings a wealth of expertise in real estate curriculum design, making them an ideal partner for this initiative. At RLI, we recognize the importance of delivering up-todate education that helps our members expand their knowledge and strengthen their businesses.
As part of the development process, Hiveologie is collaborating closely with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from within our membership who provide valuable insights, data, and real-world examples relevant to the land real estate industry. Their expertise ensures that the course content reflects the realities and opportunities professionals face today. This project will begin with updates to our core courses, followed by our specialty courses. These updates will also aim to encourage learner engagement through interactive activities and real-life case studies that reflect current market trends and practices. The courses will be designed to provide maximum benefit across all learning environments—whether in-person or in our Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) format. Learners can look forward to the rollout of these newly updated courses beginning in 2026.
Visit rliland.com/learn to see upcoming courses and webinars at LANDU®.
LANDU Education Bootcamp: New Format! In 2026, the LANDU Education Bootcamp format will be changing. Bootcamp will now offer only the 3 Core Courses for the ALC Designation: » Land 101: Fundamentals of Land Brokerage » Land Investment Analysis » Transitional Land Real Estate This means less time spent away from business and family, and fewer costs for hotel stays and meals. Bootcamp will be offering the new format – twice a year – one in Summer and one in Fall. The event location will change each year. To fulfill the Specialty/Elective Course requirements, learners can choose to take those courses in-person at RLI Chapters or in the Virtual Instructor-Led Format (VILT).
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S AV E T H E D AT E !
2026 LANDU Education Bootcamp is coming to Colorado The 2026 LANDU Education Bootcamp is coming to the South Metro Denver Association of REALTORS® in Centennial, CO on May 28 - June 2. Centennial is about 30-40 minutes south of the Denver International Airport. Registration will open April 1, 2026. Bootcamp offers land professionals the opportunity to network with their peers and greatly enhance their expertise in land transactions by taking the three Core Courses in one place, at one time.
In addition to Bootcamps, Core Courses will continue to be offered virtually and at RLI Chapters. Land 101 is also available in the independent study format.
Students may register for one or up to three Core Courses toward the Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) designation: Land 101: Fundamentals of Land Brokerage, Land Investment Analysis, and Transitional Land Real Estate.
Learn more: rliland.com/Bootcamp
Learn more: rliland.com/Bootcamp
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L A N D U ® E D U C A T I O N
The REALTORS® Land Institute’s Land Education Foundation (LEF) provides financial scholarship grants to land professionals who seek assistance in obtaining a land-based education, including the pursuit of the elite ALC designation through RLI’s LANDU® Education Program.
In 2025, LEF granted 20 scholarships totaling $11,005 to help students with their land education.
Thank you, 2025 LEF Board of Trustees Johnny McAllister, ALC | Chair Bob Turner, ALC | Vice-Chair A. Lloyd Thomas, ALC | Secretary/Treasurer Fred Hepler, ALC | Immediate Past Chair Eric Andrews, ALC | Trustee Colter DeVries, ALC | Trustee Renee Harvey, ALC | Trustee Flo Sayre, ALC | Trustee Tom Smith, ALC | Trustee Tucker Wood, ALC | Trustee Aubrie Kobernus, MBA, RCE | CEO
LEF thanks and recognizes the following donors for their generous support: Founders of 1953 » Ray Brownfield, ALC » Bill Eshenbaugh, ALC Benefactors of 1982 » REALTORS® Land Institute » Flo Sayre, ALC » Bob Turner, ALC Benefactors of 1985 » Christina Asbury, ALC » George Clift, ALC » Clift Land Brokers
Donors can now achieve the following distinctions when giving to LEF: » Society of 1944 | $100,000 and above » Founders of 1953 | $50,000- 99,999 » Benefactors of 1982 | $25,000-49,999 » Patrons of 1985 | $10,000-24,999 » Supporters of 2002 | $5,000-9,999 » Contributors of 2007 | $1,000-4,999 » Friends of 2017 | $1-999
» Cathy Cole, ALC » Renee Harvey, ALC » Geoff Hurdle, ALC » Dan Kevorkian, ALC » Land.com Network » Jesse Lane, ALC » Joe Michaletz
"I earned my Accredited Land Consultant designation this year and owe a significant part of this achievement to the Land Education Foundation. Their investment in my education has not only enriched my knowledge but has also opened doors to future opportunities. I am grateful for the Land Education Foundation's support, and I am excited to contribute to the field and carry forward the values of professionalism, ethics, and expertise that the ALC designation represents." — Jennifer Shupe, ALC LEF Scholarship Recipient
» Dan Murphy, ALC » RLI Colorado Chapter » RLI Tennessee Chapter » Frank Roberts, ALC » Dean P. Saunders, ALC » Tom Smith, ALC » Brian Utecht, ALC » Chuck Wingert, ALC For a full list of donors, and to see the story behind the giving levels, visit rliland.com/LEF.
Winter 2026
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L A N D U ® E D U C A T I O N
2025 LANDU Education Mini-Bootcamp RLI National hosted the LANDU Education Mini-Bootcamp in Chicago on October 20-25, 2025. A total of 17 participants were in attendance from 13 states. The courses were held at the National Association of REALTORS®, home of RLI.
Phil McGinnis, ALC teaches Land Investment Analysis
Mini-Bootcamp is a shorter version of Bootcamp that allows learners to take all three core courses (Land 101: Fundamentals of Land Brokerage; Land Investment Analysis; and Transitional Land) toward the Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) Designation. A special thank you to our lunch sponsors: Land Sales Bulletin and Ray Brownfield, ALC - Designated Managing Broker – Peoples Company.
Jennifer Janet, ALC teaches Land 101: Fundamentals of Land Brokerage
LANDU Instructor Phil McGinnis, ALC and RLI Education Manager, Amanda Morrone with Mini-Bootcamp attendees
Attendees and instructors explore Chicago landmarks. Caption TK Transitional Land students with Instructor Christina Asbury, ALC
LANDU Instructor Christina Asbury, ALC works with Transitional Land students.
New LANDU Education Instructor Congratulations to Doug Bear, ALC for being approved as a new LANDU instructor! Our LANDU instructors are subject matter experts whose daily work in land real estate gives them the perspective and experience to help learners be the best in the business. They embody the networking, camaraderie, and expertise that RLI members are known for. Doug Bear, ALC is now approved to teach Land 101: Fundamentals of Land Brokerage. For a complete list of RLI LANDU instructors, check out: www.rliland.com/instructors
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International Actions May Influence Land and Ag Markets Stateside by Russell Riggs
Although RLI members primarily work in the United States, international actions can significantly impact their business, and local land and agricultural markets. Two areas in particular have recently appeared on the landscape that RLI members need to know about.
