Many of you have been reading my posts and noticed that about half of them pertain to horses. I'm one of those "horse crazy" people and that is partly why I got into selling horse properties. Let me turn back the hands of time and tell you why and how I got into it.
My husband and I were looking around for a place of our own with a few acres. We wanted to keep a couple of horses and maybe a couple of other animals like goats. We were working with a real estate agent. Now this agent was good at selling homes, but did not know what was required to keep horses. Since I have experience with horses for over 30 years, I knew exactly what kind of property was required. I tried to explain to the agent what sort of property we were looking for. It seemed that the only thing he understood was that we needed acreage with the home.
He showed us a number of properties with several acres, but none were suitable. Some were rocky, some swampy, some were even the side of a mountain. Just because there are several acres included with the home does not mean it is horse friendly. My husband and I were getting rather frustrated.
The one evening, my husband and I were discussing our unsuccessful search for a home and property. I don't know how, but somehow the conversation switched to my getting into real estate. A light went off in my head and I realized that there are many horse people out there that are probably going through the same thing we are, working with agents that have no clue about horses and what is suitable for them. Hmmmmm. I have many, many years of experience in many aspects of the horse world including teaching, so why not make real estate a career with horse properties as my expertise? I like diversity, enjoy working with and meeting people and helping others, so why not?? Sounds like the perfect job and I am certainly qualified for it.
So, that is how I got my Real Estate career started. It is such a good feeling helping others find suitable real estate for not only their horses, but any farm animals and any rural property of any sort. Just seeing the faces light up when they see the perfect home and property gives me satisfaction.
Bill:
That is the best thing to do. The problem is, many real estate agents in the area are more from the city and know nothing about rural and horse properties. Trying to find a horse person that's in the real estate business is the difficult part in this area.
Love the horses!!
Melissa:
Thank you! It was my pleasure!
Yesterday I had someone ask me if I really sell land.... I actually giggled... it is about my favorite thing to do. I love to be out looking and walking land and of course this includes horse properties!
Your Friend in Charlottesville
Charles:
You and me, both! When you walk the land, your imagination can go wild with the possibilities.
Debra:
Thanks! My clients have been happy with me. They particularly enjoy talking "horse" with me when we get together. It's good business to be an expert in your field.
Brigita,
Here is ours:
She is a paint (as you know, but non horsey folks might not). She is beautiful and fat a happy right now. She needs excersise, for sure! Nice blog about why you do this!
My hubby wouldn't have the horsey at home, so we board, but it is what he wanted. At least I know alot about boarding and how to do it right and wrong.
What kind of horses do you have?
Hello, Mary Jo!
Thanks for stopping by and reading my post! Here in the east, there is mostly English riding. But, you can find a few rodeos here and there. Haven't really been to one but have seen it on TV. The games are exciting, but you will never see me riding a bronc. Rode enough of the bucking when I broke my first horse.
Karen:
Your paint is pretty. She has really nice coloring. I have a 16.2 HH Thoroughbred who always needs to play. He is a fun horse to ride and my son had competed him on the A circuit in show jumping and US Pony Club National Competition 2 years in a row. They made a great team and placed in the top consistently. They both loved Show Jumping and that's why they did so well. I am plaaning on writing a post about Eddie, my Thoroughbred, in the near future. Once I get my own place, I will get another 1 or 2 horses. Too costly to board.
BTW, once I start talking about horses, I can't seem to stop.
Adam:
I see that, now. What helped with my niche was the fact that I already knew many people in the "horse world". Having been involved in many of the different organizations has helped, also.
Julie:
The knowledge comes from years of experience and learning. I have loved horses ever since I can remember. This is a great way for me to incorporate my love of horses and helping others.
Bravo, I couldn't agree more. I got into the appraisal business as a horse property specialist. It's amazing how many agents and appraisers are more interested in fees and commissions than finding properties suitable for our horses. I've got two wallowing in the mud in my pasture at the moment. Fellow horsey bloggers, please, please, please...when shopping for horse properties, find a specialist. There are just too many variables and bad decisions are hard to fix.
Liz:
This is why consumers need to deal with a specialist to help them. You wouldn't let a medical doctor work on your teeth or a dentist do any surgery on you. Yes, they are both doctors, but they have their specialties. Then why wouldn't you consider going to a real estate agent that has expertise in the particular area you need? Too many times I have seen properties listed as "zoned for horses" and the agent only does residential properties, not horse properties. How can that agent sell it if he has no clue it is suitable for horses? Just because it is zoned for horses does not qualify it as horse property.
Have a wonderful Holiday season and a prosperous and great 2009!
Brigita