Tips for buying Horse Property

So you want to buy horse property.  Maybe your dream is to build a custom home for you and your horses or to  purchase an existing equestrian property.  If you are wanting to start from scratch then first of all you need to find acceptable raw land which would sustain horses and a contractor that you want to use.  Below you will find some helpful ideas to get started.

1.  Work with a Realtor that specializes in country properties that you feel comfortable with.  They should be familiar with zoning , permits, wells and septic systems and construction and other land issues.  Working with an agent who is knowledgeable in these areas is critical.  Simply put choose someone who buys and sells horse properties and knows the rules.

2.  Sometimes you may find a resale home for sale that is zoned for horses but lacks a barn and suitable fencing.  In that case you need to make sure the lot  has room for another structure and that the land is workable for what you want.  Most people look for the flattest land available if they need to construct a barn.  Some prefer land with a slight slope so that it will drain after rain or snow and not become a huge mudpit.  Remember you will want to have gates suitable for trucks, mowers  or fire equipment vehicles to be able to have access to your property.

3. Water is always a top concern.  Make sure the property is zoned for horses and that the well allows for watering of livestock.  If possible get a copy of the existing well permit if buying a resale  property.  That way you will have the well depth as well as all the other information available to you. Also if buying an existing home have both a well and septic inspection done.  It could save you thousands of dollars in the future.  Remember water is essential for life.  You must be concerned about the the amout of water available in the aquifers below your property as well as how much water your well can produce per minute or hour.

4.  Get a copy of any and all existing covenants and restrictions whether constructing new property or buying resale.  That way you will know the restrictions or setbacks setting the distances that you can put a building or other outbuilding from a certain feature of the land.  Many horse properties have setbacks allowing for access to horse trails so just be aware that quite often these do exist and you need to know the particulars for each property you are considering purchasing.

5.  Learn as much as you can about the area, subdivison, water supply and and zoning.  Having the proper inspections done before you buy or sell will save you money and time well spent.  Make sure you have copies of all seller property disclosures and that you are comfortable with what they say.  It is a good idea to visit your local Planning Department to familiarize yourself with a parcel of land and can save you a lot of money, stress and time.  Knowing the most you can about what you are considering purchasing is time well spent.