Koby Rickertsen, ALC

Selling land is often one of the largest financial decisions a family will ever make. Yet many landowners spend years improving their property without creating a strategy for what happens when it eventually changes hands. Whether the goal is passing the farm to the next generation, selling investment property, or reducing unnecessary tax burdens, planning before the sale is just as important as negotiating the purchase agreement. In this episode of The American Land Seller, I sit down with Heath Bandars of Fiduciary 1031 Exchange Solutions and Clark Wealth Strategies to discuss the tools and strategies that help families preserve wealth, reduce taxes, and protect their legacy. Planning Starts Long Before the Property Sells One of the biggest misconceptions among landowners is that planning begins after an offer is accepted. In reality, many of the best opportunities disappear once a purchase agreement is signed. Heath explains why early planning allows landowners to evaluate options such as: 1031 Exchanges Estate planning Investment strategies Capital gains planning Generational wealth transfer Family succession planning Having these conversations before selling provides far more flexibility than trying to solve problems after the transaction is already underway. Building the Right Team No single professional has every answer. One of the biggest themes throughout our conversation is the value of bringing together a trusted team that understands both the financial and emotional aspects of land ownership. That team often includes: A land broker Wealth advisor CPA Estate planning attorney 1031 exchange specialist When those professionals communicate early, landowners are in a much stronger position to make informed decisions. More Than Just a 1031 Exchange Many people associate Fiduciary 1031 Exchange Solutions exclusively with tax-deferred exchanges. While 1031 exchanges can be incredibly valuable, Heath explains they're simply one tool among many. Every family's goals are different. Some landowners want to defer taxes. Others want steady retirement income. Some hope to preserve a family legacy. Others are preparing to divide assets fairly among multiple heirs. The right strategy depends on the individual family's objectives. Watch the Full Conversation Protecting Family Legacy For many families, land represents generations of hard work, sacrifice, and stewardship. Making thoughtful decisions before a sale can help preserve those values while creating financial opportunities for children and grandchildren. Whether you're considering selling farmland, ranchland, recreational property, or investment real estate, having the right advisors around the table can make a significant difference. This episode offers practical guidance for landowners who want to think beyond the transaction and focus on long-term success. Check out Fudiciary 1031 Exchange Solutions at: https://www.fiduciary1031.com/ Listen to the Full Episode You can also listen wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout. If you enjoy conversations focused on land ownership, brokerage, investing, and rural America, subscribe to The American Land Seller so you never miss a new episode.

Succession planning is one of the most important conversations happening in rural America today, yet it is often one of the most overlooked. In this episode of The American Land Seller Podcast, I sat down with Jeff and Cody Switzer of Rocky Mountain Ranch & Land in Colorado to discuss what it really looks like to transition a land brokerage from one generation to the next. Building a Family Land Brokerage Jeff has spent decades building a successful business focused on ranches, farms, recreational properties, development land, and rural real estate throughout Colorado. Cody grew up around the industry, pursued his own path through education and teaching, and eventually returned to join the family business. Today, the two are actively working through the process of transferring leadership, responsibility, and eventually ownership of the company. Watch the Full Episode Our conversation goes far beyond real estate. Preparing the Next Generation for Leadership We discuss the challenges of working with family, the importance of mentorship, and why successful transitions require years of preparation rather than a last-minute decision. Jeff shares lessons learned from a career in land development, brokerage, and marketing, while Cody provides the perspective of the next generation stepping into leadership. Topics covered in this episode include: Succession planning for family businesses Building credibility as a second-generation broker The importance of integrity in land brokerage Marketing land in a changing digital landscape Sports Afield's role in recreational land marketing Estate properties and family transitions Why many businesses fail to prepare for generational transfer The future of rural real estate and land brokerage Mentoring the next generation of land professionals Lessons learned from decades in ranch and land sales One of the strongest themes throughout the episode is that succession is not a single event. It is a process. The most successful transitions happen when knowledge, relationships, responsibilities, and decision-making authority are shared long before they become necessary. Too often, business owners wait until retirement, illness, or an unexpected life event forces difficult decisions. Jeff and Cody discuss why starting early creates better outcomes for everyone involved. Why Generational Transition Matters The conversation also explores a reality many landowners face. Families often spend decades building farms, ranches, businesses, and real estate portfolios, yet very little time is spent discussing how those assets will transition to the next generation. Without a plan, misunderstandings and conflict can quickly arise. For land brokers, ranchers, farmers, and business owners, this episode provides practical insight into preparing future leaders, building lasting relationships, and creating a business that can continue serving clients long after the founder steps away. Whether you're actively planning a business transition or simply thinking about the future, you'll find valuable lessons in this conversation. Watch the full episode above and subscribe to The American Land Seller Podcast for more conversations with land brokers, ranch owners, investors, landowners, and industry leaders from across the country. Connect with Rocky Mountain Ranch & Land: https://www.rmranchland.com  & https://sportsafieldtrophyproperties.com/  Email: Jeff: jswitzer@rmranchland.com Cody: cswitzer@rmranchland.com Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of land brokerage. 

The land business continues to evolve. However, relationships, trust, and market knowledge still drive successful transactions. In Episode 48 of The American Land Seller Podcast, I sit down with Jake Hubbell of United Country Colorado Brokers. Jake represents a new generation of land professionals who are helping shape the future of land brokerage. Watch the full episode below and join the conversation. Jake became one of the younger Accredited Land Consultants (ALCs) in the country. Today, he specializes in ranches, hunting properties, recreational land, business brokerage, and valuation services throughout Colorado. During our conversation, Jake explains how young professionals are approaching land brokerage differently. He discusses marketing, technology, social media, video, and personal branding. At the same time, he emphasizes the importance of relationships and client service. Additionally, we explore trends in Colorado hunting properties and recreational land. We also discuss why specialized knowledge creates opportunities for today's land brokers. Technology continues to change the industry. Even so, Jake believes successful brokers must combine innovation with strong local expertise. As a result, land professionals can better serve buyers, sellers, investors, and landowners. Furthermore, we discuss business brokerage and valuation. These skills help professionals create additional value for their clients and differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Whether you are a land broker, investor, ranch owner, hunter, or landowner, this episode offers practical insight. More importantly, it provides a look at where the land business may be headed in the years ahead. Watch the full episode below. How Young Professionals Are Changing Land Brokerage Jake discusses the opportunities and challenges facing the next generation of land brokers. Marketing and Technology in Today's Land Business Learn how video, social media, and digital marketing are changing the way land is marketed and sold. Hunting and Recreational Property Trends Jake shares insights into the Colorado market and discusses what buyers are looking for today. Business Brokerage and Valuation Discover why understanding business value can create an advantage for land professionals and their clients. The Future of Land Brokerage Jake shares his outlook on the future of land brokerage and the skills professionals will need to succeed. Connect with Jake Hubbell Website: https://aspenranchrealestate.com/ Email: jakedhubbell@gmail.com Subscribe to The American Land Seller Podcast for more conversations with the professionals shaping the future of land brokerage.