What does it really take to convert raw land into a successful mixed-use development? In this episode, commercial real estate expert, Shawn Massey, ALC sits down with host Justin Osborn, ALC to share hard-won insights into the world of transitional land—from zoning delays and community resistance to infrastructure blind spots. Whether you're advising developers or listing transitional properties, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you learn how to read the landscape—literally a...
May 28, 2025•29 min•Ep. 54
Holding the Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) designation means more than letters behind a name. It means having unparalleled knowledge and experience to successfully handle complicated, high dollar land transactions. It also means access to a trusted, cross-country network where multi-million dollar deals happen between ALCs because they know the transaction is in safe hands. In this episode, host Justin Osborn, ALC sits down with Trent Saunders, ALC and Keat Waldron, ALC of Saunders Real Estate...
May 14, 2025•28 min•Ep. 53
Mineral rights investments are transforming the world of passive income, offering a unique alternative to traditional real estate. On this episode of The Voices of Land Podcast, host Justin Osborn, ALC and guest Troy Eckard, Founder of Eckard Enterprises, delve into how investors can leverage 1031 exchanges to move from real estate and rental properties into oil and gas mineral rights with minimal hassle, zero costs, and no liability. Troy discusses the impressive potential returns and the growi...
Apr 02, 2025•28 min•Ep. 52
A majority of farmers and ranchers lack an estate or succession plan. Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) are a popular tool to defer taxes and simplify real estate investments, helping landowners access passive income while mitigating tax burdens. On this episode of The Voices of Land Podcast, guests Joe Michaletz, Mike O'Toole, and Cameron Rafati of Discipline Advisors talk with host Justin Osborn, ALC about the benefits of DSTs, such as non-recourse debt and diversified investment options, and s...
Mar 12, 2025•27 min•Ep. 51
"Smooth seas don't make skilled sailors." On the fourth installment of Dirt Debacles, seasoned land broker and Accredited Land Consultant Jonathan Goode shares the wild stories that have shaped his journey in land real estate. He chats with host Justin Osborn, ALC about early hurdles starting with his first deal in 2008 that set the stage for his career, teaching him invaluable lessons in navigating complex transactions and managing emotions in high-stakes deals. Jonathan's wild anecdotes and th...
Mar 05, 2025•26 min•Ep. 50
The REALTORS Land Institute's 2025 National Land Conference is coming to Tucson, Arizona on March 16-19! On this episode of The Voices of Land Podcast, Renee Rogers from Visit Tucson, introduces conference attendees to the amazing attractions, outdoor exploration opportunities, and authentic Mexican cuisine that is unique to Tucson's Sonoran desert setting. Listen as Renee and host Justin Osborn, ALC chat about everything from the best hiking trails to night sky tourism and the Sonoran hot dog!...
Feb 20, 2025•24 min•Ep. 49
Since Covid, the demand for rural land and homes has been on the rise. What has to happen to make the dream of rural living not only possible but enjoyable? On this episode of The Voices of Land podcast, RLI member and Accredited Land Consultant Drew Ary talks with host Justin Osborn, ALC about the key factors buyers should consider when purchasing their dream plot of land including access to health care, shopping, and employment, and the availability of utilities such as water, electric, and In...
Jan 22, 2025•27 min•Ep. 48
Timberland can be a valuable asset for diversifying portfolios and generating income over time, particularly for landowners looking for both financial returns and recreational opportunities. On this episode of The Voices of Land Podcast, RLI member and Accredited Land Consultant, Brian Watts, chats with host Justin Osborn, ALC about the various aspects of forestry management, timber harvesting, and the considerations for landowners looking to benefit from this type of long-term investment....
Jan 08, 2025•27 min•Ep. 47
The value of the land above the surface may be clear. But what about what's below the surface? RLI member and mineral rights expert, Diane Buhl with Keller Williams Realty in Austin, Texas, talks with host Justin Osborn, ALC about the rights to explore, extract, and sell or sever the rights to natural gas, oil, rock, coal, metals, water and other geologic features. Tune in to understand the value add of subsurface and mineral rights to land transactions.
Dec 18, 2024•31 min•Ep. 46
It's a special episode of The Voices of Land Podcast, as host Justin Osborn, ALC interviews his son, Hunter Osborn. Hunter is a drone operator and media specialist, as well as an early adopter of Artificial Intelligence technologies. Understand the promises and pitfalls of using AI in land real estate as Hunter and Justin discuss current AI tools on the market and how to best use - and not use - them when marketing land listings.