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The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
Restrictions on Foreign Property Ownership
The EUDR prohibits the trade of products linked to deforestation within or from the European Union.
The United States has no broad federal ban on foreign ownership of real estate. However, foreign acquisitions are shaped by a mix of federal reporting requirements, tax rules, national-security reviews, and a growing patchwork of state-level restrictions, particularly concerning farmland and property near sensitive sites.
The regulation targets seven commodities on the EU market, requiring companies to prove their products are deforestation-free. These include: » Cattle (and derived products such as beef and leather) » Cocoa (and related products such as chocolate and cocoa butter) » Coffee » Palm oil (including derivatives used in automotives, cosmetics, and mining) » Rubber (and related products such as tires and tubes) » Soya (including derivatives used in soy-based food and animal feed) » Wood (including timber, pulp, paper, and furniture) The European Commission is currently reviewing other materials linked to deforestation, like maize and biofuels, so the list may grow in the future. Importantly, the EUDR applies to all listed commodities and products placed on the EU market or exported from the EU, regardless of where they were produced. The only exemption applies to goods made entirely from recycled waste, like recycled wood or paper. This is why a paper mill in Georgia, which imports lumber to the EU, is required to certify that their lumber did not contribute to global deforestation. Companies dealing in EUDR-regulated commodities must meet strict compliance standards to access the EU market. Products must be deforestation-free (produced on land not deforested after December 31, 2020), fully traceable throughout the supply chain and backed by a due diligence statement (DDS) confirming compliance. The DDS formally declares that the regulated commodity or product meets EUDR regulations and provides supporting information. A complete DDS must include documented data on the supplier, assess risks and mitigate those risks. To give industries time to adapt, the EUDR has phased its implementation depending on the business size. Small to mediumsized enterprise (SME) operators and traders have an additional sixmonth grace period to comply. These are the timelines for companies to comply: » December 30, 2026: For large and medium companies above the EU SME threshold » June 30, 2027: For companies under the EU SME threshold. The EUDR will have a variety of impacts on land professionals and property owners, including increased compliance costs, traceability and monitoring of the product and market access risks. In addition, small forest holders might struggle more than large producers: gathering geolocation data, legal documentation, and building traceability systems can be disproportionately costly for them. Finally, because this is a relatively new law, there is uncertainty about how enforcement will work, how often checks will be made, and how stringent due diligence needs to be.
There are several mechanisms already in place that monitor and provide oversight for foreign purchases of property, including: » The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) requires foreign owners of U.S. agricultural land to report holdings to the USDA; » The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), requires foreign persons acquiring 10% or more of a U.S. business enterprise to file information; and » The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) reviews transactions near military bases or sensitive infrastructure to assess national-security risks. Since 2023, over a dozen states have enacted or proposed laws restricting land purchases by individuals or entities from designated “foreign adversary” nations (often China, Russia, Iran, North Korea). These laws focus on farmland and food-supply protection, or land near military installations, critical infrastructure, or ports. These laws may run afoul of various state and federal civil rights or anti-discrimination laws. Lawsuits have raised issues of equal protection, due process, and federal preemption. Some reasons lend support to carefully monitor and provide oversight to foreign entities or persons who are buying land. These include national security, to impede or prevent espionage near sensitive facilities; food security to limit control of farmland by foreign entities; and economic stability to reduce speculative foreign investment that drives up housing costs. There are equally compelling reasons to oppose these restrictions, including property rights, discrimination concerns, economic costs and legal complexity. RLI members should be on the look-out for state-level bans and prohibitions, especially those related to farmland and national security. Legislation will also be introduced in Congress that would increase the review and oversight responsibilities of CFIUS, AFIDA and the BEA. Finally, state level restrictions will be the subject of litigation that will reshape the legal landscape at the state level. The bottom line is that RLI supports property ownership for all qualified buyers, regardless of national origin, but with strong security safeguards and robust oversight and monitoring by state and federal entities.
Russell Riggs is RLI’s Advocacy Liaison for the National Association of REALTORS® and Director of Environmental and Sustainability Policy for NAR. He holds a bachelor’s in political science from Virginia Commonwealth University, a master’s in public policy from Tufts University, and a master’s in public administration from New York University.
Learn More About RLI's Advocacy Work: rliland.com/Resources/RLI-Advocacy Winter 2026
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The Current State of Row-Crop Agricultural Land Markets, Q4 2025
Photo by Joel Nevius on Unsplash
by Doug Hensley, President, President of Real Estate Services for Hertz Farm Management, Inc., Nevada, IA
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The days are long, but the years are short.” Many have suggested this truism applies to raising kids. But as we wrap up 2025 and begin 2026, I would contend this sentiment also applies directly to some years in agriculture. Case in point, even though the years continue to speed by, many days in 2025 were difficult, especially for those in commodity crop businesses across our country.
Where the Land Market Currently Stands
So Why Isn’t Farmland Cheaper as Profits Have Shrunk?
The principal crops grown in the United States include Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, and Cotton. These crops cover more than 75% of planted area in U.S agriculture. There are, of course, many other important annual crops grown in our country, including sorghum, oats, barley, rye, rice, peanuts, sunflowers, dry edible beans, chickpeas, potatoes, sugar beets, canola, millet, tobacco, and a large variety of fresh vegetables. While all crops are financially important, this article focuses on the farmland market, so my comments tilt toward the land on which the majority mentioned principal crops are grown.
I attribute the stickiness in farmland values to 3 primary influences. First, commodity crop agriculture is generally operated under a “long-game mentality”, and one or two years of little to no profit will not cause a knee-jerk negative reaction in the value of land. This is especially true when this same sector enjoyed large profits from 2021 – 2023. These high-profit years created strong working-capital cushions that have buffered the difficulties of the past couple years.
2025 in general has been a difficult year for U.S. commodity crop agriculture. Excepting for a short-lived grain market rally in Q1, the principal crops spent much of the year hovering at or slightly under breakeven levels (assuming average production). This reality continued a general trend that started in 2023, where U.S. crop agriculture first saw profit margin compression. In general, commodity prices have trended lower, based largely on production success (e.g., overproduction), while input expenses and land rents have been sticky to decline. Many market observers may conclude that land values should therefore fall in a commensurate proportion to profit margins. However, that is not the case. On the contrary, land values in most ag-focused States have defied expectations and have generally maintained themselves just below record levels that peaked in 2022 and 2023. Certainly, there has been a small and well-documented leak in land values as profitability pressures built through 2024 and 2025. But these gradual drawdowns have generally totaled less than 10% off the highs. Even more surprising to some, despite 2+ years of skinny profits, active farmers continue to drive the land market and have been the primary buyers of land that’s offered to the market. Non-farming investors of various types – some with local roots, and others with no local ties and who are purely financially motivated – are also active in most regions. But investor buyers are the clear market minority.
