Don't sell it to a cash buyer.

Don't change how the land is being used yet. If there's a tenant farmer, keep the lease in place. Gather the deed, recent tax bills, Clean & Green paperwork if enrolled, and any existing leases. Then get a real valuation before contacting any buyer — especially the "we buy land for cash" companies, which typically pay 40 to 60 cents on the dollar.

Stepped-up basis means the property's tax basis resets to its fair market value as of the date of death. If you sell at or near that value, you owe little or no capital gains tax. This is a significant tax advantage compared to selling property you bought yourself, and it makes selling soon after inheritance financially efficient. Always confirm specifics with your accountant.

All co-owners need to agree to sell. If one sibling wants to keep the farm and another wants to sell, options include one buying out the others at market value, partition (legally splitting or forcing sale through court), or one party leasing the property from the others. A clear valuation and an honest conversation are usually the starting point.

Almost never. Cash buyers who reach out to inherited landowners typically offer 40 to 60 percent of fair market value. They count on heirs being out of state, emotionally distant, or unaware of true value. A free real valuation from a Pennsylvania farm specialist costs you nothing and almost always reveals significant additional value.

No. There's no IRS deadline. You can take time to make the right decision. The main reasons heirs sell sooner rather than later are stepped-up basis (sell near date of death value to minimize capital gains), avoiding the cost of carrying the property (taxes, insurance, maintenance), and avoiding family conflict over decisions.

Most existing farm leases transfer with the sale. A buyer may want the lease in place (for income) or may want it ended. Understanding the lease terms is part of pricing the farm. Don't end the lease before talking to a specialist — doing so can affect Clean & Green status and limit the buyer pool.

These are usually addressed separately. Real estate (land, buildings, fixtures) is sold with the farm. Personal property (equipment, livestock, stored grain, supplies) is typically handled through a separate auction or private sale. We sort through what's what before listing.

Nothing upfront. The valuation, the conversation, and the consultation are free. Standard PA listing commission applies only when the farm sells and is paid at closing. If you decide not to sell, you owe nothing.