Dec 04, 2024•25 min•Ep. 45
Even if you don't deal directly in renewable energy, every land professional should be educated on the categories of renewables and their impact on land use and values, especially as investors seek more opportunities to develop these projects. In this episode of The Voices of Land Podcast, Matt Davis, ALC, Managing Director of Cushman & Wakefield's Land Advisory Group, discusses the opportunities and challenges of solar power, wind power, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and green hydr...
Sep 25, 2024•22 min•Ep. 44
Commercial zoning laws regulate how people develop and use land for business. These frameworks, which vary by jurisdiction, dictate the location, activities, parking requirements, building size, and aesthetics of commercial properties. They apply to everything from small stores to mega malls. If you are a commercial real estate professional, understanding the nuances of commercial zoning laws can help you maintain compliance. It can also help you deliver more strategic investments and leverage y...
Aug 29, 2024•7 min•Ep. 43
It takes more than a real estate license to be one of the top brokers selling outfitting businesses. What value does RLI member, REALTOR, and Colorado broker Loren Williams bring to his clients? First hand experience as an outfitter, relationships with agencies key to the process, and the knowledge to accurately value properties. On this episode of the Voices of Land Podcast, tune in as Loren shares with host Justin Osborn, ALC how his value proposition results in smooth property transactions an...
Jul 24, 2024•30 min•Ep. 42
It's a challenge to run a land brokerage. Those challenges are even more unique when your co-owner is your spouse and co-parent. On the third installment of Dirt Debacles, host Justin Osborn, ALC chats with Allison and Luke Worrell, ALC owners of Worrell Land Services about how they manage selling properties, volunteering at REALTORS Land Institute, and raising two boys. Their pitfalls and successes will give you new perspective on the importance of clear communications, “slowing down to go fast...
Jul 10, 2024•32 min•Ep. 41
How do you decide if an auction is a better choice for a client versus a traditional sale? On this episode of The Voices of Land Podcast, RLI member and Accredited Land Consultant Andrew Zellmer out of Iowa reveals the due diligence that goes into analyzing the market and understanding the buyer pool to decide if a property is competitive enough to go to auction. Andrew shares the strategies and success stories that's helped him become a top broker in auction land sales.
Jun 26, 2024•32 min•Ep. 40
The rural lifestyle continues to be attractive but how accessible is the dream of owning a rural home during a time of rising interest rates and inflation? Darla Larson, VP of Sales at Rural 1st discusses the economy, consumer credit trends uncovered from HMDA (Home Mortgage Disclosure Act) data, and new ways the lending industry is catering to unconventional properties and underserved rural communities. Disclaimer: Rural 1st is an RLI partner. Opinions expressed reflect those of Rural 1st, not ...
Jun 12, 2024•26 min•Ep. 39
What does holding the ALC designation bring to the table? Unparalleled knowledge and experience to successfully handle complicated, high dollar land transactions. It's a trusted network where elite designees refer business to each other knowing their clients are in safe hands. In this episode, Dan Murphy, ALC and Seth Craft, ALC of M4 Ranch Group sit down with host Justin Osborn, ALC to discuss the deal that earned them the APEX 2023 ALC to ALC Networking Award.
May 29, 2024•26 min•Ep. 38
Recreational properties provide enjoyment through fishing, hunting, ATV riding, camping, and more. They provide a connection to nature and outdoor traditions that can be passed down through generations. When planned thoughtfully, they can also generate income. In this episode of the Voices of Land podcast Accredited Land Consultant Bryan Glass chats with host Justin Osborn, ALC about strategies property owners can use to add value to a recreational property that will produce income.
May 15, 2024•28 min•Ep. 37
Sometimes a client request for a unique listing leads a land agent to a new specialty. On this episode of The Voices of Land Podcast, RLI member and Accredited Land Consultant Tim Hadley tells the story of how he started making four times the return on his investment by switching from selling cattle ranches in Missouri to managing self-storage facilities.
May 01, 2024•26 min•Ep. 36
Insuring remote properties for Catholic monks, 3-year rezoning projects, a snowcat breakdown at 11,000 ft elevation, a highway shut down from a snapped gas line...the perilous tales of selling land continue on episode two of Dirt Debacles. Guests Geoff Hurdle, ALC and Dan Murphy, ALC chat with host Justin Osborn, ALC about their wild but different experiences selling remote mountain ranches in Colorado and transitional land in Tennessee.
