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WORKING WITH A REALTOR
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Moving
to a new property? Building a new home?
We talk to folks like you every day! |
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We talk to customers every day
who are trying to co-ordinate selling their existing property,
buying their new property, packing, moving, lining up the
“fence guy”, the “site prep guy”,
the electrician, contractors, financing, paperwork, folks
at the bank, new school, what about the kids…”too
many balls in the air” as they say! And, on top of
all of that – they need to make arrangements for their
horses too!
Whether you’re taking your horses
with you or finally bringing them “home” from
the boarding stable, Horizon Structures can help. If you
like, we can also work with your realtor as well.
Why Work with a Realtor?
Your realtor may be an excellent resource for helping you
find out zoning and permit requirements for the area you’re
moving to. More importantly, your realtor is, most likely,
a direct link to your financing or mortgage broker. They
can assist or advise you on how you may be able to incorporate
the purchase of your Dream Barn into the purchase of your
Dream Home! Or, turn the perfect property into the farmette
you’ve always wanted. |
| TIPS FOR BUYING AN EQUINE
PROPERTY |
Before
you look...
Make a Plan
How many horses
will I have?
How do I use my horses?
Trail Riding. Do I have access to trails? How far
is it to those trails?
Will I need an arena?
What are my future plans?
- Do I need to buget for expansion?
- A sound, detailed plan can help when applying for financing
Identify Wants and Needs
Ask Yourself: “What do I want and why
do I want it?”
Do I need more pasture or do I just enjoy seeing my
horses in the backyard?
Should I try to buy more land for possible arena and
barn expansion?
Should I look at properties that are closer to trails?
Do I want a property that has better drainage of more
water than I currently have?
Would I be happier knowing I had “horse-friendly”
neighbors?
Do I need a larger home?
Can I scale back?
- Less acreage?
- Less horses?
- Clearly communicate your needs to your real estate agent
Use an agent that is experienced with horses and the
specific needs of horse folks
Pre-Qualify to Avoid Disappointment
How much can I afford?
Stay within the budget!
What to Look For…
Location
Location Location...
Does the property have access to major highways?
Are the roads to the farm accessible to hay trucks,
delivery trucks, horse trailers, etc?
Is there access to basic services: electricity, telephone,
emergency response, SNOW PLOW!
Is the local environment prone to: tornados, hurricanes
or floods? These areas may be more expensive to insure!
 Land
Is the quality of soil good enough to support grazing
for horses?
Marginal Land: may be good enough for pasture - less
expensive then arable land
Don't skimp on amount and quality of land.
Good drainage is paramount!
- Hooves stay drier.
- Grass grows better.
- Property won't become a mud hole.
- Hay and feed delivery, farrier and vet won't get bogged
down while getting to your horse.
- Less mosquitoes and parasites.
Topography
Lovely level pasture will command high dollars
Hilly ground may be less expensive but make chores a
daily trudging drudgery
Weigh cost vs. ease of land improvements
Water 
Two reliable sources are ideal.
- Make sure it's piped to key locations: water trough, barn,
etc.
- Consider distance from water pump from the barn?
Are there any restrictions placed on the use of the
water?
What is the area's flood history?
Is there a working well on the property?
Test for pesticides.
- Contact the state or county health department
How old is the well?
- Age of the house is a good indicator
- Is there a pond on site?
- Check before you dig! Make sure you know what requirements
must be met!
Is there a stream or spring?
- Don't stop the flow! Make sure you’re informed
of legal restrictions.
Fencing
Make sure it’s in good condition.
– no rot, no corrosion
Is it the proper type of fence for horses?
Are the field gates wide enough for equipment to pass
through?
- 12’ should be adequate.
Are the pastures “cross fenced” for rotation
grazing?
Home and Outbuildings
What is the general condition of home and other outbuildings?
Will you have to invest too much time/money to meet
your standards?
Make certain that if there is a house on the property
it will fulfill YOUR needs for a home.
If there is an existing barn: Is it big enough and
conveniently located near house, road, driveway, pastures?
Is the property worth the asking price?
Zoning
Know how many horses are allowed per acre.
- Some areas will allow as little as ½ acre per horse.
- Some areas will limit the number of horses regardless
of the size of the property.
Last Words – “Little Gems”
Try to see the property in bad weather and
walk the property ALL OVER. Especially after heavy rain,
or snow. This will reveal potential “problem”
areas:
- Places where you, your horse or equipment, might get
stuck
- Water run-off
- Drainage patterns
- Areas of limited access
Don't fall in love and buy a property on aesthetics
alone.
- Get a home inspection done by someone familiar with rural
properties.
Just because the previous owner had
a horse here doesn't mean it's the right property for
you!
- Evaluate the property with a critical eyed based on YOUR
needs and the needs of YOUR horses.
Print out this
Farm
Land Buyer’s Checklist to help you keep track
of the properties you’ve seen.
Invaluable Resources:
www.govbiz.com/buyingtips.htm
- A WEALTH of excellent information. ALL the details you
need to know!
www.goodbyecitylife.com
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Check Out These Realtors...
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Hunterdon
Horses and Homes
An Equestrian Relocation and Referral Services
Network
The Place to Find Equestrian Homes
and Resources in Central
New Jersey
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Here for more information |
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