Second, when we see farm profits drop, we also commonly see the volume of land being offered to the marketplace also drop. Why? Simply put, human behavior follows that farmland Sellers prefer to sell into strong market conditions. And when profits are shrinking, small, or non-existent, as they have been in 2024 and 2025, many Seller prospects will choose to hold their asset until they perceive improved conditions. This supply shrinkage, of sorts, then serves as an offsetting ballast to weaker demand. No doubt, land values in 2025 have widely proven resilient, but demand for farmland is down as we close 2025 compared to a year prior. However, there’s still been enough demand to absorb the reduced amount of land being offered to the marketplace. This balance in supply and demand is another reason why we have seen only relatively minor market price adjustments. That said, my experience also tells me that this type of balanced market behavior has a shelf-life, in and of itself. And should we continue to see profit pressures last for another 2 years, we may see a little more widespread weakness in land values. But for now, the market seems quite stable. Third – and in many regions of the country this is really important – profitability in livestock agriculture has been thriving, even while crop agriculture has simultaneously struggled. This is particularly true in the cattle, dairy, and poultry sectors. You can easily find Corn Belt livestock producers who have enjoyed continued overall profitability in their combined business that includes both crops and livestock. And these operators are still aggressively pursuing land acquisitions. Similarly, livestock profitability in hay and grazing regions of the country has fed the general trend higher for those land assets, even while row-crop land in the same region is leaking slightly lower over the same period. Several reports from the Kansas City and Minneapolis Federal Reserve Banks in 2024 and 2025 affirm this reality. The profitability split in any specific business depends, of course, on the relative proportions within that business. But it’s a fact that livestock agriculture has been profitable during these most recent years of struggle in commodity crops.
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How Much is Politics Impacting Land Values? As a collective group, U.S. agriculture has supported the Trump Administration – both Trump 45, and now Trump 47. Does everyone in agriculture support everything about President Trump and his approach to policy and decision-making? Of course not. But in several producer surveys, including the monthly Purdue University Ag Economy Barometer, farmers have consistently reported broad support for Trump. This approval has primarily been driven by the belief that Trump policies are viewed as being preferred for agriculture in the areas of tax and regulatory policy, than the plans offered by President Trump’s recent political competitors. Trump does not enjoy equal favor on every issue, however. This includes trade (exports). Both in 2018 and again in 2025, his approach to trade has been unsettling. As we all know, both formal and informal trade agreements have been blown up during both of his Presidential terms, and President Trump’s approach has caused havoc in longstanding global trade flows. As a result, U.S. ag exports have been impacted. In 2025 this was clearly in play in China’s strategic decision to avoid buying U.S. soybeans which factored into weak soybean prices throughout 2025. With the late October 2025 Trump trade trip to Asia, there have been encouraging rumblings pertaining to Asian interest in commodity crops, including from China – so, there are some encouraging signs bubbling to the surface. But time will tell. In other areas of government policies that impact U.S. ag sectors, the trend has tilted positive and has helped to provide certainty and stability in the ag industry. Look no further than the One Big Beautiful Bill, passed in mid-2025. This legislation locked in income and capital gains tax rates, widened Federal estate tax exemptions, and expanded crop insurance support. These matters are each significant to farmland owners across the nation. And, if additional direct payments are made to farming producers before spring planting 2026 – as some are expecting – few producers will return those dollars. Trump knows he needs to build a “time-bridge” to allow for his aggressive approach to trade relations to round into form, and it’s clear he wants to keep farmers on his side.
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What’s to Come in 2026? As we look ahead into a new year, even though this past year has had some long days, I believe the word “stable” would generally characterize the current farmland market. A stable market does not mean a static market. However, in contrast to the sometimes violent volatility that characterizes other investment vehicles, farmland markets typically adjust more gradually. Entering year 3+ of the extended profitability squeeze in commodity crop agriculture, I believe 2026 will continue the long-term trend of industry consolidation at the farm level. Just look at the spike in retirement equipment auctions already scheduled for this winter. These planned sales tell me that a large group of older farmers are tapping out. This doesn’t mean they will be selling the land they own; rather, they are deciding to exit active farming and the ongoing financial risks that go with it. Their machinery may be sold, but their owned land will be leased and ultimately absorbed into another neighboring operation. And, yet again, we will see another incremental increase in operational scale for commodity crop agriculture. If we see ongoing margin pressures for another year – which most expect – working capital at the farm level will continue to erode. This is a concern, because strong equity positions listed on a balance sheet with little working capital don’t pay very many bills. So, some farming businesses will need to recapitalize their balance sheet to allow for ongoing cash needs. Sale-leasebacks may become a more common tool again in row-crop farming businesses, especially for non-core land assets. These arrangements, when done right, are a proactive solution that can benefit a farming business, their lender, and a properly aligned farmland investor. Win-win-win. As farmland professionals, one of our roles is to help clients cut through all the disruptions and market motion. Some days are long, no doubt – and we had a few of those in 2025. But when we create focus around facts and practical solutions, we can help to position clients to succeed with farmland as both an operating asset and as a long-term investment. Looking back, that makes the years seem short. Doug Hensley is President of Real Estate Services for Hertz Farm Management, Inc., where he leads the real estate brokerage, acquisition, and auction work for the company. Doug grew up on a cashgrain and livestock farm in western Illinois, and he has worked in the farmland brokerage and auction business for nearly 30 years.
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The Productive Pause
Inside the Habits of Top Performing Land Professionals By Kat Szymanski, RLI Marketing Manager
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n uncertain economy or slower sales cycle can be challenging, even unnerving. It also presents an opportunity to pause from the grind to pursue activities that may otherwise get pushed to the bottom of the list during a booming market. (Remember the wild days of land sales during the pandemic?) As we enter 2026, now is a good time to ask – what activities will get the biggest return, to help fill the sales pipeline, or prepare your business processes for the next busy season? Here’s what RLI members say are the top activities – both business and personal – that they pursue when the whirlwind of being a land professional has a pause.