Apr 17, 2024•22 min•Ep. 35
What's the first thing a horse enthusiast looks at when visiting a property listing? The barn. Understand the unique perspective and needs of horse owners to better represent them when selling or buying equestrian properties. Guest Larry Story, ALC shares what's needed to own small hobby farms or large incoming producing horse properties, from pasture rotation, hay cuttings, stall and acreage needs, improvements, water and more.
Apr 03, 2024•30 min•Ep. 34
Welcome to the first episode of “Dirt Debacles” - a new series on The Voices of Land Podcast where land agents dig into the dirt and share wild tales of working in land real estate. On this episode, guests Sam Bowers, ALC and Christina Asbury, ALC talk with host Justin Osborn, ALC about obituaries, unknown heirs, vengeful kids, deeds in granddad’s trunk, and more crazy occurrences that can cause a land deal to go sideways.
Mar 06, 2024•33 min•Ep. 33
In March 2024, hundreds of land professionals will come together to connect, learn, and have fun at the REALTORS Land Institute's National Land Conference which will be held in Louisville, KY, also known as Bourbon City. Kentucky’s heritage of horse racing, agriculture, and bourbon distilling make Louisville the perfect backdrop for NLC24. On this episode of The Voices of Land podcast, Rosanne Mastin from Louisville Tourism talks with host Justin Osborn, ALC about the museums, dining, bourbon di...
Feb 14, 2024•17 min•Ep. 32
Want the best start in land real estate? Get insider tips as RLI members and Accredited Land Consultants Rebecca Frantz and Trent Lister chat about what they wished they known on day one in the business: Communication practices, work mentality, relationships across RLI, problem solving, what to do in a down market, and more. Build a firm foundation in real estate with pointers from these high producing agents.
Jan 03, 2024•33 min•Ep. 31
Land deals are more complex and nuanced than residential real estate transactions. It takes on the ground experience and specialized education to expertly guide clients through the land sales process. Ryan Sampson - Accredited Land Consultant, CCIM, and APEX 2022 National Broker of the Year in Commercial Land Sales - covers common dealbreakers such as land loans, flood insurance, zoning and permitting and the best ways to overcome them to get a deal to pencil.
Dec 13, 2023•32 min•Ep. 30
The landscape is always shifting. Hear about the trends that will shape land sales and how land professionals do business in 2024 from the boots on the ground. Land brokers and Accredited Land Consultants Rebecca Frantz with Hertz Farm Management and host Justin Osborn chat about getting back to a more balanced market, the importance of renewing the Farm Bill, foreign land investment, cash purchases vs. land financing, and the dos and don'ts of using artificial intelligence in real estate....
Nov 29, 2023•25 min•Ep. 29
What's the number one reason to get a formal land education and earn designations like the ALC and CCIM? To make more money by better representing your clients. Guest Bill "The Dirt Dog" Eshenbaugh, ALC, CCIM, shares how formal land-specific courses and the powerful combination of the ALC and CCIM designations will take you from "plugging along in your business" to "making a lot of money."
Nov 15, 2023•29 min•Ep. 28
Creative financing has always been around. Today, it's become more necessary as banking requirements become increasingly burdensome and expensive through high down payments, junk fees, and higher interest rates. Guest Geoff Hurdle, ALC explains scenarios on how to create flexible seller/owner financing structures that cut out the banks and save everyone in the deal time and money.
Oct 25, 2023•31 min•Ep. 27
As an investor or land agent, the availability and regulation of water impacts all land types: Irrigation for farmland, development clients looking for transitional land for housing or commercial use, water for livestock on a ranch operation, and wildlife on a recreational property. Guest Clayton Pilgrim, ALC gives insight into the conversations he has with investors and municipalities when determining impacts of water on land use and value.
Oct 04, 2023•35 min•Ep. 26
The Waters of the United States - or WOTUS - has a long history and has changed over several Federal administrations. Guest Russell Riggs, Director of Environmental and Sustainability Policy for the National Association of REALTORS and the Government Affairs Liaison for the REALTORS Land Institute, breaks down the most recent revisions to the WOTUS rule and the negative economic impacts on farmers, landowners, home builders, and real estate developers.
Sep 20, 2023•36 min•Ep. 25