Brigita's Blog: A Barn Does Not Necessarily Mean HORSES ALLOWED

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A Barn Does Not Necessarily Mean HORSES ALLOWED

I specialize in horse properties and I have buyers interested in purchasing farms, farmettes and properties for themselves and their equine friends.  What is really frustrating is when I check the MLS for properties, which are "zoned for horses", end up being quite the opposite. 

I had a situation where an older home was on the market and it included a barn, shed and a fenced in area for animals on about 3 acres.  It was advertised as  "zoned for horses".  I checked into zoning for my buyer (habit I guess) and it turned out that that particular township required a minimum of 10 acres in order to keep horses on your property.  They told me that they have 10 acres as a minimum because of development in the township and anything less would not provide an area for manure disposal.  Now, some townships do allow horses on 3 acres, but limit the number you can have (which is understandable).  Imagine what would have happened if the buyer did purchase the property and put their horses on it.  The township would have told them to remove them and your buyers would be very upset with, you guessed it, YOU, for not disclosing information.  All because you relied on the information the other agent supplied.

The moral of this real life situation: ALWAYS check information before you present it to your buyer.  Going the extra mile will prevent any major catastrophes and your buyers will trust you even more and thank you for it.  Just because the property has a barn on it does not mean it is a farm nor does it mean that horses or any other farm animal is allowed.

 

6 comments • Brigita McKelvie - Lehigh Valley, PA, Residential, Rural & Horse Properties • August 22 2007 07:34AM

Comments

I am the same way in checking things out. In this case the listing agent dropped the ball ! She should have looked into this especially if the owners never had cattle, or horses on the property. As listing's agent's its important for us to "diligent care and concern " and if something doesn't seem right, look into it. In my state they consider this false advertising and a good way to get yourself in front of the board. We recently had laws change that does not require us to pull septic information on homes other than new construction. However, we have still been adviced to practice "due diligence". In an example of this, recently I had a couple that wanted to make an offer on a 3/2, I pulled the septic info from the listing agent ( the home was listed prior to the law change) when I received it the homes septic permit only permitted for a 2 bedroom. Had I not went the extra mile of really under the law was not required by me, my buyers would have bough a home that only held for a 2 bedroom septic, but payed for a 3 and the resale value would have only been for a 2 ! The worst part is the listing agent KNEW this, advertised it as a 3/2 anyway and "assumed" since the law changed he didn't have to change, or his ethics ! Go the extra mile, because chances are when it all falls back on someone, you will also be in the mix !
Posted by Melissa Grant - Real Estate Coordinator Offering Virtual or On - Site Services (Virtual Office Systems) over 2 years ago
I guess we all hope that the listing agent does their background work but we know that doesn't always happen. Thanks for the info it is good info to keep in mind when dealing with "horse properties" and buyers.
Posted by Jean Doyle Morris and Sussex NJ Real Estate (RE/MAX House Values) over 2 years ago

I feel an agent should be on top of things, like zoning.  If a buyer expresses interest in a home in a particular area, the agent should do his homework and check things out with zoning.  The requirements for zoning can change rapidly and should be checked out when needed and not rely on someone else's say so.

Posted by Brigita McKelvie - Lehigh Valley, PA, Residential, Rural & Horse Properties (Keller Williams Real Estate) over 2 years ago

Brigita~ 

I am in-total agreement. As a land and horse farm specialist, I am devoted to due diligence. Thanks for your post on this important issue.

Posted by Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes over 2 years ago

We've seen this also. It pays to stop by the village or town hall and have a chat with the Zoning people. 

Posted by Wayzata Lakes Realty: Eric Kodner Sells Luxury Homes over 2 years ago
It pays to do the research for your clients.  In the long run they will appreciate your efforts and I'm sure you will receive referrals for being on top of things.  It's a win - win situation.
Posted by Brigita McKelvie - Lehigh Valley, PA, Residential, Rural & Horse Properties (Keller Williams Real Estate) over 2 years ago

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