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Luke Schrader
Schrader Real Estate and Auction Co., Inc. • Columbia City, IN In the transaction world, it can be extremely easy to get consumed in the whirlwind of making deals happen. It is hard to take a step back from "deal flow" and evaluate the "business flow" of a real estate team. We work to take advantage of slower business cycles to evaluate our internal processes and dissect what could be done more efficiently within our own operations. We also take a look at our external marketing efforts and avenues. Are there new ways we should be exploring exposing properties to the market? Should we allocate our marketing budgets differently? What is new that does work, and what is new that does not seem effective? Is our current document flow keeping clients away from headaches? These are all questions that take time to think through and answer well and are difficult to do thoroughly in faster paced transaction seasons.
Rachelle Heller, ALC
Hertz Real Estate Services • Washington, IA During the slower times, I focus more on prospecting and building relationships. I use the opportunity to schedule lunches or meetings with local attorneys and lenders. Many of my farmland listings and auctions come from estates, so those connections often lead to referral opportunities. We also host a landowner seminar in late summer to stay connected with clients. Sometimes it’s as simple as sending a handwritten note to stay in touch. Outside of work, I use the downtime to travel with my family and spend time at our cabin. It helps me to recharge and be ready for the next busy stretch.
Beth Moraitakis
Dan Kevorkian, ALC Pearson Realty • Fresno, CA
One of the best ways to fill the sales pipeline is to review existing listings. Ask yourself and coworkers, why isn’t this property selling? Consider these three primary elements to the marketing process: 1) pricing, 2) exposure, and 3) timing. If the property is priced in the “strike zone” and it’s been exposed thoroughly, it should be only a matter of time before it sells. That said, if the property has been on the market for an extended period of time, it may be time to discuss re-pricing the property with the seller(s). Many buyers will not focus on a property if they feel the seller is not realistic. A new, reduced price provides a reason to go back to the market with a better chance of success. Another effective strategy in a challenging market is to “take action.” The only way to develop momentum and amplify sales is to move forward. Do not sit and wait for things to happen, be proactive. If you don’t put the car in drive and push on the gas, you will never get out of the driveway. Here are a couple of activities to pursue: 1) Pick a property that is already on the market that is saleable. Canvass the neighborhood with calls or in-person visits. The adjoining landowners are often the best prospects for any property. Perhaps the neighbor doesn’t want to buy that property but would prefer a different one. Conversely, he or she may rather sell than buy. Before you know it, you will be writing up offers, opening escrows, and getting listings. 2) Tap into your network - clients, landowners, real estate attorneys, CPAs, insurance agents, and other REALTORS® reminding them that cash buyers are looking for specific types of properties. Your network will dramatically expand your opportunities. The more accomplished we become as REALTORS, the more value we provide to our clients, especially in a challenging market. They say that good fortune is the point where action and opportunity meet, so get busy!
Coldwell Banker Commercial • Bloomingdale, GA During slower business cycles, I really try to use that time intentionally, to reconnect, plan ahead, and make sure I’m setting myself up for a strong next quarter. I’ll start by making sure my contacts are up to date so I can run effective marketing and email campaigns. I also take time to brainstorm fresh social media content and look into upcoming council meetings or networking events to get on the calendar. I love using that extra space in my schedule to get out and meet people, grabbing coffee or lunch with clients, friends, or community leaders. Staying engaged helps me feel connected and keeps me learning about the communities we serve as REALTORS®. It’s also a great opportunity to give back. One thing I’m especially proud of is helping educate youth about property ownership. Showing them how it can be a path toward stability and financial freedom. On the business side, my partner and I use AI to be really strategic with our time. We dedicate one focused day each quarter to create all our marketing content for the next three months. We load it into our platforms, let automation do its thing, and that traction feeds right into our CRM. From there, we get action items that keep our pipeline consistent. It’s efficient, intentional, and gives us more time to focus on relationships, which is really what this business is all about.
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Tyler McConnell, ALC
Cynthia Daughtrey
During times when the business cycle slows, there are a few different items I like to do. I love focusing on property management when it comes to recreational ground. Recreational land (primarily deer hunting) makes up a good portion of my book of business, and is one of my greatest passions, so I am always looking for ways to increase my knowledge and implement improvements. I do this on my personal farms, so I have the firsthand knowledge for clients, and it’s also some of the greatest therapy there is in my opinion to help clear my head, talk with God, and refocus myself from a business perspective. There is very little in my opinion that is more satisfying and freeing than working on your own dirt. I also do a fair amount of property improvements/ implementation with clients whether I am slow or not, but during slow times this can lead to refilling the pipeline as I check in with clients on previous or future improvements and how their hunting season was and how their property is coming along. It is then that we often have discussions on clients adding secondary pieces, upgrading their farms, referrals, or whatever it may be, all leading to growing my pipeline.
When a slower business cycle hits, then it is time for reflection in my business.
Comey & Shepherd, REALTORS • Cincinnati, OH
Another practice that I often struggle with and am not nearly as productive as some of our fellow RLI members is social media. I try to post fairly frequently to stay top of mind, but there are always properties/sales that never make it to social media. During slower business times, I will also go back and share some of my more recent sold transactions that never were posted to ensure I’m staying top of mind. At the end of the day, having a presence in front of our clientele basis is the name of the game, whether firsthand, social media, through advertising outlets or whatever it may be, it’s a vital part of our business.
Christi Moczygemba, ALC
Keller Williams City View • San Antonio, TX When my business hits a slow cycle, I don't see it as a lull; instead, I see it as an opportunity for "proactive preparations." This intentional focus turns downtime into a solid foundation, ensuring growth when demand returns. My favorite proactive preparation is networking. I enjoy focusing on establishing relationships with professionals in complementary fields and organizational partners to foster mutually beneficial connections. This relationship-building not only helps broaden my potential client/customer base for the future but also creates a vital support system and potential referral network that is essential for long-term resilience and growth in this business. Another part of proactive preparation I like to utilize when business demands dip is to focus on education and marketing refinement. I will take the time to acquire new skills or evaluate and overhaul my marketing strategies. Finally, it's always a good idea to review your operational systems and processes as part of proactive preparation. Then, you can refine anything that is not working effectively. By using downtime to enhance your professional relationships, business infrastructure, and systems, you transform a temporary slowdown into a powerful launchpad for future success. Happy Selling!
