Finding the right equestrian property can be a challenge in the San Diego area, depending on what size property you are looking for, your budget, and the area you would like to be in.
Having grown up in horse country outside Philadelphia on the Main Line, and participating in equestrian activities for about 10 years (and owning horses myself), I have a pretty good idea of the what it's like to own horse property.
Here are some thoughts on questions you should be asking and issues to be aware of, plus some information on key equestrian real estate areas.
QUESTIONS AND ISSUES:
Price, in large part, is going to determine WHERE you can buy your equestrian property. Part of the reason for that is the cost of land. Equestrian properties in San Diego County generally are going to run from around $1 million to over $20 million, unless you are inland quite a distance. There are some horse properties in the $400,000 - $750,000 range but not near the coast (e.g., communities such as Santa Ysabel, Ramona, Julian, with some in Fallbrook, Valley Center, and Bonsall). If you don't know for sure what your budget is, take time to get pre-approved with a qualified mortgage broker so you know what you can spend.
No doubt having a chunk of land is important, and in some areas lot size will determine how many horses you are permitted to have. So decide on how much acreage you want - 2-5, 10, 20 or more? Availability of larger parcels will vary quite a bit and typically will be further from the city or larger developed areas.
You should also make some decision about the specifics of the property you are seeking. In addition to a main house (size, bedrooms, baths), are there other facilities you want - guest house; staff housing; one or more barns (for how many horses, including one or more tack rooms); fenced in paddocks and/or pastures; storage for feed/grain/hay/straw/etc.; outdoor riding ring; indoor arena (or room to build one); equipment included in the sale (tractor, jump equipment, etc.); a track (if your interest is in racing); room for parking horse trailers and/or vans; access to trails and other equestrian facilities in the area. You may also have an interest in having a well and if so, what size or capacity. Consider also if you are willing to develop the facility. Buying undeveloped land may work well financially provided horses are allowed and you are willing to install the features you need.
In some communities it is important to understand the zoning - you will run across areas, such as Olivenhain in Encinitas, that place a limit on the number of horses you can maintain on a particular lot size, and zoning restrictions may limit the type of business you can actually operate (e.g., show horses, race horses, riding lessons) and so on.
COMMUNITIES:
There are a number of communities that have equestrian properties that may suit your needs, again depending on your budget.
A few examples:
•· Olivenhain, which is part of Encinitas, is a well-known equestrian area with a variety of properties - you can expect to pay at least $1.5 million or more in all likelihood
•· Rancho Santa Fe, adjacent to Olivenhain, also has a number of horse properties, some of them quite substantial. Expect to pay at least $2.5 million for Rancho Santa Fe equestrian real estate, and you can top out in the $20 million range (currently there are 6 equestrian listings in excess of $10 million)
•· Fallbrook (inland from Oceanside) has 8 horse properties in the $1 million to $5 million range
•· There are 8 properties in the $1.2 million to $2.9 million range in Valley Center.
If you are interested in acquiring an equestrian property in the San Diego area and would like more information, please let me know. You may also enjoy searching for active listings on my home search page on my website (see link below).
REFERRALS: If you are seeking an equestrian property elsewhere in the country, please let me know. I have some great connections with terrific REALTORS in some other horsey areas like Pennsylvania, Florida, Virgina, Maryland adn Kentucky (as well as other areas) and would be happy to make an introduction for you to make sure you are working with the best agent in the area.
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If I can provide more information about Del Mar, Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
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