Equestrian Properties
Purchasing an equestrian estate is a unique real estate venture. Your riding discipline and goals will determine the right property for you. See the checklist below of important items to remember in your search:
- Hiring The Right Agents
The Lira Group understands that when it comes to equestrian estates you need more than just an experienced agent; you need an agent that has knowledge and expertise in the equestrian world. We will tailor our expertise and knowledge to find the right horse property that fits your needs and budget.
- Know Your Goals
Being definitive about your equestrian estate needs is imperative to finding the right property. Determining if you want your estate for personal use or to have an income-producing property will be based on zoning.
- Budget
Knowing your budget will determine the size of the property and how much work you can put into it. It’s important to think about: feed, waste management, utilities, and whether or not you’ll be bringing in a trainer. A reputable in-house trainer can attract students for lessons, in addition to boarders.
- Location
Consider the barns proximity to the road, house and storage facilities. Also, evaluate how its location will affect the risk of flooding.
- Acreage/Land
Just because a property has plentiful acreage doesn’t mean it will be suitable for horse care. The land must be flat-to-gently-sloped for grazing and provide adequate access to your horses’ basic needs. You want to look for properties with usable land – meaning there are not acres of unusable gullies, steep edges, or too many bodies of water that could make it difficult for your animals to navigate the property.
The Lira Group will pay attention to local regulations about how much acreage is required per horse.
It’s critical to ensure the property is in line with the local city, county, and/or HOA regulations for agriculture and livestock.
As trusted agents we will ensure the land you are looking for has the proper zoning assignment and use permitted on the property.
- Land Zoning
It’s critical to ensure the property is in line with the local city, county, and/or HOA regulations for agriculture and livestock.
As trusted agents we will ensure the land you are looking for has the proper zoning assignment and use permitted on the property.
- Water Supply
Ensure if the property is going to have adequate water for barn maintenance and equine needs. The average horse drinks five to 10 gallons of water per day, so having a deep well with high yield will come in handy filling 150 gallon troughs.
If you are relying on well water, especially for irrigation or fire control, it’s wise to have a plan in case the electricity powering your pump goes out. Properties that are outfitted with solar power or can easily be set up with a backup generator will likely be more in demand as time goes on and the effects of climate change intensify.
Water for irrigation should be a primary concern if you plan to grow and cut your own horse feed. Watering needs increase with every horse you add to the facility, as well as with features like arenas that need to be watered too.
- Soil Quality/Footing
The quality of soil and footing is a critical factor in your horses. We strongly encourage a soil sample to be conducted before your purchase.
Ensuring the soil has the necessary nutrients to grow grass is crucial if you're going to be grazing your horses.
Not all land works well with horse keeping — steep slopes, heavily wooded areas and marshy areas with poor soil drainage are things to keep an eye out for.
- Fencing
Most horse farms will have some sort of existing fencing. When evaluating the current fencing and planned improvements, it pays to think like a horse. The primary job of a fence is to safely contain your horses. If there is a way they can injure themselves, they will, so safety must be the main concern. That said, the aesthetics of your fence will add appeal and beauty to your horse property.
Some common options for safe horse fencing include wood board, PVC board, pipe steel, and high tensile wire, to name a few.
- Inspection/Test/Survey
We recommend conducting an inspection on the primary home, and all farm related structures. Having a professional evaluate the barn and stables can reveal structural issues, electrical issues, or other potential problems that you would want to know about before you sign any paperwork. Here are some of the common ones:
- General Home Inspection
- Soil Test
- Water Test (For wells & natural bodies of water)
- Land Survey (to ensure accurate accerage)
- The House
Now, it is time to consider the home on your equestrian property. Does it meet your family needs? Is it convenient to the barn? Most horse persons consider their horse’s needs first and then their own. It is necessary, however, to make sure your living space will be adequate.
With a list of your priorities, amenities and wishes in mind, you can refine your search.
- Prior To Closing
- Loan Application and Underwriting Fee
- Appraisal
- Home Inspection
- Radon Test
- Termite Inspection
- Paid At Closing
- Down Payment
- VA Loans: 100% financing. Ask your lender about the funding fee
- FHA Loans: Typically 3.5% down payment
- Conventional Loans: Minimum 3% down payment
- Attorney Fee
- Title Insurance
- Transfer Stamp Fees
- Recording Fees
- Property Tax Proration – This is a credit!