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3D Real Estate • Hayden, CO
First, I catch up on my education requirements. I review my requirements and get caught up or see what is out there for new technology, i.e. AI. Then I review and evaluate to see what of these new technologies or education that I can implement in my company. I look at what seminars or conventions I could attend to enhance my network and education. Second, I review my marketing areas. I look at my areas of focus and determine what is necessary to get boned up on those areas. Are there more foreclosures? Are there more tax sales? What is going with business in my area? Are there new companies moving or leaving area? What can I do to be of service in the area? Lastly, I review my numbers. By that I mean, I look at where my expenses and income are. Are there better ways to spend marketing dollars? Am I getting enough bang for my buck when I do these activities? Are there new groups that I should investigate and be more involved. By helping others, that good karma comes back to you.
Thank you to these RLI members for sharing tips to help other land professionals stay motivated and move their businesses forward. As RLI 2025 President Dan Murphy, ALC often quotes, “Rising tides raise all ships.” If you’re looking for fresh ideas to inspire change and solve business challenges, come to an in-person RLI event like a local Chapter meeting or the National Land Conference. It’s an excellent way to expand your expertise, meet faceto-face with like-minded professionals, and prepare your business for what’s next.
STUBBORN LISTING? LET US HELP YOU MOVE YOUR CLIENT OFF THE FENCE WE'LL FIND THE SOLUTION TO HELP YOU GET THE LISTING WHEN YOU’VE EXHAUSTED ALL OPTIONS At Discipline Advisors, utilizing every available resource to help your clients achieve peace of mind related to their future and financial well-being is our priority. Those resources include Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) and our ability to pair clients with the appropriate, qualifying investments to meet their needs. With over 40 years of experience, a thorough due diligence process, and valuable relationships, we’re the top choice for farm and ranch brokers in the country when it comes to DSTs. Scan for a video on DSTs
DST BENEFITS TAX DEFERRAL
DSTs provide the ability for your client to defer capital gains taxes.
MONTHLY INCOME
DSTs provide potential monthly “mailbox money” with tax mnimization benefits.
PASSIVE OWNERSHIP
DSTs free your client from farm and ranch management.
DIVERSIFICATION
Clients can exchange into multiple properties and geographical locations.
LEGACY TRANSITION DSTs can minimize family wealth transitional conflicts among heirs.
Call us at 507-625-5876 or visit disciplineadvisors.com Securities offered through DAI Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through DAI Wealth, Inc., an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. DAl Securities, LIC and DAl Wealth, Inc. are separate, but affiliated, entities.
Stack Your Agent Toolkit with Proven Tax-Deferral Strategies
by Kat Szymanski, RLI Marketing Manager
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or many landowners, owning property is the heart of the American dream — until the day that dream comes with an unexpected price tag. When a property appreciates significantly over time, selling it can trigger a capital gains tax bill large enough to stall even the most exciting next chapter. Maybe the owner is ready to step back from the physical demands of managing a farm or ranch. Maybe the next generation isn’t ready to take over. Or maybe it’s simply time for something new — a different investment, a change in lifestyle, or a hardearned break.
That’s when tax-deferral strategies can become more than a financial tool — they can become a lifeline. For landowners, the right tax-deferred strategy can unlock passive income, provide long-term financial security, and protect the legacy they’ve built. But knowing which tool is right takes insight, context, and a clear understanding of each option. To help you guide clients with confidence, four RLI members break down three powerful approaches — 1031 Exchanges, Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), and Structured Installment Sales (SIS) — and explain how each one can shape a landowner’s financial future.
1031 Like-Kind Exchanges – the “401K of Real Estate” From Expert: Dan Wagner, Inland Real Estate Group, LLC The 1031 Like Kind Exchange is often referred to as the 401K of Real Estate. Much like a 401K, this exchange allows you to use pretax dollars from the sale of a commercial property to invest in another commercial real estate venture, thereby deferring your taxes.
Contributors Dan Wagner is senior vice president of government relations at the Inland Real Estate Group and member of the board of directors of the Conservation Foundation. He has been an RLI member since 2019 and serves on the RLI Government Affairs Committee. Joe Michaletz and Mike O’Toole are advisors focused on working with rural landowners and entrepreneurs transitioning out of their active businesses tax efficiently. They have successfully helped their clients complete thousands of 1031 exchanges into DSTs and have over 60 years of combined experience in the industry. To learn more or contact them please visit www.disciplineadvisors.com • Discipline Advisors is a DBA of DAI Securities, LLC established in the State of Minnesota. Securities offered through DAI Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through DAI Wealth, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. DAI Securities, LLC and DAI Wealth, LLC are separate, but affiliated, entities. Chad Ettmeuller is Senior Vice President of JCR Settlements, LLC based in Georgia, but operating nationally. Chad, and his firm, specialize in Structured Installment Sale (SIS) transactions. Chad has been an associate member of RLI since 2023.
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To put it simply, when you sell a commercial property, the proceeds can be reinvested into another commercial property, and you can defer paying taxes on the gains from the sale. It's a fantastic strategy for those looking to grow their real estate investments without the immediate tax burden. Here are some quick advantages and things to be aware of: Advantages: » Tax Deferral: The primary benefit is the ability to defer taxes, allowing you to reinvest the full proceeds into a new property. » Increased Investment Potential: By deferring taxes, you have more capital available to invest in potentially more lucrative properties. » Wealth Accumulation: Over time, this strategy can help in significantly growing your real estate portfolio and overall wealth. » Flexibility: You can exchange properties across various types of commercial real estate, providing a broad range of investment opportunities. What to be aware of: » Complex Rules: The 1031 exchange comes with a strict set of rules and timelines that must be followed to qualify for the tax deferral. » Limited Use: This exchange only applies to investment or business properties, not personal residences. » Potential Tax Liability: If you eventually sell the new property without doing another 1031 exchange, you will have to pay the deferred taxes.
Turning Land into Legacy: How Landowners Can Use 1031 Exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) to Defer Taxes and Build Income
Structured Installment Sales (SIS) – A Strategic Tax-Deferral Solution
From Experts: Joe Michaletz and Mike O’Toole, Discipline Advisors, Inc.
Structured Installment Sales (SIS) offer a sophisticated and highly effective alternative for individuals seeking to defer capital gains taxes on the sale of appreciated property, as provided under Internal Revenue Code Section 453.
