Choosing a Realtor with a Niche Specialty － Equestrian Farm
As a horse owner, you want to make sure to work with a knowledgeable Agent when you are looking to buy or sell an Equestrian property. Whether you ride, breed, or even own horse companions (pets), you will have certain wants and needs for your new property or will need help attracting the right buyer. To help you, here are some things to look for when looking for an Equestrian Realtor.
What to Look For
Equestrian Background
When looking for a Realtor to represent you, you want to find someone who has first-hand knowledge of owning and riding horses. They share your passion and live your lifestyle. If you are buying, they will utilize their knowledge and experience to help you find the perfect property, and if you are selling they will know the right marketing strategies to sell your property.
Local Connections
The right Equestrian Agent will have the right contacts. They will work in the area that you are looking to buy or sell and will know all of the codes, regulations and zoning rules so that they can answer all of your questions. They are knowledgeable in the local market and will use their experience and expertise to your best interest.
Equestrian Designations
Agents can hold certain designations that tell you about their specializations. For instance, the Institute of Equestrian Real Estate Professionals offers the Accredited Equestrian Real Estate Professional designation (AEREP), which recognizes their expertise in this field. For this designation, the Agent undergoes education and field training on the subject of equestrian properties. They are known as a leading expert in this field when they hold this designation. However, this designation is not necessary for an Agent to be the leading expert in the area. Their experience alone could qualify them to fill this role.
So now that you know what to look for, take the following steps.
Steps to Finding the Right Equestrian Agent and Property
- Know what you want in a property (if you’re a buyer). Do you want a property with trails to ride, or is it more important to have a facility for your horses? How many horses do you have? Will you be doing any boarding or breeding? Will you need a private or commercial facility? Know your wants and needs prior to doing anything else.
- Do your due diligence. Research different Agents and interview more than one. Ask about their designations and equestrian experience. Ask about their experience and knowledge with horse properties and the local market in general. Do they know the local rules and regulations when it comes to environmental issues, property use restrictions, how many animals are allowed per acre on the property, etc.? Find out if they own horses and if they have any testimonials of previous clients. Also ask what kind of contacts they have—such as a lender that covers financing for a farm.
- Find a Lender. Make sure you speak to the right lender who is familiar with horse and farm properties. It’s a little harder to get financing for homes with land in rural areas than it is to finance a home in the city.
- Plan ahead. Once it is time to begin looking at properties, think of your future or long-term needs.
- If you plan on expanding later, make sure you have the acreage to do so. Do you need to be close to horse-friendly trails, or maybe you are looking for a property with your own trails?
- Pay attention to how far the location is from your work if you work outside of the home. You can always make changes to the property or add on/remodel, but you cannot ever change the locality so make sure you LOVE the location.
- Walk the property so you know the quality of the soil. Make sure it is good soil for your horses to graze.
- Check the water supply on the property and make sure the water access is good to get the water to the trough for your horses.
- It may prove difficult to find the perfect land, perfect home AND perfect barn, so decide what is most important and tweak the rest as you are able to. Usually due to regulations, the barn is most important. You can always renovate the home if it isn’t perfect.
Once you find the right Agent, the rest should be a piece of cake. Focus on asking potential Agents the right questions and plan accordingly to make sure you find the right space for you and your horses. Your Agent will make sure you find the right location, acreage, layout and zoning for your specified use while also helping you find the perfect home and barn in the process.
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