Planning to sell your equestrian estate?

If you’ve decided to sell your Central Virginia horse farm, you’re probably excited to move on with the next phase of your life. There’s just one thing that’s holding you back from doing so, and that is selling your equine property fast!

Fortunately, there are some strategies that can reduce your property’s time on the market.

Top tips to sell your equestrian estate fast

Here are my Tips on How to Prepare Your Virginia Horse Farm for Sale .

1. Secure the help of a professional, licensed Realtor® specializing in horse farms.

Before you do anything else, find a reputable agent who knows equine properties and how to effectively market them.

As a long-time resident of Central Virginia, a horse farm owner for many years, and a former horse trainer, I know equestrian properties and can market your property successfully. I also understand the equestrian buyer and can effectively target the right buyer for your type of property.

I specialize in equestrian and country properties, and you can count on my assistance from the moment of our initial conversation to the time of the closing. You can learn more about me here: Pam Dent equestrian property expert.

2. Price it right.

Your property’s price is critical. It determines whether you’ll attract buyers or scare them off.

Pricing a property right will put your horse farm on the buyer’s radar. Pricing it too high will turn them off, which will lead to your property staying on the market for a long time and ultimately attracting a lower price.

Most buyers begin their property search online whether it is for a single-family home or an extensive country property. Since most information is available online, it’s easy for buyers to know if you’re overpriced your property. When buyers see that your horse farm is priced at its fair market value, they will be more likely to consider it a good buy.

Pricing a horse farm can be challenging. Between current market conditions and the price that you want for your property, there are aspects to getting the price right. Here are some tips for arriving at the right price for your equestrian property:

• Make comparisons

The simplest way to start getting the right price for your property is by comparing it to similar properties that have sold, and ones that are currently for sale.  Looking honestly at similarities and making adjustments for any differences between properties will give you an idea of what your property is worth.

You should consider properties that are similar to yours based on location, features, and benefits. Equestrian properties usually take a while longer to sell than country homes, so properties that have sold between 12-18 months ago are good comparables to consider. As you make comparisons, make sure that you pay close attention to past and current market conditions. Do not put too much emphasis on online valuations; rather, use them only as a starting point.

• Hire a trusted agent

You can consult a private appraisal company that specializes in farm and estate appraisals to assist you with pricing your horse property. Seeking their help can be a good place to start, but you will also want to get a market analysis.

In addition, you should hire an equestrian real estate agent. Aside from making a detailed and accurate comparison of your property to other horse properties, this agent can also help you understand the intricacies of pricing your horse farm for the current real estate market. It is important to price for today’s market, not the market we had six months ago or the one we hope to have six months from now. An experienced agent will also help you understand the emotional aspects of buying and selling a horse property, as well as help you navigate through the pricing and selling process.

• Price your location

In pricing your horse property, its location is extremely important. While equestrian properties usually do not give you the normal “bad neighborhood” concerns, their location still has a huge impact on price.

Proximity to amenities plays an important role in determining the price of an equestrian property. The closer your property is to horse shows, vets, farriers, and other barns, the higher the price of your property gets. It all boils down to what the buyer is actually looking for and how your property is able to fit into these requirements. Buyers with different equestrian disciplines will value different features and fixtures.

• Property type

The type of horse property you are selling will also affect your pricing. Naturally, a large boarding and training facility will cost more than a small hobby farm. More acreage will not necessarily equate to a higher price; the functionality of the land is important. Things like fencing, type of barn, arenas, pasture, access to rideout and trails, and proximity to the hunt country will all affect the price.

If you are selling a working horse farm that is operating as a business, the equestrian business may also be for sale. Aside from valuing the facility itself and the future opportunity it may offer a buyer, you also need to take into account how much money the facility brings in on a monthly basis and price accordingly.

• Add value to sell your property for the price you want 

Here are my Tips on How to Prepare Your Virginia Horse Farm for Sale.

If your horse farm already has a unique feature, then expect it to add value to your property. The more it adds value to potential buyers and their horses, the more you need to account for it in price and emphasize it in your marketing. These features could be a conditioning track, an oversized indoor area, an outdoor arena with special footing, or miles of ride-out.

If your property does not have a standout feature, then you might want to add value to it to warrant the price that you want buyers to pay. Remember, when selling a property, little things go a long way. Presentation and condition are important. You can add some paint, fix the fences that need repair, dress up your front yard with flowers, and update your light fixtures, door locks, and faucets. All of these little improvements can help improve the look of your property.

