The Importance of Working with an Experienced Equestrian Real Estate Agent 

Equestrian properties are not your typical residential homes. The land serves a purpose beyond addressing the homeowner’s needs, and everything on the premises revolves around making sure the horses are at their best. And horses are not your average domestic pets. Tending to them is a full-time job that consists of constant hard work. When it comes to buying and selling these properties, it’s important to work with an agent who understands these facets of equestrian life and everything they entail.

Real estate agents who either grew up around horses or have many years’ worth of experience working with equestrian buyers and sellers are uniquely qualified to understand your needs as a buyer or seller of an equestrian property.

A particular region’s climate, for example, will present unique challenges for equestrian buyers looking to build out their property to accommodate their specific riding discipline. Only an experienced equestrian agent can provide the proper guidance on property additions and maintenance, as well as how those recommendations align with local zoning regulations. For those looking to sell their equestrian property, it’s imperative that they work with a listing agent who understands the property and how to market it to the right buyers.

Equestrian advisors also understand the emotions that come with equestrian property ownership. Taking care of horses is a significant undertaking, financially and emotionally. Buyers and sellers may set logic to the side and make decisions based on emotions, rightfully so, given how heavily invested they are in the well-being of their animals. Equestrian advisors know how to interpret the emotions behind these decisions and guide their clients toward logical solutions throughout the buying/selling process.

Heather Osgood, Equestrian Advisor for Windermere and lifelong competitive equestrian

As a lifelong ‘horse girl,’ I know the hard work and diligence required to have horses at home. Throughout my life I’ve defrosted buckets, changed irrigation pipe and pulled noxious weeds, among other things. And as a boarder in various working and show barns, I’ve seen excellent examples of what simply works and what truly makes life better for the horses and their humans.

Real estate agents generally want to be seen as experts in all things real estate, but most do not understand the intricacies of marketing and selling equestrian and farm & ranch properties. An experienced agent can immediately tell when dealing with a novice, and it is puzzling why a buyer or seller would work with someone who doesn’t really ‘get’ them or understand their unique situation.

Why does the size of a stall matter? What footing is being used in the arenas? What type of drainage has been incorporated in the design and build? Where do hay, shavings and used bedding get stored? What about irrigation? What environmental mitigation has been done?  I am barely scratching the surface…the list goes on, and on.

I started my real estate career in Central Oregon in 2001, and developed my niche for equestrian and farm & ranch properties from there. When I moved to the Seattle area in 2010, I intentionally connected with Maria Danieli (Windermere) who is renowned as Washington’s equestrian and luxury acreage specialist, so that I could learn from the best. Now, with nearly 25 years of professional experience (plus a lifetime with horses), I am thrilled to be recognized for my expertise, which is also my passion.