Expert tips on how to sell your Florida equestrian property for the most profit

Florida is home to 500,00 horses, with nearly every breed of horse represented. Florida is also the third-largest equine state in the U.S. And with that horse ownership number, combined with equine associations and other organizations as well as the tourism aspect, the horse industry has an $11.7 billion annual economic impact on the state.

Ocala alone is known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” and it is a true equine epicenter, with more than 1,200 horse farms and roughly one horse for every four people in its surrounding area.

In fact, thirty percent of all farms in Florida are horse farms. Needless to say with those percentages, there are some absolutely amazing equestrian properties across the state. If you’re an owner of one of those and are thinking of selling, what can you do to make sure your property stands out among all others and gets the most money? That’s where we’re here to help.

First, you have to realize that selling a horse farm is different than selling a typical residential home. There are a lot of things you’ll need to factor in when getting ready for the sell. One is the most important, which we’ll cover a few paragraphs down.

Put Yourself in the Buyer’s Shoes (or vehicle)

Imagine you’re a potential buyer pulling in to look at your property. How does your property look at first glance? See it with the buyer’s eyes and really look. As the owner, you sometimes miss things or get used to things that you may think is fine, but may look shabby or uncared for to prospective buyers. Could the buildings use a fresh coat of paint? Does that driveway need to be updated (it is one of the most used areas). Could the landscaping use a spruce? Make sure that their first impression is just as amazing as you feel your property is.

Wrangle the Eye Sores

So after your drive by, the first thing to do, well before you put your listing on the market, is take care of the basics. Clean before anyone can see any of the messes. Survey the entire property. Are there any minor issues or small problems to fix? Make a list. On a side note: if you decide there are too many issues to fix, you could consider selling as is, but you would take a substantial hit on the sale.

Clean and Organize all Structures

Now that the absolute basics are done, it’s time to start checking boxes. A good place to start is cleaning and decluttering all the buildings, including the home. Wash and clean out the stables and barns. Get rid of cobwebs and debris, and then get rid of the clutter and any personal items. Be mindful of the “a place for everything and everything in its place” mantra (buyers will appreciate the care they see that you’ve put into your property). Then, work your way out to the pastures. The goal is for the land and buildings to appear in excellent condition. People will be touring every inch, so every inch needs to be taken care of.

Secure the Perimeter

Fencing is one of the first things that buyers will notice about your property. Broken or missing sections should be fixed, as well as any rotten posts or broken or missing sections. Make sure the fence is secure. Check out the gates. Are they opening and closing properly and smoothly? 

Freshen the Exterior

The exterior of the home, barns, and fencing need to shine. Consider giving everything a fresh coat of paint to create an amazing first impression. Beyond the paint, take care of the landscaping. Make sure everything is mowed and edged (and keep up the maintenance throughout the selling period). Spruce up flowers and trees. Even the smallest of steps can help let buyers know how much you value your land.

If You’re Willing to Go a Little Further…

Have a little extra money to invest in order to get a bigger and better return? Consider repairs that go beyond the cosmetic. Instead of repairing broken fence posts, think about putting in new fences. Maybe add some better security or lighting. While these improvements are more expensive, they could lead to a higher price on the sale. 

But when it all comes down to it, the next tip is your best to get the most out of your property.

Hire a Realtor (and Make Sure It’s the Right One)

Successfully selling a horse property has a lot of nuances that you’ll not only need help on—you’ll need the right help. A Realtor experienced in selling these types of properties will help you decide on which repairs and improvements are the most advantageous. 

They’ll showcase your property the way it should be, with interactive digital tours, drone photography and videos to showcase the entire property and all structures, professional photography that will make your property stand out from the rest. They’ll also be more savvy in marketing the property. You’ll need to target buyers with specific interests and needs. They can do that. 

When it comes to pricing, you’ll need to look at property values in the area. You’ll need to price the property where it’s not too high that potential buyers will lose interest, but also not so low as to not reap the property’s full worth. Basically, you’ll need to list at the perfect price and market it to the right people. It seems daunting, but the right Realtor in your corner will handle each aspect of the transaction and give you the ultimate peace of mind that your property is in the best of hands.

Selling equestrian properties are a delicate dance of a myriad of items. A Florida realtor experienced in selling high-end horse properties can flawlessly lead you through all the steps.

Horse & Home Estates at Ane’ & Co. Florida Real Estate is proud to serve as South Florida’s top real estate team for luxury equestrian properties. We represent both buyers and sellers of land, ranches, and horse farms, and our real estate professionals include horse owners, riders, trainers, and agents with personal experience when it comes to the needs of Florida equestrians. Our clients report high satisfaction and appreciate our responsive and thorough representation throughout the sale or purchase of their property. With over $1 billion in completed transactions and countless satisfied clients, we’re prepared to deliver outstanding results to you.