3. Boost curb appeal.

Buyers first see your property from outside the fence, so boosting the curb appeal is an essential step you need to tackle when you decide to sell. The buyer’s first impression is important, so you have to ensure your property is appealing and impressive.

Some things you can do include:

• Mow the pastures and trim under the fences
• Cleaning everything, from the yard to the barn, the paddocks, the stables, and the house
• Putting all the tools and clutter away

When selling any type of property, remember that first impressions last. The same applies to horse properties, where the first impression begins with curb appeal. No matter how gorgeous your equestrian property looks inside, if it looks neglected outside, the value will drop in the eyes of buyers.

When your equestrian property looks good and well-maintained on the outside, potential buyers will become more interested in the property. Buyers will look at the condition of your barns, fencing, pasture, and a lot more, so make sure you prepare them before listing.

Here are some tips for boosting the curb appeal of your equestrian property:

• Paint your exterior

If the exterior of your barns and outbuildings has mildew overgrowth and stains, it is time to clean it. Power wash your exterior and roof to remedy the overgrowth. But if the paint is already starting to chip or looks old, opt for a repaint.

• Re-evaluate your landscape

Freshen up your landscape and pastures by making sure that the grass looks green and healthy and that there are no areas with drainage problems. Reseed or fertilize when you see bald patches. Your county extension agent can give you advice on how to maintain the health of your pasture.

• Don’t forget your house

Although equestrian buyers often care more about the horse facilities than the home, the house is still important. An eye-catching front door is an easy way to make your property look more inviting. Consider painting your front door a bright color to draw people in.

• Make your front porch look welcoming

A dull and uninviting front porch says a lot about your entire home. If you think your horse property’s porch doesn’t look inviting, beautify it right away by adding a cute pot of fresh flowers and adding a comfy chair where guests can sit down. A tub of flowers at the entrance to the barn is also a welcoming touch.

• Beautify your farm entrance

As you prepare your horse property for sale, do not take your farm entrance for granted. This is the first thing that will welcome potential buyers, so make sure it looks as beautiful as possible. Also make sure the views of your farm show well-groomed fields and well-maintained fences.

4. Repair the fence lines.

Before you list your Central Virginia equestrian property for sale, make sure to check the condition of your fence lines. Depending on the style and age, you may need to repair or repaint them. Parts that are in poor condition should be replaced.

Fences that can be seen from the road and driveway are especially important and should be cleaned and painted because they are part of your property’s curb appeal.

5. Repair and repaint the barn and stables.

Just like buyers want a move-in-ready home, they also prefer ready-to-use barns. Make sure to fix any minor issues like broken or missing windows, stall doors, and sagging gutters. You can also give your barn a fresh coat of paint to make it look new and inviting.

6. Set up the arena.

If you have an arena, make sure that it is evenly graded and in good condition. You can also set up a few newly painted jumps to make it look more attractive.

7. Repaint the house.

Although most buyers focus on the land, the barn, the stable, and the equestrian facilities, ensuring that the house is attractive paves the way for a quicker sale.

Repainting the home’s interior and exterior improves the house’s look and makes it more appealing. An equestrian buyer wants a functional house that does not have any deferred maintenance.

8. Deep clean and declutter.

Like with any other home for sale, you need your home’s interior to look bigger and brighter. You can achieve this by disposing of anything you don’t use and renting a storage space if necessary.

Deep cleaning makes the house look super clean and sparkling. It also removes any lingering smell and makes your home look more inviting, which buyers love.

The same goes for your barn. The tack and feed rooms should be clean and neat, and the aisle should be swept and free of clutter.

9. Clear any disputes.

Before you put your horse farm for sale, make sure that you clear any disputes, whether it is regarding title, boundaries, or tenancy. Make sure that your staff and boarders know you are selling. It is best to resolve any concerns before putting your horse farm on the market, so that when prospective buyers arrive, staff are accommodating and ready to help.

Selling your Central Virginia equestrian estate may seem daunting and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. It is my job to handle the stress, so that you don’t have to. I can help you sell your horse farm so you can get on with the next phase of your life.

Call me, Pam Dent, at 434-960-0161 to discuss your horse farm sale today. Let my expertise and years of experience work for you.