How to prepare for showing rural and equestrian property - Part 1, An Active Rain Newbie Contest - Come Get Some Jump in Your Step

How to prepare for showing rural and equestrian property - Part 1

You want your clients to see that you prepared for them, experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to showing and selling country and equestrian property.  There are several aspects that simply never come up when working a typical subdivision in town, so if you are not used to selling rural property these tips may help you.

1. Clean your truck inside and out before picking up your clients.  While I do have clients that don't care if I have hay particles in the back of the truck, it doesn't look professional.
2. Make sure you know where the property is located, google and mapquest are not always accurate when it comes to rural property, although they have gotten better.
3. Pack your boots!  Or at least shoes to walk the land that you can get dirty and scuffed.
4. Speaking of walking the land, ask the listing agent or seller if there are any empty pastures that you can walk in.  This is no time to be liable for your client getting bit or kicked.
5. Pack towels for your clients to wipe off their shoes before getting into your truck if muddy.  I am not so worried about my truck as I am about the next house that we will go in.
6. Pack your own booties for clients to slip on their shoes while in the house if the listing agent has not provided them for you.  Some people do not like to take off their shoes.
7. Take a plat map with you of each property.  If you are looking at 2 acres, 20 or 200 acres, it would be nice to know what land they are considering to purchase.  
8. Ask the listing agent before your showing if they have any well or septic information on file.  I usually find that about 50% of the time they do, and it is very helpful to share.  Not that your buyer wouldn't get their own well and septic inspections, but it gives you background information to start from.  It also makes you look really smart that you checked into it!
9. If the listing does not address what is included with the sale, ask.  The is especially important when it comes to stall mats, saddle racks and other equestrian equipment.
10. Pack a 100 foot (or longer) tape measure, flashlight and small paper cups.  The tape measure for your client to measure off areas for pasture, barn or arena building; the flashlight for obvious reasons; the paper cups to taste the well water.