AFM Real Estate News
Stay up-to-date on the latest news, announcements, events and other
happenings with American Forest Management.
Real Estate News
May 26, 2025
When buying or selling real estate—especially land or rural property—it’s important to understand the typical closing costs and who is responsible for paying them. While some costs are traditionally assigned to either the buyer or seller, many are negotiable depending on local custom, market conditions, and the specifics of the deal.
Across much of the United States, water is becoming scarce. From the drought-stricken West to the parched South, buyers are increasingly concerned about long-term access to fresh water. This growing concern is driving people from across the country to look north—to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Known for its endless freshwater lakes, streams, and Great Lakes shoreline, the U.P. is quickly becoming one of the most desirable regions to buy land in Michigan.
Baiting whitetail deer with corn is one of the most popular and time-tested strategies hunters use to increase success in the field. Whether it’s cob corn scattered along a trail or shelled corn poured into a feeder, deer hunters across the U.S. rely on corn as an attractant. But is it the right choice for your hunting property?
Ticks may be small, but their impact on human health can be significant. As professionals who work closely with the land—whether in forestry, agriculture, recreation, or land management—understanding the risks associated with ticks is critical for your safety and well-being.
If you own timberland, understanding the tax implications of your land management decisions can make a significant difference in your bottom line. Whether you're harvesting timber, managing for long-term investment, or planning for succession, taxes are a key part of the equation.
If you’re purchasing land, dividing property, or simply want to understand your boundaries, a professional land survey plat is one of the most important documents you'll encounter. But for the uninitiated, reading a survey can feel like deciphering a foreign language—full of numbers, lines, and symbols
Zoning laws play a critical role in land use and property development across the United States. For landowners, buyers, and investors, understanding these regulations—particularly agricultural zoning—is essential to making informed decisions and avoiding costly surprises.
Across America’s rural landscape, the quiet hum of bees, flutter of butterflies, and industrious work of pollinators is vital to the productivity and ecological health of our farms and forests. Yet pollinator populations—especially native bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds.—are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, invasive species, and changing land use. For rural property owners, this trend is not just an environmental concern—it’s a direct threat to the health of their land and long-term productivity
When it comes to the Kentucky Derby, it’s not just the horses that turn heads—it’s the hats. This long-standing tradition is as iconic as the race itself. From wide-brimmed sunhats adorned with feathers and flowers to bold fascinators that defy gravity, Derby hats are a celebration of Southern style, creativity, and pageantry.
In the heart of Chester County, South Carolina, a 70-acre property recently underwent a major transformation—one that showcases the power of good forest management. The key to this success? A professionally executed pine thinning.
Whether you steward land in the South, the Northwoods of Maine, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, or the misty valleys of the Pacific Northwest, smart planting decisions now can set the stage for healthier wildlife populations and better hunting seasons ahead.
Tennessee has become a top destination for movers in recent years, consistently ranking among the top five states for in-migration. In 2024, it was ranked fifth in U-Haul’s Growth Index, marking its fifth consecutive year in the top 10 . Several factors contribute to this trend..
A well-planned home garden can provide fresh produce, beautiful flowers, and a peaceful retreat right in your backyard. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, having a strategy before planting ensures a thriving and productive space. Here are some essential tips to help you plan your home garden, including smart companion planting techniques to maximize growth and yield.
When land managers and land real estate agents explore a client's property, they often encounter dense, lush woods teeming with wildlife and insects. Our professionals, well-versed in protecting themselves from pests like mosquitos and ticks, which can potentially carry various diseases, are a reliable source of information
Invasive species pose a significant threat to forest ecosystems nationwide, competing with native flora for vital resources. While some invasive species may appear benign, many cause substantial damage, necessitating proactive management strategies.
The REALTORS® Land Institute proudly announced that Trina Anderson, Lake States Real Estate Manager, AFM Real Estate of Houghton, MI, has officially joined the ranks of those holding the elite Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) Designation on May 23, 2024.
Brandon DuRant, AFM, American Forest Management, Inc, Sumter, SC, has been awarded the Accredited Farm Manager (AFM) designation from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers® (ASFMRA®).
As the winter frost thaws and spring settles in, farmers across the country are gearing up for one of the most critical periods of the agricultural calendar: planting season. It’s a time of careful planning, meticulous preparation, and decisive action. To ensure a bountiful harvest in the months to come, farmers must execute a series of essential steps. As such, AFM Ag Services created a comprehensive guide for planting season success.
Chris Miller, Director of Real Estate Services, noticed he was receiving a number of mail offers for his property in South Carolina. As a real estate and forestry expert, Chris is able to sift through the offers and determine the quality of the purchase agreement. It helps to have a trusted advisor who understands the value and terms of a mail offer, so Chris collaborated on this blog post to share with landowners who receive letters like these so they can make informed decisions about their land.
Eric Gage, ALC, with AFM Real Estate in Lufkin, TX, has been recognized as the APEX 2023 National Broker of the Year in Timber Land Sales by the REALTORS® Land Institute as a part of the RLI APEX Production Awards Program, sponsored by The Land Report
September 14, 2022 - AFM Real Estate, a subsidiary of American Forest Management, Inc., has acquired Northwest (NW) Forest Properties, a Forest Land Sales and Acquisitions firm based in Eugene, Oregon. NW Forest Properties was established in 2012 by husband and wife, Fred and Jean Sperry. Mr. and Mrs. Sperry belie...
