53.2 Acres in Crawford, West Virginia – Wooded Land, Marketable Timber, Road Frontage, and Auction Details
53.2 Acres in Crawford, West Virginia – Wooded Land, Marketable Timber, Road Frontage, and Auction Details
For buyers exploring rural real estate in West Virginia, a large tract of land with wooded acreage, open areas, road frontage, and possible building sites can present an interesting opportunity.
One property worth examining is located on Lauren Run Road in Crawford, West Virginia 26343.
The listing describes approximately 53.2 acres of unimproved land in Lewis County, with a combination of open and wooded terrain, reported marketable timber, and potential locations for future construction.
Unlike a conventional residential listing with a fixed asking price, this property was advertised as part of a multi-property real estate auction conducted by Kaufman Realty and Auctions of West Virginia.
The Zillow display shows an estimated price of $1, but the auction description explicitly states that this amount is neither the reserve price nor the listing price. It should not be interpreted as an indication of what the property is worth or what a successful bidder would pay.
The online auction was scheduled to begin closing on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Because that date has passed, prospective buyers should contact the auction company to determine whether the property sold, remains available, or is subject to a new offering.
The property was identified as Subject #4 in a larger auction involving multiple properties across four West Virginia counties.
Its primary attractions include its substantial acreage, mix of open and forested land, reported timber resources, and possible future development opportunities.
However, important details such as utility availability, approved building sites, road access rights, timber volume, and current ownership status require independent confirmation.
This guide examines the property’s reported features, auction structure, potential uses, financial considerations, and due diligence requirements.
Property Overview: Lauren Run Road, Crawford, WV 26343
The property is classified as unimproved land, meaning no completed residence or other specific improvements are identified in the supplied listing.
The approximately 53.2-acre tract was offered as a separate subject within a broader auction.
Key Property Details
- Location: Lauren Run Road, Crawford, WV 26343
- County: Lewis County, West Virginia
- Property Type: Unimproved Land
- Reported Acreage: Approximately 53.2 acres
- Advertised Price Display: Estimated $1 — not a sale price or reserve
- Sale Method: Online real estate auction
- Scheduled Auction Closing: October 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM
- Auction Subject: Subject #4
- Land Features: Open and wooded areas
- Timber: Marketable timber reported
- Road Frontage: Reported in the auction description
- Building Potential: Possible building sites, not independently approved
- Property Rights: Surface only
- HOA: None reported
- 2025 Property Taxes: $777, according to the auction description
- Parcel Identification: Lewis County, District 1, Map 8P, Parcel 10
- Parcel Description: 53.2 AC Laurel Run Lot 2
- Auction Terms: 10% buyer’s premium and 10% nonrefundable down payment
- Closing Period: 45 days under the advertised terms
The listing’s narrative reports road frontage, although its structured frontage-length field displays zero. Buyers should verify actual frontage and legal access through survey and title documents.
Understanding the $1 Price Display
The most important detail in this listing is that $1 is not the property’s asking price.
The auction advertisement specifically warns prospective buyers not to submit purchase offers based on that figure.
Why Auction Listings Sometimes Show Nominal Prices
Auction properties may appear on real estate websites with nominal or placeholder amounts because the final selling price will be established through competitive bidding rather than a conventional asking-price negotiation.
A displayed amount such as $1 does not mean the property can be purchased for that amount.
It also does not establish the minimum acceptable bid.
What Determines the Final Price?
In an auction, the final bid depends on the bidding process, the number of participating buyers, the auction rules, and any applicable sale conditions.
The auction description also includes a buyer’s premium, which increases the final contract price beyond the winning bid.
Confirming Current Availability
Because the advertised closing date was October 28, 2026, buyers should verify the auction results before making plans.
The listing information alone does not establish whether the property sold or whether it is still available.
Approximately 53.2 Acres of Rural West Virginia Land
The reported 53.2 acres equal approximately 2,317,392 square feet.
This is a substantial amount of rural acreage, particularly for buyers interested in forestry, recreational activities, or a private country setting.
Open and Wooded Terrain
The auction description identifies the land as both open and wooded.
This combination may provide flexibility for different activities, depending on the property’s actual topography, access, soil conditions, and permitted uses.
Open areas may be easier to inspect or maintain than densely wooded sections.
Forested areas may appeal to buyers interested in natural landscapes, timber management, or outdoor recreation.
