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What to Consider When Buying an Equestrian Property
Buying a horse property is not your typical home purchase, especially for first time buyers. If you’ve never shopped for a horse property before, there is much to learn on the road to finding the best property for your needs. Working with an experienced Equestrian Advisor will also help ensure your home search and purchase go as smoothly as possible.
Horse Property Acreage
Just because a property has plentiful acreage doesn’t mean it will be suitable for horse care. The land must be flat-to-gently-sloped for grazing and provide adequate access to your horses’ basic needs. You want to look for properties with usable land – meaning there are not acres of unusable gullies, steep edges, or too many bodies of water that could make it difficult for your animals to navigate the property. Pay attention to local regulations about how much acreage is required per horse.
Zoning Instructions
If the property currently has horses or has in the past, do not assume it is an approved horse property. Part of your Equestrian Advisor’s job will be to ensure the property is in line with the local city, county, and/or HOA regulations for agriculture and livestock. Neglecting to verify the property could mean a significant financial setback if your horse property were the source of future legal issues and penalties.
Stable Inspections
When conducting the primary home inspection, be sure to have the barn and stables inspected as well. This could lead to higher upfront costs but skipping it could cause a huge headache later. Having a professional evaluate the barn and stables can reveal structural issues, electrical issues, or other potential problems that you would want to know about before you sign any paperwork.
Amenities
Housing horses and livestock on your property can be done with much more ease with a few convenient amenities. When touring prospective properties, look for the following:
- Frost-proof spigots in the pasture, arena, and turnouts
- Heated waterers in the stalls
- Sufficient hay storage area
- Tack room with a fridge for medication and supplements
- Wash bay
- Arena or training round pen
Your Routine
Transitioning to an equestrian lifestyle is a big adjustment, especially if this is your first time. Make sure you are taking your daily routine into consideration when looking at properties. How close are you to the barn? Where is the main water source? Careful planning every step of the way will make adapting to your new property much smoother and easier.
To connect with an experienced Equestrian Advisor today, click the link below:
Gorgeous Eaton Ranch
Welcome to this beautiful ranch style home in Eaton. 1315 1st St sits on 1/4 acre with 5 bedrooms and 3 baths, 3 car garage, open floor plan, main floor living, hardwood floors in the kitchen with plenty of storage, vaulted ceilings, wet bar in the basement, finished basement which makes this home feel spacious and comfortable. Great wrap around deck, beautiful, mature landscaping in the back yard that features a basketball court, 2 hookups for a hot tub. Contact Suzanne Ekeler at (970) 590-4841 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.
Lovely Two Bedroom Home
4503 Espirit Drive is a wonderful home with permanent foundation in the Sunflower active adult community. This 2-bedroom home with den/study features lot of natural light and a spacious patio with pergola. Pride of ownership abounds with newer paint, flooring, carpeting and water heater. The large kitchen has stainless steel appliances, a newer countertop and a breakfast bar with seating. An open floorplan has room for both living and a dining area. The master bathroom features a double sink vanity and his/her closets. An additional bedroom provides space for guests and a conveniently placed study/den gives you that extra room you need for a home office. Enjoy the insulated, over-sized garage for your winter projects or extra storage. This gated community has a clubhouse, hot tub, pickleball courts, putting green & more. Enjoy the active lifestyle with weekly community activities! Play cards, game night, dance lessons, art classes and an exercise room with hot tub. Contact Aaron Pearson at (970) 646-3035 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.
Beautifully Updated Ranch
1215 Black Hawk Road, Eaton is a beautiful and cozy five bedroom, three bathroom ranch in the quiet Hawkstone subdivision and instantly feel at home. Admire the custom and updated finishes throughout including the Acacia engineered hardwood throughout the main level, light fixtures, tile work in the bathrooms, stunning cabinetry and countertops in the kitchen, and floor to ceiling stone fireplace highlighting the living room. The bright, permitted basement has Acacia LVP flooring and was just completed in June 2020 providing a spacious rec room/multipurpose space, two bedrooms, a gorgeous and modern dual vanity bathroom as well as abundant storage spaces. The exterior features front and back covered patios, a fully fenced back yard with garden beds, sprinkler system and mature landscaping including Boxelder, Peach Tree, Honeylocust and more! Hawkstone community offers an outdoor pool, clubhouse, play area, trail systems and is in close proximity to Eaton Country Club, the Town of Eaton and Highway 85. Contact Meaghan Nicholl at (970) 497-9045 to schedule your private tour or click the link below for more information.
Single-Family Home in Orchard!
