Rachel Hanes: Where Equestrian Living and Smart Real Estate Investing Meet in Northeast Florida

In Northeast Florida, buying land or investing in property isn’t just about square footage—it’s about lifestyle, long-term value, and making decisions that actually hold up over time. At Real Estate Excellence, we spotlight agents who understand that difference.

This article uses insights from the full episode transcript at tracyhayespodcast.com/305.

An Agent Built for Land, Lifestyle, and Long-Term Strategy

Rachel Hanes brings nearly a decade of experience serving buyers, sellers, and investors across Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, and Nassau County. As a dedicated mom of four, equestrian enthusiast, and seasoned Realtor®, she understands both the emotional and financial weight behind major real estate decisions.

Rachel’s passion for land, horses, and investment strategy isn’t theoretical—it’s lived. From walking acreage to evaluating zoning and income potential, she helps clients buy with confidence and clarity.

Why Equestrian Property Requires a Specialist

Horse properties aren’t standard residential transactions. Acreage, fencing, soil quality, water access, zoning, and future land use all matter.

Rachel regularly works with buyers seeking:

• Acreage suitable for horses and livestock

• Rural zoning flexibility in Nassau County

• Privacy without sacrificing access to Jacksonville

“You can’t price or evaluate land the same way you do a subdivision home. You have to understand what the land can actually be used for.”

Her ability to articulate comps on acreage and explain value beyond the house itself helps buyers avoid costly mistakes—and helps sellers protect their equity.

Investment Properties That Actually Make Sense

Rachel is equally known for her work with real estate investors, particularly those exploring Airbnb and short-term rental opportunities.

She advises investors on:

• Zoning and STR regulations

• Realistic income expectations vs. hype

• Property setup and management considerations

• When long-term or mid-term rentals outperform short-term strategies

“It’s not just about buying a property. It’s about understanding the full picture—expenses, management, and long-term return.”

Whether an investor is purchasing near Jacksonville Beach or repositioning assets through reinvestment strategies, Rachel focuses on facts, not trends.

Local Expertise That Protects Clients

Rachel’s market knowledge spans:

• Jacksonville – diverse inventory and strong relocation demand

• Jacksonville Beach – lifestyle-driven investing and coastal competition

• Nassau County – equestrian land, rural zoning, and future growth

Her clients benefit from honest pricing conversations, well-supported comps, and guidance that prioritizes sustainability over speed.

Three Real Insights from the Episode

1. Facts Over Feelings
   Rachel emphasizes that strong comps and clear communication build client confidence and reduce emotional decision-making.

2. Referral-Based Growth
   Nearly all of her recent business comes from referrals—a direct result of trust, follow-through, and integrity.

3. Environment Matters
   She intentionally surrounds herself with agents and brokers who push her to grow, learn, and operate at a higher level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas are best for equestrian properties near Jacksonville?
Nassau County and surrounding rural areas offer zoning flexibility, acreage, and privacy.

Is Airbnb investing still viable in Northeast Florida?
Yes—with the right property, location, and realistic expectations.

Why do comps matter so much for land?
Because acreage, zoning, and improvements dramatically affect value beyond the home itself.

Should I work with a specialist for land or investment purchases?
Absolutely. These transactions require deeper analysis and local expertise.

Ready to Buy, Sell, or Invest?

If you’re exploring equestrian property, acreage, or investment opportunities in Northeast Florida, Rachel Hanes brings the experience, clarity, and integrity to guide you.

Connect with Rachel Hanes:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelhanesrealtor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelhanesrealtor

🎧 Full episode: https://www.tracyhayespodcast.com/305
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateExcellence

Also explore:

• Sarah Schwartz – Episode 304

• Gelkys Delgado – Episode 259

• TopJacksonvilleAgents.com

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