Which property is best for a horse farm? *UPDATED*

Question

Thank you guys for all your support, and sorry that I have to kepp updating these questions, but you guys have given me another great property! So, which one of these properties, after some handy work and lots of T.L.C, is best for a horse farm?

# 1)

http://www.realtor.com/search/listingdetail.aspx?gate=google&source=a15696&ctid=85744&mxp=24&typ=21&supads=pup,pun&sid=f857540082d34378a3e53b6b808f2a3a&sdir=0&sby=2&pg=2&lid=1095224575&lsn=18&srcnt=200#Detail

#2)

http://www.realtor.com/search/listingdetail.aspx?gate=google&source=a15696&ctid=85744&mxp=24&typ=21&supads=pup,pun&sid=f857540082d34378a3e53b6b808f2a3a&sdir=0&sby=2&pg=7&lid=1100791052&lsn=62&srcnt=200#Detail

#3)

http://www.realtor.com/search/listingdetail.aspx?gate=google&source=a15696&ctid=85744&mxp=24&typ=21&supads=pup,pun&sid=f857540082d34378a3e53b6b808f2a3a&sdir=0&sby=2&pg=4&lid=1100457274&lsn=40&srcnt=200#Detail

Thank you guys so much for your support!

**I know, the prices really are wonderful, and they fit my budget, too, and all this acreage? I mean, horses love it!!

Answer 1

I would definitely NOT pick the first one, it's a TON of work, and not even that much acreage. If I were you, I would pick the third one seeing as it has a barn, lots of acres, and the house is in decent shape. Good Luck, and Happy Shopping! :]

Answer 2

Aroostook County, Maine, for a horse farm?  Ummmmm....  seriously?

There's a reason prices are so reasonable.  It's cold, the winters are incredible and last forever, there aren't many people who want to live there.

Do you want this for a hobby farm or a money making venture?  Honestly, if it's a hobby, fixing the house and the barn and taking care of the horses...  that's a full time job in itself.   Plus, unless things have really changed since I was there, any job you find will have a salary in line with these property prices.

If it's for a business, make sure the area can support what you're planning.  If it's boarding/lessons/training, I don't think Aroostook can support you.  If it's breeding, you have to factor in the cost of hay over the long winter, the cost of labor to handle freezing water and manure (that cold a place, it freezes to the floor long before you can remove it!), and the problem that your foals will be later and thus less developed than those born on farms in warmer climes.

Either way, don't forget to factor in the cost of equipment.  Tractor, brush hog, snowplow, manurespreader, backhoe...  whatever you'll need.

If you're still set on it, I'd get the first one.  At least you can look at that million dollar view without getting up to fix it!  :)  Also, it has the charm, view, and lake access to give it real potential as a B&B down the road, which the others don't.  That added flexibility means a lot, particularly when you think resale value.  

I don't mean to pan Aroostook, just make sure you go into eyes open business wide.  It's beautiful country.

Answer 3

Go with #1. And if you don't, then I might just go rob the freaking lottery and buy it myself. I looks like it was taken right out of an old paining of an ideal ranch. I mean I could even see it with snow on the ground and a good horse prancing as it pulls a sleigh.  

Answer 4

i think number 1 it sorta looks like a riding stable i went to and its worth the work maybe you should go there and check it out

Answer 5

I still say #1..and if you don't, I will, LOL!  

It looks to be in better shape, the scenery is better, the land looks elevated so there's less chance of having to  worry about boggy areas in the pasture, and the house is nicer.

Answer 6

Well, my connection is slow - it'd take WAY too long to view all these.

I hear you say you are worried about the work involved on 2.5 out of 3 of these places.

I think what you need help with is not chosing property but setting some goals and indicators to help YOU make the best choice for YOU.  We're not livin' there and we all have different abilities we'll answer through rose colored glasses.

You've already identified a budget - good job!  That'll help you stay focused.

some of the properties need help on the house, some on the barn, huh?  What's the most important to have in the best condition first?  Are you in the situation where you'll need to move from where you are to where you're going and have optimal conditions for the horse first?  What I mean is, if the barn and other needed buildings are in disrepair and the horses need to move in right away with you, can they safely be in those buildings until they can be fixed?  The same goes for you.

After that, get someone knowledgeable in contracting involved to give you some pointers or go with you or view the properties somehow to figure what the cost is going to be to make the necessary fixes.  List first what MUST be done right away to each one, what can wait until later, and what doesn't really ever need to be but you want fixed someday.

I think that little bit of homework will help you a lot - because I think you'll find the costing a big consideration.

In my situation, I'd live in a hovel that I knew I could fix over time to allow my horses to live in a safe place near me.  I know a good friend who would allow the horse to live in a shed with one line of hot wire as long as her house was nice and had a garden tub.  Each one has their own desires and things they'll live with.  I also am pretty handy with a hammer and nails, and I enjoy fixing things myslef that I am able - so if the fixes were things I could do myself over time and save money by needing someone else fix 'em, that would be a consideration as well.

Hope you get lots of good advice from which to build your goals.  Good luck on your home - I hope it affords many happy times for you, your family and your horse family too!

Answer 7

1 looks good. And good luck with your new home!! And have fun with your horses!

Answer 8

2, the property is gorgeous!

Answer 9

Hi there!

Well this is a tough decision.

My family has recently moved and I know the give and the take along with moving, it can be difficult.

Well the thing is they all look like Fixer-uppers which is fine if you are up for remodeling. Every house I have lived in has always been under construction so that is not really that big of a deal.

Number 1 would definitely be my pick.  The house needs ALOT of work but for some reason that is just the one I like best.

I don't really like number 3 at all.  Too run down.  Number 2 is okay but I agree the house is not very homey.

My suggestion is to go look at all of them in person.  If you have not done so already. Buying a house is a huge responsibility and you need to make sure you are making the best decision for you and your family.

I wish you the best of luck!

Hope I Helped! :-)

Looks like with any pick you have a lot of cleaning up to do ahead of you! lol...