Why Terrain Matters
Acreage alone does not determine how useful a property will be for a particular purpose.
Steep slopes, drainage conditions, soil characteristics, and access routes can significantly affect development and maintenance costs.
Prospective buyers should inspect the property rather than assuming all 53.2 acres are equally usable.
Marketable Timber Reported on the Property
One of the listing’s highlighted features is marketable timber.
This term suggests that some trees may have commercial value, but the listing does not include a professional timber inventory, estimated harvest volume, or independent valuation.
What Makes Timber Marketable?
Timber value can depend on tree species, size, quality, accessibility, market demand, and harvesting costs.
The presence of mature trees does not automatically mean that a timber harvest will generate substantial profit.
Professional Timber Evaluation
A consulting forester can help evaluate the property and estimate the quantity and quality of potentially merchantable timber.
Such an assessment may also identify forest-management priorities and potential harvesting limitations.
Harvesting Expenses
Timber harvesting can involve logging contractors, access improvements, transportation, and environmental compliance.
Steep or difficult terrain may increase operating expenses.
Sustainable Forest Management
Owners interested in long-term timber value may prefer a forest-management plan rather than immediate harvesting.
A thoughtful plan can consider forest health, regeneration, wildlife habitat, and future income opportunities.
Surface Rights Only: An Important Ownership Detail
The auction description states that the property is being sold as surface only.
This is a particularly important detail for anyone evaluating land in West Virginia.
Understanding Surface Ownership
Surface rights generally relate to the use and ownership of the land above ground.
Mineral rights may be owned separately.
What Is Not Established?
The listing does not establish which mineral interests are held by other parties or whether existing mineral leases affect the property.
It also does not describe any surface-use agreements associated with those interests.
Why a Title Review Matters
Buyers should ask a qualified attorney or title professional to investigate mineral reservations, recorded leases, easements, and other legal documents.
Understanding the scope of the surface estate is essential before purchasing land for construction, recreation, or long-term investment.
Road Frontage and Access Considerations
Road frontage is another feature emphasized in the auction advertisement.
However, the structured listing includes a frontage-length field showing zero.
These two pieces of information should be reconciled through independent verification.
Confirming the Road Boundary
A survey can help identify whether the property directly borders a public road and how much frontage it has.
Legal Access Versus Physical Access
A visible road or path does not necessarily establish legal access.
Buyers should confirm that they have the rights necessary to reach and use the property.
Driveway and Entrance Requirements
A future driveway may require permits, grading, drainage work, or other improvements.
Construction costs depend on terrain, location, and applicable requirements.
Access for Timber Operations
Buyers interested in forestry should also consider whether the property can accommodate logging equipment and timber transportation.
Potential Building Sites on the Land
The auction description identifies possible building sites.
This may interest buyers looking for a future country home, cabin, or other permitted structure.
Potential Does Not Mean Approval
The listing does not provide evidence of an approved building location.
A site that appears suitable during a property visit may still face limitations involving soil conditions, access, drainage, or utilities.
Evaluating a Homesite
Before planning construction, buyers should investigate topography, soil suitability, driveway access, and local permitting requirements.
Cabin Construction Possibilities
Some buyers may be interested in a modest recreational cabin rather than a full-time residence.
However, cabin construction can still require permits, approved wastewater arrangements, and suitable access.
Professional Advice
A surveyor, qualified contractor, engineer, or appropriate local authority may be able to help determine whether a proposed building project is feasible.
Water, Electricity, and Septic Considerations
The supplied listing does not identify installed water service, electrical connections, or an approved septic system.
These omissions should not be interpreted as proof that utilities are unavailable.
They simply mean that the information has not been established.
Water Supply
A future residence may require a well or another approved water source.
Buyers should investigate local water availability and any applicable testing or permitting requirements.
Electrical Service
Electricity may require a new utility connection.
Installation expenses can vary depending on the distance to existing infrastructure and the equipment required.
Wastewater Disposal
A home or cabin with plumbing may need an approved septic system or another permitted wastewater solution.
Soil evaluation and local approval can be critical.
Development Budgeting
Infrastructure costs can represent a significant portion of the total expense of building on unimproved land.
Buyers should obtain estimates before assuming that construction will be affordable.
Recreational Potential of 53.2 Acres
Large wooded properties can appeal to people seeking private outdoor space.
The Lauren Run Road listing does not provide a detailed recreational inventory, but the reported acreage and wooded terrain may warrant investigation.
