Guidelines for Marketing Your Horse Farm or Equestrian Estate
The idea of watching horses grazing peacefully outside the back door is a dream-come-true for many horse farm buyers. So, if you are planning on selling a horse farm or other equestrian real estate, there are some details that potential buyers will consider in addition to the pastoral image of rolling hills and endless fences. When you are preparing to market your home, you should always make an effort to get it ready with a thorough cleaning and a few repair items. A horse farm is no different; and potential purchasers of horse farms are usually just as concerned about their horses as they are about themselves. If you are selling a horse farm, here are some important details that you should consider addressing and a few tips to make your farm or horse property attractive to buyers:
The Barn: While barns are difficult to keep clean, make sure that you are doing your best! Get rid of cobwebs, keep barn aisles swept, and make sure stalls are "mucked" with fresh shavings before all showings. Consider purchasing rubber mats for each stall. While relatively inexpensive for the seller, most buyers ask if stalls have rubber mats and consider them a necessity.
Fencing: Prior to putting your farm on the market, evaluate the current fencing to make sure all fence boards are intact; and replace any old boards if necessary. If you plan to install fencing before putting your property on the market, wood fencing is the most appealing to potential buyers. Wood is traditionally beautiful and generally safe. Whatever kind of fencing that you use, remember that the primary job of a fence is to safely contain horses. The last thing you want a buyer to be concerned about is a horse escaping or getting hurt. That said, the aesthetics of your fencing will add appeal and beauty to your horse property.
Pastures and Turn Outs: On every horse farm, there should be ample room to turn out horses. Just as stalls should be kept clean, so should the turn outs. Mucking as well as mowing and trimming, especially in the spring and summer, is often necessary to keep the pastures maintained and groomed.
Arenas: Your equestrian estate or farm should have an existing arena or room to accommodate one. Don't underestimate the cost of building an area or improving an existing one. Footing is a considerable investment that will affect the soundness of horses and the amount of maintenance the area will require. Keeping the arena dragged and manicured is also important. While horse enthusiasts love a trail ride, many of the equestrian buyers coming to our area are serious competitors and use an arena almost daily.
Follow the above tips and your horse property will be ready to show!!
Jamie McDevitt is the owner of McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty, located in Southern Pines and Pinehurst. She is the area's leading horse farm and equestrian real estate broker. For more information and some examples of expertly
marketed horse property, go to: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com/
