5 Expert Tips for Buying a House with a Horse in Mind

If you are like many horse owners, you dream of standing at your window or sitting on your porch watching your companion grazing in a lush pasture. As you begin your search for the perfect horse property, there are several considerations to keep in mind. Here are 5 expert tips for buying a home with a horse in mind.

1. Choose a real estate agent who is familiar with equestrian properties. An experienced realtor will partner with you to identify both your wants and your needs and help you to navigate the local real estate market. The equestrian real estate agents at The Lillian Team suggest seeking out a realtor who knows your target area well and who is familiar with local zoning and building regulations that could affect horse owners. In an effort to get into a home quickly, some buyers rush the process and end up unhappy in their new home. Don’t be timid about communicating with your realtor. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that you’ll find the perfect home for you and your horses.

2. Scrutinize potential locations. It’s easy to fall in love with a home, only to find out that it’s not appropriate for horses. Is the property close to trails? How much dangerous traffic will you encounter? A house or a barn can be changed, but you can’t move a property. If you commute, the drive can be difficult if you are too far away from your destination. You’ll also benefit by familiarizing yourself with local regulations regarding animals. More and more horse owners are considering planned equestrian communities, which offer shared facilities and other amenities that make life easier for both horse and rider.

3. Get a feel for the entire property. While at least an acre of land per horse is recommended, the more land that you provide for your horses, the healthier and happier they will be. When scoping out a potential property, examine the pasture to make sure that it is not too swampy and has healthy grass. If you aren’t planning to renovate, thoroughly investigate barns, stables and other shelters, check for leaks and access to electrical and water sources. Fencing should be in good repair and safe for horses. Walk the entire property, including the perimeter, and keep an eye out for any potential issues.

4. Consider renovations. The perfect home, with the perfect facilities, on the perfect land, does not always materialize. For some prospective home owners, renovation is a viable solution. If you planning on renovating, it’s extremely important to have a budget set in advance and to discuss this with your real estate agent.

5. Plan for the future. While a property might meet your current needs, those needs may change over time. If you plan on owning more horses in the future or building an arena or other facilities, you’ll need to ensure that you have the land available to do so. You’ll also need to consider the size of your home. If you plan to add an addition, this can affect the look and function of your property. You may want to consider more acreage to accommodate any future plans. Though this is probably the furthest thing from your mind, you should never overlook resale value. Anything that you plan to do with your property will definitely affect its value to future buyers. While certain upgrades or renovations may make your life easier, they may not be what the next homeowner is looking for, so it’s always a good idea to keep resale in the back of your mind during your home search.

If you are looking for a horse property in North Palm Beach County or the Treasure Coast, the professionals at The Lillian Team will help you find your dream home. Specializing in equestrian properties in Jupiter Farms, Palm Beach County Estates, Reynolds Ranch, Trailwood, Wellington, Winds in the Pines, Loxahatchee, Palm Bay, Palm City, Port St. Lucie and more, our team has the connections and the expertise that will help you find the perfect space for you and your horses. Contact us today to get started.