Buying a house can sometimes feel stressful. So you can imagine how it feels when buying a horse farm.
Not only do you need to consider the house, you need to consider the land and make sure everything is the right fit for both you and your animals.
Although this can seem like a lot, it doesn’t have to be stressful.
When you work with a REALTOR who specializes in horse farms, all of these potential stresses are lifted from your shoulders.
A great real estate agent knows exactly what you have to consider when buying a horse from in Kentucky, so you don’t have to worry about making the wrong choice.
But when looking for a horse farm, you should also make sure that you know what to look for so you can make an informed decision.
Check the Quality of the Barn
Possibly the most important aspect to consider when buying a horse farm in Lexington is the barn.
The first thing to look out for is where the barn is situated on the property. You’ll want to make sure it’s relatively close to the house so you don’t have to trudge long distances to get to it everyday.
Size is also very important when looking at the barn.
It’s standard for barns to have 12 foot aisleways—any smaller than this and you’ll be cramped for space. But of course, if the aisleways are larger than this, bonus!
You’ll also want to make sure the stalls are at least 10x10. This is a comfortable size for horses, though bigger can sometimes be better.
In 2020, you may see new technology in horse barns. This could mean newer, quieter barn doors and more technologically advanced ventilation systems. Make sure to ask you real estate agent about all of the features in the barn so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Inspect the Pature land and Paddocks
There’s a reason why Lexington, Kentucky is the horse capital of the world—it’s land is perfect for raising horses.
No matter where you choose to buy a horse farm in Lexington, odds are the land is going to be rich with vital nutrients thanks to the limestone in the soil.
Even though the soil may be perfect for horses, the pastureland might not be great.
You need to make sure there is a variety of grasses on the property to ensure great health for your horses.
Lexington is known for its bluegrass, but you should check if there are any other types of grasses in the mix, such as orchardgrass, tall fescue, and bermudagrass.
There are do-it-yourself tricks that you can do when visiting the property to check for the different types of grasses, but it’s always best to talk to your real estate agent about this to know for sure.
Another thing you want to consider is the vegetative coverage of the land.
There should be at least 70% grass coverage for your horses to graze. Any less and you’ll most likely have to do some work reestablishing the land.
Before you start your search for a horse farm, ask yourself how much land you need.
Typically, horses require two acres of land to graze. If you have less than this, you’ll have to maintain the land more regularly.
But don’t make your land calculations only based on the number of horses you currently have. It’s always good to overshoot the size of the property so if in the future you choose to have more horses, your land will be large enough to accommodate them.
Consider the Type of Fencing
The fencing seems like a simple thing to look out for when buying a horse farm. Certainly there can’t be too much to it!
But there is.
When touring a property, pay special attention to the type of fencing it has—whether it’s made from board, wire, or mesh.
The classic Lexington horse farm fence is, of course, the white boarded style. This style is not only gorgeous to look at, but it’s functional.
Though, this isn’t the only type of fencing out there.
Mesh fencing is possibly the best in the industry because of its strength and durability. It’s also the most expensive.
In addition to the type of fence, you should consider the color.
White is certainly beautiful, though it requires much more maintenance than black. You’ll find that in order to keep your fence looking nice, you’ll have to paint it quite often.
Black fencing is far less maintenance than white, making it a great choice, especially for larger farms.
This is just the start of all the things you need to consider when buying a horse farm in Lexington, Kentucky. Though, if you have a great REALTOR that specializes in horse farms, they’ll guide you through the entire process, so no need to stress.
Contact Turf Town Properties for professional real estate services when buying a horse farm in Lexington. They’re your expert guide to everything horse farms!
Posted by Hill Parker on
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