The housing market is crazy right now, but don't let that deter you from buying your dream horse farm. If you're patient and properly prepared, you can find an amazing property. Make sure to do your research ahead of time, including creating a list of must haves and deal breakers!

Buying a Horse Farm

  • Find a realtor that knows horses. They'll understand your needs a bit better.
  • Talk with a lender that deals with horse properties. Not every bank will take on a house with acreage! If you're serious, you'll want to get pre-approved.
  • Look at your finances and set a limit.
  • Decide on a location or radius. You should consider zoning laws and neighbors.
  • Determine the size farm you want, including house square footage, acreage, number of stalls, etc... Sometimes, smaller farms can actually come with more work.
  • Strike the right balance of house and barn. You need to be able to live in the house comfortably, but the property must also work for your animals.
  • Always walk the land when buying a farm property. You'll need open, usable land for horses, though some woods may be helpful for natural shade. Avoid wet, swampy areas.
  • Make sure there is enough water available for your needs. Some locations may really struggle with this one, so don't assume!
  • Think about your long-term investment. Will the property be easy to resell, if the need should arise?
  • Know the limits of the property. You'll want to figure out how many horses can be kept there.
  • Check the condition of the house, barn, other outbuildings, fencing, and drainage system. Even if you're buying a fixer upper, it's better to know what you're getting ahead of time.
  • Ideally, you'll want to visit a few different properties. It's nice to be able to compare!

Your dream farm is waiting for you!