On Trend - Finding a Pet Friendly Home
The Amy Jones Group
There is much to consider when Buying a home. Your pets are part of the family too and it's important that they are comfortable at home. There are many trends that home buyers search for inside and outside of the home for their pets. Here are 8 tips to consider and questions to ask for man's best friend during your home search!
1. Size Of The Yard & Home Layout
Depending on what kind of pets you have, the yard could play a big role in selecting your next home purchase. If you have horses or large animals that need stables and lots of room to exercise, then you might be searching horse properties or homes that sit on more acreage than your typical single family home. Make sure to communicate with your agent about your pet's needs or pets that you might have in the future that will need accommodations as well.
For the inside home payout, there is more to consider. Aging pets might have trouble climbing stairs, so for some home buyers with senior pets, a single-story home is ideal. Cats like windows, and those with window ledges or low to the ground are preferred by felines. Is there a playroom for your pets? Plenty of closet space for storing pet supplies? Make a list for your agent and to take with you on home showings!
2. Check With The HOA & Local City Codes
Whether a dog person, a cat person, or someone who prefers the company of another pet species, 99% of pet owners say that they consider their animal to be family. When finding a home, 95% of animal owners believe it is important that a housing community allows animals. Before putting in an offer on a home, check with the HOA and local city codes in regards to your pets.
3. Nearby Dog Parks & Walking Trails
If you have pups, it's important that you live in an area that has the right kind of parts and areas to exercise for your family and the family pets. Nearby dog parks, walking trails and sidewalks through your neighborhood are what to look for as part of your home search!
Here are few questions to ask about the dog park:
- Will you be expected to keep your dog on a leash?
- Are dogs encouraged to play with one another and socialize?
- Who maintains the park?
- Does the park provide stations and containers for picking up after your dog?
- Are you restricted from going to the park during certain hours of the day?
- Can you hear dogs barking at the park from your new home?
4. Is The Neighborhood Pet Friendly?
Drive around! If you have found a home or neighborhood that you are interested in, take the time to scope out the neighborhood and neighbors. Do you notice other dogs being walked on a leash? Look for trash or pet waste receptacles in the neighborhood or at least by the parks. If the neighbors have dogs, does it bark at your dog all day? These are all things to consider ahead of time. This way, your entire lifestyle with your pets will be convenient and stress free.
5. Inspect Street Traffic
Sometimes, even the most well behaved dogs bolt when the front door is opened. Cats are inquisitive, and a curious cat can find a way to push open a screen door to get outside. In an unfamiliar surrounding, pets can dart into the street. To prevent tragedy, it's better to pass on a home that is directly on a busy street or near a main road.
6. Does The Home Accommodate Pets?
Looking for a build in dog wash in the laundry room? A dog house out back? Maybe stables for your horses or a built-in kennel. You're not alone when putting your pet first in the family home search:
The Power of Pets When Choosing the Right Home
- 89% of pet owners say they would not give up their pet due to a housing restriction
- 81% of Americans say their pets play a role in their housing situation
- 31% of animal owners have refused to put in an offer on a home because it wasn’t a good fit for their animals
- 19% of Americans say they would consider moving for their pet
- 12% percent have moved for their pet
7. Locate Pet Services
If you're moving to a new area or different state, ask your agent and the neighbors for referrals to pet vendors. For example, where can you find the best:
- Pet food store
- Veterinary clinic
- Doggie day care center
- Pet sitter
- Groomer
8. Previous Pets In The Home
If you're a pet lover, you might not even think to ask this question. But not everyone takes care of their pets or even their home. Pets can leave behind a lot of damage to flooring, walls or anything affixed to the property. Cat urine on carpet cannot be fixed or cleaned by carpet cleaning alone. The concrete below the carpet needs to be treated and then the carpet needs to be replaced. There is no other way to completely remove the smell. The same goes for the walls, just one coat of paint won't solve most damage. As long as you're asking the right questions, you can make sure to inspect based on that knowledge before purchasing.