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7 time. Everyone's goals, reasons and motives for selling are their own, but from an overall market and value perspective, there has never been a better time to get the most value for your land than now. Conversely, what should those interested in buying land in 2022 expect? Incremental interest rate hikes, inflation and a fluctuating stock market are a few factors to consider when looking to the future of the land market this year. First, as interest rates increase over time, one might expect land prices to stabilize with potentially decreasing demand, but that's only one factor. The inflation we are experiencing virtually in every industry and commodity weighs in on the other end of the scale. It can be projected that land values will stay at the higher end of the market with inflation. Creating an interesting dynamic that could result in land prices sustaining at their currently high values or potentially even increasing. Essentially these factors could balance each other out as it relates specifically to land, continuing the high buyer demand we are experiencing currently. The other consideration regarding interest rates is the anticipated "hikes" are relative. Meaning we have experienced a couple years of all-time low interest rates, so if increases do happen, they would be returning to what was viewed as "normal" or "fair" before the significant drops. Although these incremental interest rate increases may not be enough to slow buyer demand on their own. While this creates a sense of urgency for those looking to sell land, it presents an upside for those looking to buy in 2022. Eventually, we anticipate more inventory becoming available due to these economic factors, creating more buying opportunities. Secondly, the opportunity to purchase property at historically low interest rates remains for the time being. Over the next several months, we're most likely going to experience at least one more quarter- point rate hike. Historically, the Federal Reserve favors spreading these hikes out over time. Given the optics of the current economy and volatility of the stock market, we expect that to be the case in 2022. Of course, this is all subject to change given the current economic state. If a buyer's highest priority is taking advantage of these low interest rates and land inventory is not an obstacle, the window is still open. Still, land buyers must act quickly enough to get ahead of the forecasted rate hikes anticipated throughout this year and likely 2023 as well. Another factor that has less to do with our current economic environment is the social and cultural impact the pandemic's shutdown imposed on a segment of the U.S. workforce. As many offices sent employees home to work, the shutdown proved that a productive and remote workforce were not mutually exclusive. In fact, productivity actually went up in many scenarios where office workers were forced to quickly set up home offices and perform their duties away from a centralized office space. Our company has seen how this new mentality and opportunity has impacted the rural land market and buyer motives. It started in 2020, but the trend continues. Looking ahead, we expect this year's rural real estate market to continue at a strong pace rewarding both sellers and buyers. Some key factors to keep an eye on as it relates to your personal goals and financial situation are the rate of inflation, interest rates, and stock market volatility. The silver lining is land is and forever will be a limited resource. The rate of appreciation throughout time continues to make it a solid and safe investment. If you're considering selling land in 2022, the current market is honoring maximum value in many cases. Start the process by reaching out to your local Whitetail Properties Land Specialist and learn more about the unmatched services and expertise we offer by visiting www.whitetailproperties.com.