Mike Horton on his mule, June, in about 2012. “I broke her myself and rode her all over Missouri,” he said.
‘Someplace to get away’ - It’s not just land; it’s a lifestyle
Ever since he was a boy growing up in Jefferson County, Michael “Mike” Horton wanted to build things.
“I started building homes to live in, and ended up a full-time builder and a member of the Carpenter’s Union,” he said. “I spent 22 years doing that.
“I always had a passion for land, and I said when I stopped building, I’d sell land.”
As the owner and broker at LandXchange in Hillsboro, Horton, 59, is doing a brisk business in just that, listing properties ranging from fewer than 10 acres up to several hundred acres, some with houses, barns or outbuildings and many with access to ponds, lakes or rivers.
“People need someplace to get away, especially these days,” he said. “Sometimes it’s to hunt and fish, sometimes for recreation, sometimes for investment.”
Horton said people often look for undeveloped property with an eye to slowing down, kicking back and enjoying life.
“It’s not just the land; it’s the lifestyle,” he said. “People like the idea of growing crops, maybe putting in a greenhouse, moving toward self-sufficiency. Even if they don’t necessarily do it, they like the idea. Having the space and ability to go off-grid is appealing.”
Horton started LandXchange two years ago, and is looking to expand his service and hire more agents.
He said he enjoys staying in close communication with buyers, helping them find just the right piece of property for the lifestyle they’re seeking. And he feels like a kindred spirit with those seeking the peace of undeveloped acreage.
“I say land is the only investment you can stand on,” he said.
LandXchange is at 1032 Business 21 in Hillsboro. Call 314-570-6590, email Horton at mike406mt@gmail.com or visit landxchange.realty.