As we all know our pets and animals become a part of the family. It is important to an equestrian that their family member has the best care. This can include the dream of owning your own horse property. The following is a list of 5 key points when buying a horse property.
This is especially important in Arizona. Horses need water for health and digestion and can drink between five and ten gallons of water per day. What are the water rights on the property you are considering? Is it on municipal water, private well, or shared well? What is the condition of these facilities? Their history? How are they maintained. What systems are in place for distributing the water on the land? It is important to investigate these items and records can be found at Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Having an experienced property inspector check the facilities is also recommended.
2. What is the location and quality of the land?
An important question a buyer must ask is what will they use the land for? Are you interested in trail riding, roping, or any other use? This is an important consideration because not all land types will support all uses. How far is the land from riding? Is it necessary to trailer to get to a trail and if so, how far?
One should also consider the topography. Is the land flat, hilly, rocky, and will it be difficult to build on?
3. How much land do you need?
How many horses are allowed per acre and do you need additional acreage for pasture, and outbuildings? Will you be using the land for a commercial endeavor or for your own personal use?
4. What is the condition of the property and has it been maintained?
Are their facilities such as tack rooms, feed storage, stalls, arenas, and equipment storage? Is there electricity and water supplied at these locations? Are there waste management and drainage systems in place? It is important to know the ages of any facilities and see that they are properly maintained. It is also important to know that they are sufficient for your future-plans. This leads to zoning.
After you have looked at the first four items, you need to determine if the property will work for your plans and will it accommodate any future expansion. What zoning restrictions are there that may prevent you from realizing your future goals?
This of course is not an exhaustive list. It can be helpful to contact a real estate broker that is familiar with land and acreage transactions to help you navigate the myriad of details that will come up, so you may have as smooth a transaction as possible and get the property that realizes your goals.