Have you ever looked for horse properties and been told, by either the agent or the seller, that because it is 7 acres that it is zoned for horses? When you go to take a look at it, it turns out that 3/4 of it is swamp or wetlands, or most of the property is on the side of a mountain. The side of the mountain might be good for mountain goats, but not for horses. How about after you have purchased the property, and are ready to bring your horses over, zoning tells you that you cannot because you do not have enough acreage to have horses or farm animals on it. Frustrating, isn't it?
Before making the leap into purchasing that "dream farm" you need to do some research. First of all, check with zoning, in the area you are looking, to see what the requirements are as to how much property is needed to house horses or farm animals. Some areas may require so many acres per animal. Others may require that you must have, let's say, 10 acres in order to have any farm animals at all. Each township is different. It is best to check before making the effort at looking at the property, liking it, and THEN finding out you cannot have your horses there. It would be a waste of time and effort, and very frustrating. Also, some areas no longer use the grandfather clause. (E.g. If horses were there before, you can keep horses there if they are moved in immediately after the others are moved, even though the property does not fit into the zoning requirements.)
Next, you should check out to see what the property looks like and see if you would WANT to keep the horses there. Is it swampy, woodsy, mountainous? Would you have an area for the horses to be able to run around, or will they end up floating down the stream the next time we have heavy rains and flooding? These are all things you need to take into consideration.
In the long run, you may be better off having a real estate agent with expertise in the field help you find that farm you have always dreamed of. You will be able to find the property quicker and with less aggravation. They will know what questions to ask and if the property is appropriate for YOUR purposes.
I completely agree with everything you said. Check out my blog because I wrote a similar one. Horse properties are interesting to sell! Aren't they?
Jonathan:
Horse properties definitely are interesting. I enjoy seeing the construction of the older barns. They sure don't make them like they used to.