The 30-Point Arizona Horse Property Buyer Checklist

I have helped buyers purchase horse property in Arizona for 24 years. In that time, I have seen every mistake a buyer can make, and most of them were preventable. This checklist is the result of over 1,000 closed transactions, hundreds of horse property evaluations, and a lifetime spent in the equestrian world.

This article comes from Kim Williamson, REALTOR® with REAL Broker, 8x WPRA World Champion, and a Queen Creek horse property specialist with 24 years in real estate.

Point 1: Write down exactly how many horses you own now and how many you plan to add within three years.

Point 2: Define your discipline, barrel racing, cutting, team roping, trail riding, and pleasure horses have different requirements.

Point 3: Decide whether you intend to operate a boarding, training, or lesson business.

Point 4: Determine your realistic post-purchase facility budget.

Point 5: Decide your maximum commute tolerance.

Point 6: Confirm the specific zoning designation of every property you seriously consider.

Point 7: Verify the number of horses permitted per acre under the specific zoning classification.

Point 8: Request and read the full CC&Rs if the property is in an HOA.

Point 9: Confirm whether the property is in Maricopa County or Pinal County.

Point 10: Verify setback requirements for existing structures, barn, arena, stalls.

Point 11: Determine the primary water source, municipal connection, private well, or both.

Point 12: If the property has a private well, require a full well inspection, flow rate, water quality, and pump condition.

Point 13: Verify flood irrigation access directly with the relevant irrigation district.

Point 14: Ask for two years of water bills if the property uses municipal water.

Point 15: Verify the location of all water access points relative to the barn, arena, and turnout areas.

Point 16: Evaluate the arena footing, depth, composition, and drainage.

Point 17: Assess arena drainage after rainfall.

Point 18: Inspect every stall, construction quality, sizing, ventilation, and condition.

Point 19: Walk every fence line on the property.

Point 20: Evaluate shade and shelter coverage for your horse count.

Point 21: Assess hay and feed storage, ventilation, roof integrity, and delivery access.

Point 22: Confirm trailer parking availability and access.

Point 23: Walk the full acreage, identify drainage patterns, arroyo locations, and monsoon-season impacts.

Point 24: Verify the driveway and access road condition and ownership.

Point 25: Ask about neighboring properties and land use.

Point 26: Get pre-approved before you start searching.

Point 27: Work with a lender experienced in equestrian and agricultural property financing.

Point 28: Budget for a specialist inspection with equestrian experience.

Point 29: Include appropriate contingencies for well inspection, flood irrigation verification, and facility condition.

Point 30: Work with an agent who lives and understands the horse property lifestyle.

A Final Word

I built this checklist from 24 years of experience and over 1,000 closed transactions. If you are ready to buy horse property in Arizona, I would love to walk you through this checklist in person and help you find the right property for your operation.

If horse property is on your list, Kim can walk it with you. Read horse property with Kim, check Queen Creek real estate and horse property, see horse property in Queen Creek, and contact Kim Williamson at 480-206-1500 when you are ready.