2581 Highway 144 is an available horse property in Orchard! Don’t miss this opportunity to own 1 acre horse property near Jackson Reservoir. This home features an open floor plan complete with a cozy fireplace in the living room, large kitchen island, updated appliances, 3 bedrooms 2 large bathrooms and many updates throughout. The 48×30 outbuilding has a ton of parking/storage space, but also an additional bedroom/man cave with heating and cooling! Contact Brooke Kern at (970)980-8349 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.
Charming Ranch!
Welcome home to this 2019 Windmill home, providing the perfect opportunity to own new construction without the wait just in time for the holidays and new year! 846 South Prairie Drive is a welcoming ranch. The Keystone model features a covered front porch, an open floor plan, main floor laundry and plenty of storage. The full unfinished basement and back yard allows you to move right in and add your own creative touch with endless opportunity! Unlike new construction, appliances and window coverings are included, including washer and dryer. Within walking distance to multiple parks, walking trails and a fishing pond and just minutes away from historic downtown Milliken, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss especially at this PRICE! Contact Meaghan Nicholl at (970) 497-9045 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.
Stunning Two-Story in Westminster!
Look no further! This beautiful well maintained home at 5436 W 97th Court in Westminster will satisfy all of your wants and needs. As you enter this luxurious home, you will find a perfect home office that can also be used as a fifth bedroom if desired. Make your way to the open great room layout where you will find a gas fireplace, spacious dining area, and gourmet kitchen. The kitchen features white shaker cabinets, solid surface countertops, gas cooktop, double ovens, and so much more. Upstairs you will find the beautiful master suite along with 2 bedrooms connected by a jack and jill style bathroom. The laundry area is also conveniently located upstairs with the bedrooms. Don’t forget the finished basement!! The basement includes a guest bedroom, full bathroom, family/entertainment room, and 200 sq ft unfinished room for all of your storage needs!!
Contact Brooke Kern at (970) 980-8349 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.
Designing Your Home Office
Image Source: Canva
Working from home is an aspiration for many of us, but to do so effectively takes effort. A disorganized space at home can be just as troublesome as a hectic office. The most disciplined telecommuters will tell you that you need a structured routine and organization in order to be successful.
Having a designated workspace is one of the most important elements to your success when you make the switch to telecommuting. Even if you live in a small space, you need to find a balance between home and office. People who work from home often have a difficult time separating their work hours from their non-work hours because it’s so easy to keep at it late into the night. But maintaining a balance and shutting down the computer is important for overall wellbeing. What are some other must-haves for a successful home office? Here are the top five:
- Natural Light – Study upon study tells us that natural light is needed to boost productivity and mood. Make sure to set your desk up as close to a window as you can. If being near a window isn’t an option, a natural light lamp is the next best thing. It helps balance your body clock and leaves you feeling rested and refreshed.
- To-Do List or Planner – Start each day off by making a to-do list outlining what you need to get done before the end of the workday. Make sure to set a realistic time frame in which all of that should be completed, so you can check each one off the list and feel immense accomplishment once you’ve completed them all.
- Storage – If you have a big enough space, put in a large bookshelf where you can organize everything (think storage boxes). It reduces clutter and looks stylish. Using your walls and cabinetry is the most efficient use of space.
- Calendar – Many people tend to rely on digital calendars these days because of their convenience. When all of your devices sync together and pop up with reminders, you never have to worry about missing an appointment. However, many people find that it helps to keep a paper calendar handy too so you can easily view your whole month at a glance. Choose which options works best for you by playing with both options, or something in between and see which one lets you be more productive with the least amount of stress.
- Space for Inspiration – It doesn’t matter what field you work in, having a source of inspiration in your workspace is essential. Whether it’s a photo of your family, your dream car, or that vacation you’ve been dying to take, having that inspiration right in front of you provides a constant reminder of why you do what you do.
Designing Your Rental To Feel Like Home
Stylizing your own home can be a daunting but rewarding challenge. When you own your living space, it’s easy to feel a sense of ownership over every piece of your design. But for renters, the challenge is a bit different. Despite limitations, it’s no less important to one’s well-being for a residence to convey a sense of ownership and self. To make a rental unit feel a bit more like home, we collected a few ways to imbue your abode with your own spirit, without risking your security deposit.
Storage – Let’s be honest, rentals often lack sufficient storage place, and since custom cabinetry isn’t usually an option for renters, investing in some added storage is key.
Add some simple, no-to-low damage shelves, bookshelves that stand on their own, baskets, or use under the bed storage. Search for furniture that doubles as storage, like an ottoman that opens up or a side table with a drawer or shelf.
Blinds – Vertical blinds may be the ultimate decorating sin. No one likes feeling as if they’re living in a motel room.
We suggest you either take them down and save them somewhere so you remember to put them back when you leave. Another option is to hide them under curtains. Just don’t throw them out or you may not get all of your security deposit back!
