How To Attract Buyers for Your Horse Property

With today’s technology, equine property buyers can do a great deal of research online before ever visiting a property in person. The photographs, videos and list of special features are the keys to encouraging buyers to take the next step and schedule a showing of the ranch or horse farm. Unlike residential real estate, a horse property has a lot more to show and, therefore, more opportunities to attract and impress potential buyers. Here are some things to consider before putting your horse property on the market.

Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent who sells houses and condos is not the one to call when selling your horse property. It requires someone who understands the needs and concerns of the equestrian buyer. For example, they may be looking for a property that is within a reasonable distance from services but don’t want them visible over the back fence either. An experienced agent specializing in this type of real estate will know if a new housing development is about to be built on the adjacent property. They’ll also be able to answer questions about tax rates, zoning rules and conservation easements.

Spring Cleaning

Whatever time of year you put your property on the market, it must be presented to potential buyers in the best possible light. That means all buildings must be sparkling clean before being shown. Pay special attention to the barn, because that’s where the new owner will keep their valuable and beloved animals. It’s also where they will spend a great deal of time. So, make sure that the stalls are clean and the aisles have been swept. Tools should be neatly stored and any apparent damage repaired.

Special Features

Heating a barn during a mid-western winter is expensive, so imagine how appealing it would be to a potential buyer if you had a fully-functioning solar power system. With solar panels installed on the roof of the barn and a solar panel battery to store the energy, keeping the building at a comfortable temperature would be a fraction of the cost of electric or gas heating.

Arena

If your property has an arena, make sure that it has been raked and is free of debris. A covered arena will be a big selling point, particularly in cold or rainy climates, so it may be worth the investment to build one before putting your property on the market. A real estate agent who is well-versed in selling horse properties will know this is among the first things a buyer will ask about.

Fencing

A buyer is much more likely to choose a property that has been well taken care of. Ensure that all fencing is intact because their horses’ safety will be among a buyer’s chief concerns. Replace any cracked or broken boards, and check for loose or broken barbed wire that might cause an injury.

Paint

A fresh coat of paint is a reasonably inexpensive way to give the buildings on your property a facelift, including any fences that can be seen from the road or driveway. For a buyer who has always dreamed of owning a horse farm, the white split rail fence surrounding an idyllic green pasture filled with horses is an important selling feature. If you have a traditional, eye-catching red and white barn, capitalize on that by making sure it is freshly painted and free of dirt.

Attracting buyers to your horse property begins with hiring a real estate agent who understands how selling this property type differs from residential. Start by cleaning up and maintaining the property before the photographer takes pictures for the agency’s website. Investing in solar heating for the barn or building a cover over the arena are ways to increase the property’s value in the marketplace. Keep in mind that the health and safety of a buyer’s horses will be a significant selling point, so be sure to address any potential concerns in advance.