Hiking and Nature Observation
Wooded acreage may offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife photography, and observing seasonal changes in the landscape.
Hunting Possibilities
Some buyers may investigate hunting opportunities, subject to wildlife activity, property boundaries, legal access, and applicable West Virginia hunting regulations.
The listing does not document specific game populations or guarantee hunting success.
Camping and Weekend Visits
A buyer may wish to explore permitted camping or recreational cabin use.
Any intended activity should be checked against local rules, title restrictions, and property conditions.
Outdoor Land Management
Recreational owners often need to maintain trails, manage vegetation, and monitor drainage.
These activities should be included in an ownership budget.
The Larger Multi-Property Auction
The 53.2-acre tract was offered as part of a larger real estate auction involving six properties in four West Virginia counties.
The advertised portfolio included a mixture of agricultural land, commercial acreage, and commercial buildings.
Properties Across Four Counties
The auction description identified properties in Nicholas, Lewis, Gilmer, and Braxton counties.
The offerings included approximately 26 acres in Nicholas County, two commercial buildings in Nicholas County, a larger farm in Lewis County, a commercial building in Gilmer County, and another commercial building in Braxton County.
Separate Parcel Bidding
The auction was structured to allow bidders to pursue individual properties.
This arrangement may have appealed to buyers interested in only one location or type of real estate.
Combination Bidding
The advertisement stated that combination bidding would be activated on the final day.
Combination bidding can affect how individual and grouped bids are evaluated.
Anyone reviewing the historical auction or participating in a subsequent sale should obtain the complete auction rules rather than relying on a short summary.
Acreage Clarification
The auction’s general description references a 170-acre farm, while the specific subject addressed here is identified as a 53.2-acre tract.
Buyers should rely on the legal description, survey, and final auction documents to confirm precisely what was included in Subject #4.
Understanding the 10% Buyer’s Premium
The advertised auction terms included a 10% buyer’s premium.
This is a major financial consideration because the premium is added to the winning bid to determine the contract price.
Example: A $50,000 Winning Bid
If the winning bid were $50,000, a 10% buyer’s premium would add $5,000.
The resulting contract price would be $55,000 before other applicable expenses.
Example: A $75,000 Winning Bid
A hypothetical winning bid of $75,000 would produce a $7,500 buyer’s premium.
The contract price would therefore be $82,500.
Example: A $100,000 Winning Bid
A $100,000 winning bid would result in a $10,000 buyer’s premium.
The contract price would be $110,000.
These are illustrative calculations, not actual bids or sale results for the property.
Nonrefundable Down Payment Requirements
The auction advertisement required a 10% nonrefundable down payment within 48 hours of the auction closing.
This condition is especially important for buyers unfamiliar with real estate auctions.
Why the Deposit Matters
A nonrefundable deposit may be at risk if a buyer fails to complete the purchase under the contract terms.
Read the Purchase Agreement
The exact obligations depend on the governing auction documents.
Buyers should understand when payment is due, how the deposit is calculated, and what happens if closing does not occur.
Prepare Funds in Advance
A bidder should confirm that the necessary funds are available before participating.
Waiting until after the auction to arrange financing can create significant risk.
No Financing or Other Contingencies
The auction terms state that there were no financing or other contingencies.
This means bidders were expected to proceed without relying on a contractual right to cancel because a loan was unavailable or another condition was not satisfied.
Financing Before Bidding
Buyers who intend to borrow should speak with a lender before the auction.
Vacant Land Loan Challenges
Financing unimproved acreage may differ from financing a completed residential property.
Lenders may evaluate legal access, property condition, land use, acreage, and marketability.
Cash Buyers
Cash purchasers should still evaluate title, taxes, closing expenses, and the full contract obligations.
Financial Risk
The absence of contingencies can make auction purchases less forgiving than some traditional real estate transactions.
Professional review before bidding is advisable.
Inspection Requirements Before Bidding
The auction description states that any required inspections must be completed before bidding.
It also permitted prospective buyers to walk the property at their own convenience and risk.
Walking the Property
A physical visit can help buyers assess terrain, vegetation, access, drainage, and possible improvement locations.
Professional Inspections
Depending on the intended use, buyers may consider a survey, timber evaluation, title review, or other professional assessments.
Safety During Visits
Wooded acreage may contain uneven ground, steep slopes, fallen trees, and other natural hazards.
Visitors should take appropriate precautions and confirm permission and access arrangements.