For many landowners, the value of their property has grown substantially over time — and so have the potential tax consequences of selling. The good news: with thoughtful planning, landowners can sell appreciated land, defer taxes, and transition into passive, incomeproducing investments through the use of Section 1031 exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs). A 1031 tax deferred exchange allows an owner of investment or business-use real estate to defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting the proceeds into “like-kind” real estate. Instead of paying taxes immediately on the sale of land or other appreciated real property, you can exchange into other properties — keeping your capital working for you. The benefits include: » Capital gains and depreciation recapture deferral » Deferral of state and federal taxes on the sale » Greater purchasing power by reinvesting pre-tax equity » Portfolio diversification beyond a single property or location A Delaware Statutory Trust is an IRS-approved structure that allows multiple investors to own fractional interests in large, professionally managed real estate assets such as multifamily apartments, senior housing, self-storage, or industrial properties. For landowners seeking relief from the responsibilities of active management, a DST can be an ideal “like-kind” replacement property in a 1031 exchange. Key DST benefits include: » Passive Income: Receive monthly distributions from institutional-quality properties managed by experienced sponsors. » Tax Deferral: Maintain full 1031 exchange tax deferral while exiting active land ownership. » Debt Relief: DSTs often include non-recourse debt already structured within the trust, allowing exchangers to meet IRS “equal or greater debt” requirements without personal guarantees. » Estate Planning Flexibility: Heirs receive a step-up in cost basis upon inheritance, often eliminating deferred taxes entirely, while continuing to receive income or liquidity options. Selling appreciated land can unlock significant liquidity, but reinvesting via a DST may help convert that equity into stable, diversified, incomeproducing real estate — without the burden of tenants, maintenance, or direct expenses. This structure may provide consistent monthly income and potential inflation protection while preserving wealth across generations. For landowners ready to transition from active management to passive income — while preserving the wealth they’ve built — the combination of a 1031 exchange and a Delaware Statutory Trust offers one of the most powerful tools in modern real estate planning.
From Expert: Chad Ettmueller, JCR Settlements, LLC
This strategy enables property sellers to defer immediate capital gains tax liability while enhancing overall net sale proceeds through the design of customized, long-term annuity payment schedules issued by leading life insurance companies. Prior to closing, sellers have the flexibility to define a payment structure tailored to their financial objectives. Payments may be scheduled on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. Additionally, sellers may elect lump-sum distributions at predetermined intervals or combine multiple payment options to suit their needs. At closing, the annuity premium is transferred directly from the escrow account to the issuing life insurance company. This direct payment structure ensures that the seller avoids constructive receipt, thereby deferring the associated tax obligation. Taxes are instead paid incrementally in future years as annuity payments are received— capital gains taxes on the principal portion, and ordinary income taxes on the interest earned. Key highlights of the SIS strategy include: » Flexible deferral period: Payments can be deferred for up to 50 years. » No setup or management fees. » Competitive annuity yields: » Fixed-rate options currently offer approximately 4–5%. » Index-linked options typically range between 6–12%. » No minimum or maximum premium amounts. » Beneficiary protection: Remaining payments continue to designated beneficiaries upon the seller’s passing, as originally scheduled. » Irrevocable terms post-closing: Payment terms cannot be altered once finalized. While there is no step-up in basis for beneficiaries, this is generally offset by the annuity’s long-term growth potential. Through prudent design and disciplined execution, a Structured Installment Sale can provide sellers with both tax efficiency and enhanced financial outcomes, transforming the sale of property into a long-term wealth management strategy.
Expand Your Expertise and Your Toolkit
If you want to deepen your expertise and better serve clients who are navigating these decisions, consider expanding your toolkit. RLI’s LANDU course on Tax-Deferred 1031 Exchanges offers a practical, in-depth look at this strategy. The 2026 National Land Conference will feature dedicated sessions to help you put each approach into action. The more informed you are, the more empowered your clients will be as they plan the next chapter of their landownership story.
Before moving forward, always consult with a qualified intermediary (QI), tax advisor, and financial professional experienced in 1031/DST transactions to ensure suitability and compliance. Winter 2026
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Powered Land & Data Centers: The Next Big Thing in Real Estate by Craig Kaiser, President and Co-Founder of LandGate™
Loudoun County, Virginia aka "Data Center Alley"
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n unmistakable trend is transforming land and real estate: an explosion in demand for sites with power - BIG POWER. The digital age shows no signs of slowing, with AI, cloud computing, streaming, and remote work collectively driving up requirements for computing infrastructure. For land professionals, this represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Understanding the requirements, challenges, and rewards of the data center boom could be the difference between merely watching value increase and being on the front lines of shaping it.
The Data Center Boom & Trends The U.S. data center sector surged in Q2 2025 as hyperscale operators expanded AI workloads. Data from LandGate shows that energy use hit 224 TWh, fueled by GPU-dense pods and edge growth. Installed capacity grew 17.7%, with hyperscalers investing over $300B. Despite workforce shortages and interconnection delays, new state incentives and deregulation under the “Big Beautiful Bill” spurred rural builds, with Ohio, Georgia, and Texas emerging as key winners. The appetite for data center capacity has been steadily increasing for years, but recent advances in AI, machine learning, edge computing, and demand for high-availability cloud services have dramatically escalated that need. Digital transformation isn’t just happening in big cities anymore- it’s pushing outward. Developers are looking into suburban and rural areas where powered land is more plentiful and cost-effective, regulatory environments may be more favorable, and infrastructure is catching up. While markets in urban hubs like Northern Virginia, Silicon Valley, Dallas, and Phoenix remain active, rural areas are emerging as attractive alternatives due to connectivity, infrastructure, and population proximity. Developers seek larger, more affordable parcels with ample power, fewer zoning hurdles, and state incentives, while local governments offer tax breaks and streamlined approvals to attract digital infrastructure. Rural America, with its abundance of open land and increasing infrastructure investment, stands out as an attractive option for developers seeking to build the next generation of data centers. Many rural sites offer the combination of scale, stability, and access to renewable energy that the industry now prioritizes. This shift means land professionals operating outside major metro areas can now tap into demand that was, until recently, the exclusive domain of urban markets.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Data Center Site: Cheap Land & Cheap Power What makes a piece of land attractive to a data center developer? It’s a combination of power, connectivity, and physical characteristics. Being able to identify which parcels have the right infrastructure, size, zoning, and risk profile can allow you to position them properly to the right buyers. Below are some of the key attributes that real estate professionals should be well-versed in, because land that checks many of these boxes can fetch prices from developers for up to two to four times market value. First and foremost is access to robust and redundant power. A modern data center consumes a massive amount of electricity, sometimes equivalent to a small city. Developers look for sites with proximity to high-voltage transmission lines and electrical substations capable of delivering hundreds of megawatts. Redundancy is just as crucial. The ability to draw power from multiple sources is a critical safeguard against outages that could cost millions in downtime. Equally important is fiber optic connectivity. Data centers are hubs on the information superhighway- they require access to long-haul fiber optic networks to move data quickly and reliably across the country and around the world. A property may be perfect in every other way, but if it's miles from a major fiber route, it's a non-starter. Land professionals who can identify these digital arteries running through or near their listings hold a significant advantage. Proximity to multiple, diverse fiber routes offers the redundancy that developers crave. Beyond power and fiber, the physical attributes of the land are critical. Developers generally seek large, relatively flat parcels, often 100 acres or more of buildable acreage, to accommodate not just the initial build but also future expansion. The "campus" model, where a company builds multiple data center buildings on a single site, is becoming standard. This requires significant space. The land must also be geologically stable and located outside of 100-year floodplains. Natural disaster risk is a major consideration. Sites in areas prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, or tornadoes are less desirable. Furthermore, the land should be free from significant environmental concerns and have clear title, allowing for a swift and predictable development timeline. Developers in this space move fast, and any potential for delay is a major red flag.
