Commercial real estate projects are more than just buildings; they are catalysts for change, breathing new life into communities and shaping the futures of countless individuals and, in some cases, animals. Calloway Title recently completed the title work and helped close the deal on the Mustang and Wild Horse Rescue of Georgia. The local rescue is a haven for these animals to be rehabilitated and re-adopted. This is important work, and despite the declining horse population, the industry’s economic impact and job creation continue to grow. “The 2023 National Equine Economic Impact Study highlights the significant contributions of the equine industry to the U.S. economy, with a total added value of $177 billion. This industry supports 2.2 million jobs across various sectors, including agriculture, tourism, veterinary services and more,” states this article.
Investing in equestrian properties presents a straightforward and stable opportunity when compared to other real estate ventures. “There will typically be a fixed number of equine properties in any given area unlike multifamily properties, for instance, in which supply and inventory is constantly shifting,” explains this article. Additionally, farmland value is less likely to depreciate and can be an effective hedge against inflation, meaning your investment can yield high returns. If used as a sanctuary or rescue, an equine property may establish non-profit status and qualify for additional tax benefits and grants.
Here’s what you should know about the Mustang and Wild Horse Rescue of Georgia and our involvement in this project.
The Mustang and Wild Horse Rescue of Georgia (MWHR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing a program for wild horses captured by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) wild horse roundups. MWHR gentles and rehabilitates wild horses they rescue so they can be successfully re-adopted by new owners. They also plan to expand their sanctuary for unadoptable mustangs and are passionate about raising awareness of the importance of these legendary animals.
Strategic partnerships play a huge role in this non-profit organization’s success. They have corporate donors, including Chick-fil-A at Avalon, Equine & Equestrian Chiropractic, LLC, Trader Joe’s Roswell and more. They also partner with the Kroger Community Rewards Program and the AmazonSmile Program.
Another strategic partnership was with our team at Calloway Title. As animal lovers, this was a particularly special project. We completed a title search to ensure that all 16-plus acres were free and clear of title defects before closing so that MWHR could continue serving as a haven for mustangs and wild horses for years to come.
What makes closing a deal like this one unique?
For starters, you must verify that the property is zoned appropriately for agricultural or equestrian use before acquiring land for a horse or animal rescue. Zoning laws regulate how land can be used and may impose restrictions on the types of activities permissible on the property. A commercial title company like ours can help you engage with local zoning boards or planning commissions to understand any limitations or required permits. Equine properties also require the construction of fencing, shelter, pasture space, barns, etc. By reviewing a thorough land title survey, our team can help you understand the limitations of your property early on in the process so that you don’t have to deal with boundary disputes later down the road.
To learn more about the Mustang and Wild Horse Rescue of Georgia or to donate, visit www.mwhr.com. To work with Calloway Title on your next commercial real deal, visit www.titlelaw.com.
