I would like to start buying some undeveloped land for timbers can someone advise on how to get started and how to finance it
Answers
Hi Kennith...
If you are thinking of buying land and paying for it with logging...I do not think that is possible in todays economy. If you are a logging company...you only need to acquire logging contracts with land owners, but be aware the logging industry is very regulated today.
Land prices vary from state to state, my experience is with the land I owned in Wisconsin. Years ago, when land prices were low, logging was a way to help pay for the land and pay the taxes. In 1987 bought 320 acres for $58,000 and earned it back after logging about 200 acres over the next 12 years. I could not do this today...or I would.
In most areas, land prices are now too expensive and difficult to buy for the purpose of logging. Banks...even land banks do not like to raw land for logging purposes.
Example: Buy 50 acres of land at todays prices of $1500 per acre...$75,000. Logging may bring $300 an acre for quality timber...$15,000. However, now the land is only worth $1000 to $1200 ($50,000-$60,000) an acre as logging greatly reduces the value of land.
Sorry to be negative, but I have been there and done that. I wish I could again!
Rick
A key part of your success at this will be buying land with the most potential. My father operated a small lumber mill in PA for his career. Once he was retired, another local lumber company that had a much bigger operation would regularly hire him to evaluate property they were considering. My advice would be to find someone like this to help you assess the potential of any property you're interested in. The viewpoint of a highly experienced lumberman will prove invaluable to you.
If it comes to open a business and how to get there try this: https://pinellascounty.score.org/
I am a counselor at the Aiken SCORE chapter in SC. Mentors will help you on your questions. This service is for free and all of us are specialists. Good luck. Best from Aiken, Pat.
Banks generally do not loan money on unimproved plots of land. If you plan on building a house, you can get a construction loan. That generally leaves your personal checking account as the source of funds. Sometimes you can get owner financing, such as some land in Tennessee lake side communities, as advertised by Joe Namath.
Your Answer
Pleaselog into answer this question.