September 7, 2022 - What is a 1031 Tax Exchange? According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a 1031 exchange gets its name from Section 1031 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Simply put, a 1031 exchange is a tax deferral. However, it doesn’t mean tax-free. This may seem confusing, but the staff at AFM Real...
September 6, 2022 - If you're a new owner of land real estate, it can be challenging to navigate this unfamiliar terrain. At American Forest Management/AFM Real Estate, we understand that our clients need to produce a return from the investments they make in their property. Below are five ways to make money in land inv...
Inflation is a common term we are all hearing and experiencing in our everyday lives currently. Inflation is defined as a general increase in prices resulting in a fall in the purchase value of money. We are seeing this with food prices rising 10% over the past year, energy prices have r...
April 7, 2022 - At AFM Real Estate (AFMRE), we take your land sale personally. You can count on us to stay by your side until you get the most from your sale. We'd like to introduce you to our newest agent who represents buyers and sellers in Georgia. Mark Edwards joined American Forest Management in 2...
January 10, 2022 - At AFM Real Estate (AFMRE), we take your land sale personally. You can count on us to stay by your side until you get the most from your sale. We'd like to introduce you to our newest agent who represents buyers and sellers in Maine. Since 2006, Steve MacDonald has been serving woodlot...
November 3, 2021 - At AFM Real Estate (AFMRE), we take your land sale personally. You can count on us to stay by your side until you get the most from your sale. We'd like to introduce you to our newest agent who represents buyers and sellers in Texas. Cathie Rolf is a Texas licensed real estate agent and...
April 23, 2021 - At AFM Real Estate, we take your land sale personally. You can count on us to stay by your side until you get the most from your sale. We'd like to introduce you to our newest agent who represents buyers and sellers in Texas. Spencer Burke has 25 years of experience working with East Te...
November 20, 2020 - At AFM Real Estate, we take your land sale personally. You can count on us to stay by your side until you get the most from your sale. We'd like to introduce you to our newest agents who represent buyers and sellers in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Joey DeGross is a proud veteran of the...
One of the great symbols of the fall season is several weeks of vibrant leaf color in the areas of the country with large deciduous forest. What causes this color change and why are certain species different colors? American Forest Management wants to help you understand some of the biol...
By Chris Miller, Land Broker, Charlotte, NC There has been much attention given recently to the Qualified Opportunity Zone Program in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Opportunity Zones are tax incentives to encourage those with capital gains to invest in low income and undercapitalized commun...
July 1, 2019 - Most owners of rural land do not live on their property or see it on a regular basis. This can make their property vulnerable to not only trespassing but dumping of trash or debris by others. This can occur anywhere but can be more frequent when the property is located near urban areas t...
Chris Miller, shares his tried and true tips for owning and managing timberland. This article originally appeared on the Realtors Land Institute Website as part of its 2019 Future Leaders Committee content generationa initiative. I admit...
When we list or assist in the purchase of property, there are certain attributes that affect the value of rural land in the areas where we operate. Each seller or purchaser of rural real estate should be aware of the following top ten factors list. Knowing if the property under review ha...
October 19, 2018 - Austin B. Harris, AFM Appraiser, and Christopher N. Singleton, Assistant Director, Investment Services, had an article recently published in The Appraisal Journal. Timberland appraisal can be complex as it involves intricate knowledge of timber as a commercial product an...
Written by Matt Taylor, Certified Wildlife Biologist-American Forest Management, Inc. Groveton TX Office It is no surprise that the Whitetail is King in North America. The continued increase in whitetail deer hunting and management is fun to watch and has increased the quality of...
By Philip Weatherford, Real Estate Agent and Registered Forester, American Forest Management - Piedmont, SCThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will soon begin a status review for the endangered Carolina heelsplitter. This caught my attention because this freshwater mussel is found in South Carolina...
December 1, 2017 - Not all land is created equal, some soils and sites are more productive than others. Foresters use a metric called site index as a quick determinate of a property’s tree growth potential. This can be very valuable in helping owners understand the growth potential of different forest stan...
November 10, 2017 - Many states offer owners of forest and farmland a reduced property tax rate for owning their property for the primary purpose of producing a crop, be it forestry, agriculture, or even horticulture. While most taxes are collected locally, many states have laws regarding how timberland and agric...
November 2, 2017 - A major responsibility of owning and using land is knowing where the boundaries to the property are located. For some uses, it is important to know exactly where the boundary line is to avoid damage or disturbance to your neighbor’s property, such as at time of timber harvest. Only a lic...
The national news has included coverage of wildfires with significant personal property damage and even loss of life. As a result of these headlines, the viewer may develop a negative opinion of fires in the forest or grassland areas of our country. American Forest Management w...
American Forest Management is excited to welcome Chris Marshall. He will be working in the Oregon office.Marshall, who is originally from Oregon, claims that growing up in the Pacific Northwest gave him a love for the great outdoors."Most of the time that I spent growing up in Oregon was sp...
Chris Miller, Managing Director of Real Estate Services, authored an article in July/August 2016 issue of the Forest Landowners Magazine. To learn more about how to make your property attractive from every angle, click here.