Avoiding Assumptions
Photographs and listing descriptions cannot replace direct examination of the property.
Sold As Is: What Buyers Should Understand
The auction description states that the property would be sold as is, without written or implied warranties.
This means buyers should not assume that the seller will correct defects or provide improvements before closing.
Condition of the Land
Possible issues may include drainage problems, access limitations, boundary questions, or other conditions not visible in listing photographs.
Independent Verification
The advertisement explicitly states that information is considered reliable but is not warranted.
Buyers should independently confirm material facts.
Legal Review
A real estate attorney can help explain the practical implications of the auction contract and the seller’s disclosures.
Title, Liens, and Encumbrances
The auction advertisement stated that the property would be sold free and clear of liens and encumbrances.
However, the precise legal meaning and implementation of that statement must be established through the auction documents and title process.
Court-Related Sale
The advertisement referenced Court Case # CC-04-2022-C-10.
The supplied information does not explain the underlying case or all legal procedures associated with the sale.
Title Insurance
Buyers may wish to investigate the availability and scope of title insurance.
Surface and Mineral Interests
Because the property is advertised as surface only, mineral ownership should receive particular attention during the title review.
Recorded Rights
Easements, reservations, and other recorded interests may affect how the property can be used.
Buyers should not assume that a general statement about clear title resolves every ownership question.
Property Taxes: Reported 2025 Amount of $777
The auction description reports 2025 property taxes of $777.
This provides a historical reference point but should not be treated as a guaranteed future tax bill.
Tax Proration
The advertised terms stated that taxes would be prorated to the day of closing.
Future Assessments
Property taxes can change because of reassessments, ownership changes, improvements, or other factors.
Confirming Current Taxes
Buyers should obtain current tax information from the appropriate county authority before closing.
Budgeting for Annual Expenses
Property taxes are only one part of rural land ownership.
Insurance, vegetation management, road maintenance, and other costs may also apply.
Closing Within 45 Days
The auction terms required closing within 45 days.
A relatively short closing period makes advance preparation important.
Documents and Funds
Buyers may need to coordinate legal review, title work, payment arrangements, and other closing requirements promptly.
Professional Assistance
A qualified real estate attorney or closing professional can help explain deadlines and required documents.
Understanding the Contract
Buyers should review the agreement before bidding rather than waiting until after becoming the successful bidder.
Vacant Land Insurance and Liability
Even unimproved land can create insurance and liability considerations.
General Liability Coverage
Property owners may want coverage for certain injuries or accidents involving visitors.
Recreational Use
Hunting, camping, and other activities may require discussion with an insurance professional.
Timber Operations
If logging is planned, owners should review insurance responsibilities with contractors and their insurance providers.
Future Construction
Adding a residence or other structure may change the property’s insurance requirements.
Evaluating the Property as a Long-Term Investment
Some buyers may consider wooded acreage as part of a long-term real estate investment strategy.
However, potential returns are uncertain.
Land Appreciation
Rural land values can rise or fall depending on demand, economic conditions, location, and property characteristics.
Timber Value
Reported marketable timber may be relevant to an investment evaluation, but income cannot be assumed without a professional assessment.
Development Potential
Possible building sites may add flexibility, but construction suitability and approval must be verified.
Resale Considerations
Unimproved rural land may have a smaller buyer pool than conventional residential property.
Holding Costs
Taxes, insurance, maintenance, and financing expenses can reduce investment returns.
No Guaranteed Income
The listing does not establish rental income, timber revenue, mineral income, or future appreciation.
Buyers should assess risk carefully.
Questions to Ask Before Purchasing the Lauren Run Road Property
Prospective buyers should investigate several important matters before entering into a binding agreement.
- Did the October 28, 2026 auction result in a completed sale?
- Is the 53.2-acre property currently available?
- What was the final auction result, if any?
- Is a new auction or private sale planned?
- Is the acreage confirmed by a survey?
- What is the exact legal description?
- Where are the property boundaries?
- Does the tract have verified public-road frontage?
- Is legal access documented?
- Are there any recorded access easements?
- What mineral rights are excluded from the surface-only sale?
- Are any mineral leases or surface-use agreements in effect?
- Has a professional timber inventory been completed?
- What tree species and timber volumes are present?
- Are there approved building sites?
- Is electricity available nearby?
- What water supply options exist?
- Has septic suitability been evaluated?
