The most desirable abandoned barns almost never appear on the open market. The buyers who find the best deals use a combination of research, networking, and old-fashioned legwork. Here are seven methods that work.
1. Drive Rural Roads Systematically
The original method and still one of the best. Pick a rural county and drive every road, noting the addresses or GPS coordinates of barns that appear vacant or abandoned. Then use the county assessor's GIS portal (most are online now) to look up the ownership of each parcel. Mail handwritten letters to the owners — a personal, handwritten note is dramatically more effective than a typed form letter.
2. Search County Tax Delinquency Records
Properties with delinquent property taxes are a strong signal that the owner is absent, financially distressed, or disengaged from the property. Most counties publish lists of tax-delinquent parcels online or at the county courthouse. Cross-reference those parcels with county GIS maps to identify which ones contain barn structures.
3. Monitor Probate Court Filings
When a farm owner dies, their estate often goes through probate. Heirs who inherit rural property frequently have little attachment to the land and are motivated to sell. Probate filings are public record — most county courthouses have them online. Watch for estates that include farmland or agricultural property descriptions.
4. Contact Historic Preservation Organizations
State historic preservation offices (SHPOs), county historical societies, and organizations like the National Barn Alliance maintain databases of at-risk historic structures. Many work with property owners who want to sell their barn to a buyer who will preserve it rather than demolish it. Reach out to them directly — they often know of properties before they're formally listed.
5. Network with Local Agricultural Professionals
Farm real estate agents, agricultural lenders, extension service agents, and farm bureau representatives hear about properties long before they hit the market. Building relationships with these professionals puts you in their call list when a relevant property surfaces. Attend local farm bureau meetings or land auctions to introduce yourself.
6. Search USDA FSA Records
The USDA Farm Service Agency maintains records of agricultural properties under various programs. FSA offices can sometimes point you toward properties that have exited production and whose owners may be receptive to sale. It's worth calling your local FSA county office to ask.
7. Use Satellite Imagery and GIS Tools
Google Earth, ESRI ArcGIS Online, and county GIS portals let you identify potential barn locations from aerial imagery. Look for the distinctive rectangular footprints of barn structures surrounded by overgrown fields or otherwise absent agricultural activity. This method is especially efficient for surveying large rural counties quickly.
Once You Find a Property
Before approaching the owner, research the property thoroughly — ownership history, tax status, zoning, any liens or encumbrances. When you make contact, be respectful and clear about your intentions. Many owners of abandoned barns have emotional attachment to the property even if they've neglected it physically.
Before closing, use our barn inspection checklist to evaluate the condition carefully.