Farm Fix Up

Barn Builders

"Generally speaking, a property should have first impression appeal. If it needs painting, fence repairs and has debris or trash laying around, the best initial investment would be to get that taken care of. Then upgrade landscaping, fencing, buildings, driveway, home, etc." -Dan Roger, Re/Max Quality Service
	"Clean up trash and junk! Don't have an old pile of broken equipment in a corner or stored in the hay loft. When your property sells, you will need to get it out anyway so do it now and not later. Throw away those empty feedbags and remove the manure pile." "If you can smell it, you can't sell it!" -Joan Jernigan, Re/Max Achievers
	"To increase the chance of selling quickly, know what federal and state programs (EQIP, CREP, Ag Preservations, etc) the farm is eligible to be enrolled in and what the potential annual income is. Note the tax advantages of operating the farm." -Bob Ensor, Ensor Realty, LLC

	To read more about what state programs farms can apply to for funds, click here.
"Keep the barn in good, safe condition. Check electrical wiring. Fences should be safe and well maintained. As much as possible, eliminate mud! Improve drainage around the barn ... cover problem areas with stone over heavy-duty landscape cloth." -Joyce Corcoran, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

	"Repair obvious damage to fences, roofs, home, etc. Do repairs properly and do not band aid them. Landscape, mow, mulch, plant flowers, trim trees, bushes, etc. Make every area as pleasant to the eye as possible. A fresh coat of stain and paint on anything and everything makes a home and farm sell faster and can get you more money as well." -Dee Miles, Realty Executives


"Make the farm as turnkey as possible. Few buyers enjoy a project to make the farm functional right from the get go. Have adequate storage for equipment to maintain the property as well as a suitable place for manure, and a plan for removal. Convenient bedding and hay storage should be available. Make the place look functional and easy to run. " -Tracy Diamond, Re/Max Advantage Realty


	"Have a designated tack area, and preferably not in the kitchen. Make the effort to do the work and reap the rewards." -Dee Miles, Realty Executives

Excavators

"Clean up the junk and yard and farm debris.
Clear clutter and outside and inside waste, junk and unnecessary things. Make all areas as clean and cleared out as possible. It can make a huge difference. "

-Dee Miles, Realty Executives

"Most buyers form their opinion about your property in the first two minutes. Approach your property like a buyer would. This means starting with the outside first. The approach to your property should be clean, fencing in good repair and attractive landscaping."

-Laura-Lee Jones. Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.

"Next is the front door and entrance to the house. According to a recent survey by the National Home Builders Association, a new front door is one of the best returns on investment. The house should be clean and in good repair. Homes that are clean but older will sell before a newer one in poor showing condition. The same goes for the barn and any out buildings."

-Laura-Lee Jones, Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.

Equipment

"Go to your tack room and get rid of old unused tack. Donate it to a youth group for an auction. Clean and oil tack so things look well maintained. Sweep down cobwebs, wash windows and put bedding in empty stalls. People will see their horses standing in those clean stalls."

-Joan Jernigan, Re/Max Achievers

"With increased development limiting riding out from many properties, having a place to ride and train on the premises is an important feature. Outdoor rings are typically one of the most cost effective fix ups. Buyers want some sort of all weather footing. "

-Tracy Diamond, Re/Max Advantage Realty

Farm & Pasture Services

"Over grazed pastures suggest many negative things to the buyer, like not enough pasture to support the number of stalls or lack of maintenance by the seller. Lush, groomed pastures make a statement."

-Tracy Diamond, Re/Max Advantage Realty

"Keep all the grass and fields cut and trimmed. Clean out the barns and get rid of the trash. Flowers and upkeep are some easy ways to stage the farm. If the farm is clean, neat and painted and the grass is cut, it will increase the possibility of selling the farm."

-Kitsi Christmas, Long and Foster Real Estate,Inc.

"Clean and tidy up the house, barn and property. Curb appeal is important. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way in increasing value and marketability. Keep yard and pastures neatly mowed. Treat noxious weeds and thistle."

-Joyce Corcoran, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

"Horse people have horses and typically need to get them moved in at the time of possession of the property. I think that one of the most important staging techniques of a farm is to make it appear as easy to maintain as possible. Have it mowed, weed removed, fencing in good repair, entrance to the property attractive, stalls spotless. Even if the property does not have horses on it now, set up the barn as if there were horses there. Shaving in stalls, etc."

-Tracy Diamond, Re/Max Advantage Realty

Fencing

"Clean up the junk, fix the obvious broken fences, barn siding, etc. Get green grass growing and mow the entrance areas to show a nice entrance. First impressions do count."

-Bob Ensor, Ensor Realty, LLC

"Make sure your property is spotless and all broken items are fixed or replaced. That is number one. Beyond that of course it is still kitchens and baths that buyers like. However, if the rest of the property is disheveled, forget it."

-Laura-Lee Jones, Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.

"It is critical that improvements be proportionate to the size of the property. Try to keep improvements suited to all types of horse operations. A small dressage arena will mean little to a hunter/jumper buyer."

-Tracy Diamond, Re/Max Advantage Realty

Financial Services

"Price is key as the property has to be priced properly so the prospective buyers can compare it with similar properties on the market. The value judgement and evaluation will come from that comparison."

-Bob Ensor, Ensor Realty, LLC

Jumps

"Sadly, increased value in the eyes of the appraiser comes from size of the home, acreage and to a lesser degree, barns. Little value is given by the appraiser to fencing, indoor or outdoor arenas, etc. Most of the fix ups will greatly increase marketability but must be weighed carefully. Home improvements such as updated kitchen, additions to square footage, decks, etc add more value than say run-in sheds."

-Tracy Diamond, Re/Max Advantage Realty

Legal Services

"As to staging, less is more! Eliminate clutter and pack away any unnecessary items in preparation for moving. Staging is vitally important."

-Joyce Corcoran, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Painting

"Paint, paint, paint ... goes a long way. At this point in time, property values are still declining, so properties that are in turnkey condition will sell first."

-Tim McGrath, MacIntosh Realty

"Wash stall with hot water ... rubber matted stalls are critical ... fencing that is good and in safe condition."

-Tracy Diamond, Re/Max Advantage Realty

"With the spring thaw and better weather, my advice is start outside and work your way in."

-Laura-Lee Jones, Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc..

Barn Buiilders	Excavators	Equipment	Farm & Pasture Services	Fencing
Financial Services	Insurance	Jumps	Legal Services	Painting or Other Services

DIRECTORY TO FARM FIX UP