Albemarle County Virginia is in the middle of horse country.  As a REALTOR who is also a professional in the horse business, I pay particular attention to listings that come on the market stating that they are horse properties or potential horse properties.  What I often find is a detailed description showing the features of the house and very little about the equestrian facilities.

Many agents do not realize that you are not dealing with your usual client.  Equestrian buyers are primarily interested in the horse ameneties and the home is secondary.  In order to find exactly what they want for the horses, they will often sacrifice features in the house.  When they arrive at the property, this buyer will usually want to inspect the barn, fields and ring first.  Only if all of this suits their horses' needs will they be interested in going through the house.

When listing a horse farm, there are features that you should be sure to know and put on the listing sheet.  These include the following: how many stalls does the barn have, what kind of fencing is there, what size are the fields, how much of the land is open and in pasture, is there a ring and what kind of footing does it have, are there trails.  All of these are of prime interest to the horseowner.

Also in showing property to clients who are looking for that perfect farm remember to sell the lifestyle.  Just like we sell the area when showing a subdivision, and are knowledgeable about schools, sports, golf courses, it helps to know something about the equestrian community.  For instance in Albemarle County and Central Virginia there is an "A" rated horseshow within a two hour drive almost every weekend twelve months of the year; there are two foxhunts, steeplechase racing, 4 H for the children, pony club, and many other equine related activities.  Just like you know about medical facilities and grocery stores, you should have information on veternary hospitals, feed stores and tack shops.

With a little additional homework the listing agent will have the tools to market this specialized property and those of us looking for the perfect horse farm for out buyer clients will not overlook your listing.

Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES
Real Estate III
Charlottesville, VA
pam@JumpintoGreenerPastures.com
http://www.JumpintoGreenerPastures.com
www.Charlottesville.virginiablogpage.com