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Why Land Professionals Should Seize This Opportunity The data center boom is not a fleeting trend. It is a fundamental shift in how our economy operates, and it is reshaping land use patterns across the country. For real estate and land professionals, this presents a multi-faceted opportunity. Data center deals often involve large tracts of land and command premium prices due to the specific and valuable attributes they possess. A parcel that might have been valued for agricultural use or speculative residential development could be worth significantly more to a data center developer if it meets their infrastructure needs. Facilitating these transactions can lead to some of the most significant commissions of a land professional's career. Loudoun County, Virginia, often called "Data Center Alley,” offers a powerful example of how data centers can rapidly elevate local property values. As of early 2025, Loudoun County's total taxable commercial property value soared by 45.3% year-over-year to $56.6 billion, driven largely by an astounding 78.7% increase in data center valuations.
Bridging the Gap: Connecting with Developers Understanding these requirements is the first step. The second, and equally crucial, step is connecting your qualified listings with the right developers. This is where the process can become challenging. How do you get your property in front of the specialized site selectors at major tech companies and development firms? Traditionally, this has relied on personal networks and economic development channels. While effective, these methods can be slow and limited in reach. Today, however, digital platforms are emerging to streamline this connection, creating a direct marketplace for specialized land assets. Platforms like LandApp are specifically designed to bridge this gap. They provide a space where land professionals and landowners can list their properties for free, outlining the key attributes that appeal to data center developers. Instead of chasing leads, you can position your property to be discovered by actively searching developers who know exactly what they need. Listing on LandApp.com is free, and there are no commissions or obligations to accept any offers.
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The Bigger Picture What’s striking about the data center boom is how it redefines land value. Land once seen as remote or limited to agricultural/recreational use is now being evaluated for its digital infrastructure potential. Just as oil once transformed barren fields into economic engines, data is now doing the same. The land business has always been about seeing value where others don’t. In today’s economy, that means looking beyond soil and crops to power lines and fiber routes. Because the future of land isn’t just growing food or timber- it’s hosting the digital backbone of the world. The demand is real, the dollars are flowing, and the professionals who position themselves now will be the ones shaping this next era of land use. Craig Kaiser is the President and CoFounder of LandGate®. A geologist by training and entrepreneur at heart, he’s led ventures in energy and natural resources and now helps real estate professionals uncover new opportunities in land and datamost recently in the fast-growing powered land and data center spaces.
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The Crossroads of Residential Real Estate and Subdivision Land: Where Local Insight Shapes Smart Growth By Megan Turnipseed, ALC
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ust outside the city limits of places like Austin, Dallas and Houston, something exciting is happening. Wide open tracts of land that were once pasture or farmland are becoming the next generation of neighborhoods. These areas offer the best of both worlds: close enough to enjoy the convenience of the city, but far enough away to have space, privacy, and a connection to nature. This space between city and country is where residential real estate and land development truly meet. Understanding both sides is key to creating communities that make sense for today’s buyers and for the long-term vision of growth in these areas. As someone who works in both residential and land sales every day, I’ve seen how powerful it is when those two worlds align.
Seeing It Through the Buyer’s Eyes Every successful subdivision starts with understanding what homebuyers really want. Trends change quickly, but the foundation stays the same: people are looking for comfort, functionality, and connection. From working with hundreds of residential clients, I’ve seen what drives their decisions. Families want good schools, open-concept layouts, and outdoor space. Retirees often look for low-maintenance living, smaller yards, and peace and quiet. Many people are now prioritizing features like energy efficiency, flexible spaces for remote work, and a sense of community that still feels private. When developers or investors understand these buyer priorities, the entire subdivision design improves. Things like lot sizes, neighborhood layout, and architectural style can be chosen intentionally rather than just focusing on how many homes will fit. Even details like adding fiber internet, walking trails, or small parks can make a big difference in how a community feels. When planning starts with the buyer in mind, the end result is a place that feels authentic, inviting, and ready for real life.
Understanding the Land Side of the Equation Of course, knowing what buyers want is only half the story. The other side is understanding the land itself and how to maximize its potential. Every piece of land has its own personality. Topography, soil type, water access, road frontage, and local jurisdiction rules all play major roles in what can actually be built. Utility capacity, floodplain lines, and tax rate differences can make or break a project. This is where experience in land sales becomes a major advantage. When you know how to evaluate a tract for access, utilities, and development feasibility, you can identify that “sweet spot” where a property has both strong potential and manageable costs. In areas outside metro areas, such as Austin, that often means finding tracts that are: » Close enough for utility access but outside city taxes or heavy regulation. » Within desirable school districts or near employment centers. » Along growth corridors where future expansion is already underway. » This balance—between accessibility and breathing room—is exactly what makes transitional land so attractive to both buyers and investors.
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Megan Turnipseed, ALC, is a Broker Associate with Keller Williams Lone Star in Georgetown, Texas. As an Accredited Land Consultant, RLI Board Member and LANDU Instructor, she specializes in connecting the worlds of residential real estate, farm and ranch, and subdivision development throughout Central Texas. Her work focuses on guiding smart, sustainable growth in the transitional areas shaping the next generation of Texas communities.
“These areas offer the best of both worlds: close enough to enjoy the convenience of the city, but far enough away to have space, privacy, and a connection to nature.”
Transitional Areas: The Next Chapter of Growth
Responsible Growth and the Role of Local Experts
In places like Williamson and Bell Counties in Central Texas, we’re seeing rapid change. Fields that once seemed too far out are now on the edge of major infrastructure improvements, new schools, and high-tech employers.