- Are there any environmental or drainage concerns?
- What are the current property taxes?
- What insurance coverage is available?
- Are any hunting or recreational leases in effect?
- What restrictions affect land use?
- What closing costs would apply?
- What are the current sale terms?
Answers to these questions can help buyers determine whether the property is suitable for their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the property located?
The property is identified as Lauren Run Road, Crawford, WV 26343, in Lewis County.
How much acreage is included?
The listing reports approximately 53.2 acres.
Can the property be purchased for $1?
No. The auction advertisement explicitly states that $1 is not the reserve or listing price.
Is the auction still open?
The advertised online auction was scheduled to begin closing on October 28, 2026. That date has passed, and current availability must be confirmed with the auction company.
Does the property have timber?
The listing reports marketable timber, but no professional timber valuation is provided.
Is there road frontage?
The auction description reports road frontage, while the structured listing shows a frontage length of zero. Independent verification is necessary.
Can a home be built?
Potential building sites are mentioned, but no approved residential building site is established.
Are mineral rights included?
The property was advertised as surface only. Buyers should investigate the mineral ownership and recorded rights.
Is there an HOA?
No HOA is reported.
What were the reported property taxes?
The auction description lists 2025 taxes of $777.
What was the buyer’s premium?
The advertised buyer’s premium was 10%.
Was a deposit required?
Yes. The advertised terms required a 10% nonrefundable down payment within 48 hours of the auction closing.
Were financing contingencies allowed?
No financing or other contingencies were permitted under the advertised terms.
Final Thoughts: 53.2 Acres of Wooded and Open Land in Lewis County
The approximately 53.2-acre property on Lauren Run Road in Crawford, West Virginia, offers a combination of open and wooded acreage, reported marketable timber, road frontage, and possible building locations.
These characteristics may interest buyers seeking rural land for recreation, forestry, future construction, or long-term ownership.
However, this property differs from a conventional land listing in several important ways.
It was advertised as part of a multi-property online auction, and the displayed $1 estimate was explicitly identified as a placeholder rather than a real asking price.
The auction was scheduled to close in October 2026, so its current sale status requires confirmation.
The advertised terms also included a 10% buyer’s premium, a nonrefundable down payment, no financing contingencies, and a 45-day closing period.
Additionally, the property was offered as surface only, making mineral-rights research an essential part of due diligence.
Buyers should carefully investigate the boundaries, road frontage, title, timber resources, utilities, building feasibility, and current sale conditions.
For anyone considering recreational acreage or timberland in West Virginia, the listing provides a useful example of why understanding auction terms is just as important as evaluating the land itself.
Final Property Summary
Property: Lauren Run Road, Crawford, WV 26343
County: Lewis County, West Virginia
Property Type: Unimproved Land
Reported Acreage: Approximately 53.2 Acres
Displayed Zillow Estimate: $1 — Not the Reserve or Sale Price
Sale Method: Online Real Estate Auction
Scheduled Auction Closing: October 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM
Current Sale Status: Requires Confirmation
Auction Subject: Subject #4
Terrain: Open and Wooded
Timber: Marketable Timber Reported
Road Frontage: Reported but Not Independently Verified
Potential Building Sites: Reported, Approval Not Established
Ownership Rights: Surface Only
HOA: None Reported
2025 Property Taxes: $777 According to Auction Description
Parcel Identification: Lewis County, District 1, Map 8P, Parcel 10
Parcel Description: 53.2 AC Laurel Run Lot 2
Buyer’s Premium: 10% Under Advertised Auction Terms
Down Payment: 10% Nonrefundable Within 48 Hours
Financing Contingencies: Not Permitted Under Advertised Terms
Inspection Requirements: Before Bidding
Property Condition: Advertised As Is
Closing Period: 45 Days Under Advertised Terms
Auction Company: Kaufman Realty and Auctions of West Virginia
Listing Agent: Wayne Yoder
MLS Number: 11997558
Disclaimer: This article is based on the supplied property and auction information and is intended for informational purposes only. The advertised auction closing date has passed, and the current ownership, availability, sale result, and terms have not been independently verified. The $1 display is not a purchase price, reserve price, or valuation. Acreage, timber resources, road frontage, building suitability, title conditions, mineral ownership, utilities, taxes, and permitted uses require independent verification. Buyers should consult the auction company and qualified real estate, legal, financial, and land-management professionals before making any purchase decision.
Listed on Zillow.