Before making changes like this, or adding hardware like curtain rods, be sure to ask your landlord for permission.
Accessorize – A MUST when decorating your space are small items like pillows, throws, candles, books, and light fixtures… the only way to get a truly genuine space. These are easy ways to add your unique style that you can take with you from one place to the next.
Wall Art – Hanging art with hooks and nails can damage the walls, which might keep you from hanging art or photos on your walls, but when it comes down to it at move out, they’ll only take a few minutes to patch up when it comes time to move out. This doesn’t mean you have to hang an entire art gallery, but hanging one statement piece and placing the rest of the photos on a mantel or shelf can be all you need.
Again, ask your landlord before you add any holes in the home. When you’re touring, ask the landlord to keep the existing holes in the walls so you can use them, or ask if you can get the paint color information so you can patch and touch-up yourself, upon move-out.
Rugs – Last but not least, rugs: the peanut butter to your rental jelly. If there are scratched hardwood floors or stained carpets, you can cover those up easily with a throw rug, and prevent further damage as you live there.
Additionally, a rug is a great investment piece that will add your personal flavor to any space, plus they absorb noise and make a room feel comfy.
Do you have any great tips to decorating a rental? Let us know in the comments!
Tips for Moving Into a Smaller Home as a Senior
By Michael Longsdon
For many seniors, there comes a time when the expense and upkeep of a big home no longer seem realistic. All of your kids have moved out, and suddenly, your multi-bedroom house feels excessively large and empty. Plus, it may be difficult to keep up with mortgage payments if you’re expecting a lower income during retirement. Whether downsizing is a financial necessity or an emotional decision, here’s how to tackle the process without getting overwhelmed.
Do Online Research
Before you start looking at houses in person, narrow down your options by doing some research online. Search the local housing market on sites such as Redfin to get a feel for house prices in your desired area. For example, homes in Seattle, Washington have sold for an average of $685,000during the past month. Explore listings in your preferred size range and location so you can come up with a realistic budget for your new home.
Think far ahead as you look at homes, considering the possibility that the needs of you and your spouse may change over time. One-story homes can be much more accessible for you and your friends down the line. You should also take time to research the neighborhood and pay attention to the house’s proximity to grocery stores, leisure centers, and public transportation.
Plan for Your Storage Needs
If you’re moving to an apartment or condo, you may not have the attic, basement, or even the closet space that you’re used to. Look for a nearby for an affordable self-storage unit so you aren’t left crowding boxes and furniture into your new home. Some simple online research can help you find the best deals in your area. In the last 180 days, for instance, self-storage units in Seattle, Washington cost an average of $88.45 per month.
Go Through Your Possessions Methodically
One of the hardest parts about downsizing is getting rid of things you’ve had for decades. Apartment Guide recommends looking at pictures of clutter-free rooms in magazines for inspiration before starting your own purge. This will mentally prepare you for getting rid of all the stuff you don’t need cluttering up your new, smaller space.
As you declutter, go room by room and sort items into no more than five piles: keep, donate, sell, gift, and throw away. Don’t be afraid to let go of things that are useful but not particularly necessary in your own life. Likewise, don’t keep things out of obligation or feelings of guilt. While you’re cutting the clutter, keep a floor plan of your new home nearby so you can plan out your rooms and ensure your furniture will fit. If you’re worried about accurately measuring your space, you can hire a professional to help you out.
Pack Like a Pro
Protect your items during your move and make them easier to unpack later by trying out some expert packing tips. For example, socks make great padding for glasses and mugs, while oven mitts are perfect for transporting knives a little more safely. Secure entire desk drawers and kitchen storage trays with plastic wrap for much faster unpacking later. Also, keep your clothing on hangers and simply slip a garbage bag over them for protection. Remember to pack an essentials box of everything you need during your first day and night in your new house.
Follow a Moving Checklist
There is a lot to remember to do before moving day. For example, you need to update your mailing address with the post office, find a new doctor, and transfer your utilities. Follow a moving checklist (or hire a senior move manager for around $316 per day) to avoid forgetting important tasks. One of your moving tasks should involve researching moving companies at least two months before your move. This gives you plenty of time to find the help you need within your budget. Learn about how to spot rogue moving companies so you can avoid being scammed, especially if you’re moving long distance.
Moving is exhausting for anyone. But moving into a smaller home can be especially emotional as you say goodbye to personal objects that have surrounded you for much of your life. For this reason, it’s important to take things slow while you sort through your possessions and search for the perfect place to spend your golden years.
Mr. Longsdon provides advice to seniors on downsizing and aging in place and can discuss concerns like tackling home accessibility modifications, how to find a great contractor, the benefits of aging in place, and more.