As Central Texas continues to grow, our responsibility as local experts is to guide that growth in a way that preserves what makes this region special.
These transitional areas are the future of Central Texas housing. They’re close enough for convenience, but still offer space, lower taxes, and a more relaxed lifestyle. Buyers love that balance. Developers love the opportunity. And the communities that grow here can truly capture the spirit of Texas living. For Central Texas – and other areas outside U.S. urban centers – the key to success is smart design. Thoughtful lot layouts, preservation of natural trees and topography, and community features that reflect the land’s character all help a development stand out. It’s not about copying what’s inside the city, it’s about creating something that enhances the edges of it.
Collaboration is Everything The most successful projects happen when residential and land professionals work together early in the process. Residential agents bring insight into what sells, what buyers are asking for, and which design trends are performing best. Land specialists understand what can be built, where utilities can realistically go, and how to navigate city and county approvals. When those perspectives come together, subdivisions are better planned and more profitable. The design fits the market instead of guessing at it. Builders can launch with the right floor plans and price points. And buyers end up with homes that truly meet their needs. Even a small 10- or 20-lot subdivision can benefit from that kind of collaboration. It’s how you create communities that are both marketable and sustainable.
That means being thoughtful about density, maintaining green space, and planning infrastructure that keeps up with the demand. It also means helping buyers and developers understand the value of doing things right—taking into account drainage, access, school capacity, and the long-term character of the community. Smart growth doesn’t just happen by chance. It happens when professionals understand both the people and the property.
A New Kind of Real Estate Professional The future of real estate belongs to professionals who can bridge the gap between residential and land. Understanding both sides allows us to create stronger outcomes for clients, whether that’s helping a buyer find their perfect home on acreage, or guiding a developer toward a project that meets both market demand and environmental realities. This kind of crossover expertise is shaping the next wave of growth in Central Texas, as it is in many other areas of the country. It’s not about selling land or houses in isolation but about connecting the two to build communities that will thrive for decades.
In Closing The real opportunity in our market lies in the middle ground—the intersection where residential knowledge meets land strategy. When we combine that insight with collaboration and vision, we’re not just helping people buy property. We’re helping design the next chapter of suburban living.
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How a Colorado Ranch Kid Found a Calling in Real Estate By Joette Schalla, ALC
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y story begins on a ranch in eastern Colorado, where my family owned a cow/ calf operation. When I was in high school, they decided to sell the ranch I was raised on and purchase a larger property so they could have all their cattle on one place and not have to lease neighboring properties. It was then that I first learned about real estate as I helped agents who came to show the property. One agent suggested that I should consider a career in real estate when I turned 18. Instead, I went off to college to get a degree and compete in college rodeo. However, when I finished my education, I was offered a job with a real estate broker in the small mountain town of La Veta and decided that it was time to get my license.
My knowledge of the land and ranching helped me step into my new career. However, residential sales presented a learning curve for me, which I picked up quickly and began to enjoy as well. I absorbed a lot about lending and finance options for homes, but I really dug into the agricultural side of things exploring FSA loans which help beginner farmers and ranchers get started. I started buying land just a few years after I finished college, becoming somewhat of a collector of affordable real estate, writing letters to the owners of neighboring vacant land lots and even buying an adjoining parcel at an auction. Eventually I used an FSA loan to purchase a larger property that I began running cattle on. I had sold my modest cow herd when I left for college, and with the encouragement of my father I had decided to start building a herd again.
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Next, I used the first few parcels I had put together over time for collateral to buy an even larger property that included some CRP crop land as well. After a while, I was able to lease a contiguous section of land from the State Land Board, further expanding my carrying capacity on that ranch. I enjoy fixing these properties up and turning them into operational ranches for my cattle. I utilized numerous NRCS EQUIP programs to add interior fences for more efficient rotational grazing, and improved water systems on each property. Those programs will help fund improvements as long as the landowner agrees to comply with the NRCS’s prescriptive grazing for the next few years after each EQIP project is completed. This has been a wonderful way for me to make my ranches more productive and enhance their value with the aid of funding from the NRCS. Two of the properties I own are recently enrolled in Grassland CRP, which is drastically different from traditional CRP since you can graze the land year-round as long as you follow a grazing plan created by the NRCS. I am fortunate to earn income by the acre annually while I allow my livestock to graze the pastures. This GCRP program is in place for 15 years. Future farm bills will determine if that can be extended after the agreed program time frame. Over time, I put together three smaller scale working ranches, adding new corrals to each of them, making it easy to continue the traditions of my family with their cattle management. My brother JT (along with his family) and I also help our parents with the ranch they purchased all those years ago when I was first introduced to real estate. We each pay lease to run cattle on their ranch, so we can help them manage their operation since they are now in their retirement years. Working as a family to brand calves in the spring and ship calves in the fall is enjoyable and rewarding.
My favorite branding happens each spring at my parent’s ranch. We also help each other at our other properties as well. My sister-in-law and I provide side dishes, parts of the main course, and breakfast treats at each gathering for all the crew who comes to assist us with our cattle works, then we all enjoy a big meal with the help after the work is done. Typically, the folks who come to help with our brandings are friends and neighbors. Some travel a fair distance, but many live nearby. It’s physical work, but you know you have really accomplished something at the end of the day. During spring brandings, our family heels and drags the calves to nord forks or flankers. We were raised gathering the pastures and sorting cows from the calves on horseback. It’s an enjoyable and efficient tradition that continues today. At our brandings, I do a variety of jobs including castrating bull calves, branding calves, roping and dragging calves to the irons, notching ears, administering shots, or even running nord forks or flanking on occasion. In the fall we sort cows from the calves, and preg check the cows through a squeeze chute. The calves are preconditioned with the same method a few weeks prior to them being shipped to a buyer or the sale barn. Any calves that are held back as replacement heifers are bangs vaccinated and put on a feed ration while they are being weaned. In many ways, each parcel that I’ve bought, improved, and grazed is a continuation of the lessons I’ve learned through my family’s love of ranching and raising cattle. Real estate may be my career, but it’s also my way of carrying forward the traditions, values, and work ethic that were instilled in me long before I ever earned my license.
Joette Schalla, ALC is a broker with Fay Ranches. She was the 2025 Colorado RLI Land Broker of the Year, as well as a 2024 RLI APEX Producer. In 2023 she was recognized as the Spanish Peak MLS Broker of the Year.
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