Evaluating the Influence of Personal Relationships on Land Sale Prices: A Case Study in Oregon

Gregory M. Perry and Lindon J. Robison

Abstract

Land transactions typically involve substantial personal interaction between buyer and seller. Despite this fact, researchers have made little attempt to determine how personal relationships influence the terms of trade for a property. In this study, Linn County, Oregon, farm land sales from 1992–1997 were examined to better understand and quantify the influences of personal relationships. Transactions between relatives and neighbors involved special considerations with greater frequency than did those between strangers and acquaintances. Transactions between parent and child and between neighbors brought significantly less than sales between strangers. Transactions resulting from a realtor or advertisement sold at a significant premium. (JEL Q24).

This article requires a subscription to view the full text. If you have a subscription you may use the login form below to view the article. Access to this article can also be purchased.

Purchase access

You may purchase access to this article. This will require you to create an account if you don't already have one.