Choosing the right person to help you buy or sell farmland in Indiana can make the whole process feel a lot less overwhelming. I’m Nolan Sampson, a farmland real estate agent in Indiana and Michigan. Farmland is more than just dirt and fences, it’s a working investment, source of income, and for many, a piece of their family story. That’s why having the right Indiana farmland real estate agent by your side actually matters. Someone who understands how this type of property works won’t just help you buy or sell, they’ll help you make a decision you feel good about.
Late summer and early fall are often when many landowners start thinking ahead. Harvest is around the corner, and decisions about the next season begin to take shape. If you’re considering making a move—whether that’s expanding your acres or selling ground you’ve held for years—this is the time to start looking for the right help. Picking the right agent isn’t something to rush. It’s worth doing with care.
Know What You Need Help With
Before you start calling people, it helps to understand what you actually need. Not all farmland is the same, and not every agent handles the type of property you're working with. Ask yourself these questions first, even before your first phone call:
What kind of farmland are you buying or selling? Are we talking about tillable acreage, pastureland, timber, or maybe hunting ground?
Are you looking to sell something you’ve owned for a long time, or are you hoping to grow your farm with a new purchase?
Do you want someone who can walk the ground with you and talk through water access, past soil management, or even what neighboring properties are doing?
When you have clear answers to those kinds of questions, your next steps get a lot easier. You’ll be able to spot the agent who fits your situation, not just one who knows how to fill out forms.
Look for a Local Farm-Focused Agent
Farmland works differently than homes, commercial space, or urban lots. That’s why it matters so much to find someone who knows farmland and rural Indiana — not just real estate in general. The right Indiana farmland real estate agent has worked with properties that look like yours. They understand what makes land in northern Indiana different from land in the south and what soil types actually mean for long-term value.
Someone local isn’t just familiar with roads and signs. They’ve likely walked nearby farms, pulled soil maps, and sat at kitchen tables negotiating farm sales. Ask about the last few deals they helped with. Were those farm properties? Did they involve neighbors you might know? That kind of experience can make all the difference when it comes time to talk pricing, terms, and timelines.
Ask the Right Questions Before You Hire
Once you think you’ve found someone who might be a good fit, don’t be shy about asking direct questions. The right agent is used to this and should be happy to explain their process. Some good ones to start with are:
How do you typically approach listing farmland?
Where do you find buyers for rural properties?
Can you explain current land values in my county?
What kinds of tools or resources do you use to evaluate soil or water availability?
Will we be talking mostly by phone, text, or in person? How often will I hear from you?
It doesn’t have to be a formal meeting. A phone call works fine. What matters is that you leave the conversation knowing they’re clear, upfront, and familiar with farming life.
Check Their Track Record and Communication Style
Even if someone knows the farm business, that doesn’t automatically make them a good match for you. It’s just as important to think about how they work. A strong track record is helpful, have they closed deals on land like yours in the past year or two? And how do they communicate? Are they the kind of person who takes two days to reply, or someone who checks in regularly?
You’ll likely be spending a decent amount of time talking to this person, so make sure their style works for you. If you prefer plain talk and straight answers, make that clear. If you need reminders and follow-ups, see whether they keep notes or send updates. At the end of the day, communication is what keeps things on track, especially if surprises come up.
Ready to Work With Someone You Trust
There’s no perfect formula for picking the right agent. But if they understand farmland, answer your questions directly, respond quickly, and show up when they say they will, you’re probably on the right track. We always tell people to trust their gut. If the conversation feels comfortable and their experience lines up with what you need, that’s worth paying attention to.
Finding the right Indiana farmland real estate agent takes a little time, but it usually pays off. Every season brings different opportunities and, when you're ready to make a move, having someone at your side who actually understands the land makes the process easier to manage and much less stressful.
Talking with someone who truly knows Indiana farm ground can make a big difference when you're ready to make a move. With Nolan Sampson, he’ll help you connect with an Indiana farmland real estate agent who’s local, experienced, and knows how to handle the kind of property you're dealing with, whether it's tillable acres, hunting ground, or anything in between.
