Considering Pets During the Homebuying Experience

For homebuyers with pets, there is an area of a home search that is sometimes neglected. How well a prospective home may work for ALL family members – including family pets, may require consideration.

For example a large energetic dog, is likely to be more comfortable in a home with a yard, or at least neighborhood amenities which will accommodate exercise – a dog park for example. This is especially true in townhome or condominium communities.

As a real estate professional, I inquire homebuyers about the number of adults that will be living in any prospective home, plus children and their ages. I also go one step beyond that, and gather a little information about any pets the buyers have – their size, age, and exercise requirements.

It can also be important to gather further information about any future pets buyers may be interested in obtaining, as some multifamily developments or homeowner associations have restrictions as to the number of pets allowed.

The home may be seen as a perfect fit for a buyer and/or their family, at first glance; but if the family dog or cat isn’t having their needs met, it won’t be a happy match when all things are considered.

If you are a pet owner, here are some things you may wish to consider during your home search or put on an “action list” to become informed about:

• Scout out nearby parks, paths, trails that will be pet friendly and accessible to your pet. Check for nearby veterinary clinics and grooming facilities.
• Sometimes it can be the little things – a laundry tub in the garage or laundry room to wash the dog.
• Yard space to create a dog run or kennel – or a place to put in a pet door so a dog or cat can enter and exit at will.

Homebuyers of a recent transaction, had a large highly energetic Golden Lab. Although, the buyer’s selected a home on a large lot, there were some obstacles which needed to be addressed regarding Taffy, the dog.

We spent time mapping out space in the side yard for a dog run. We located a door from the side yard which led into the garage. A doggy door would be installed there. On the inside of the garage, would be a small corral built for Ginger’s bed, so she could get out of the rain – need be.

A half block from the selected home was a wonderful park with trails, friendly for dogs. But the best amentity of all was the neighborhood itself. It was a very cohesive family oriented neighborhood, where walking the family dogs either in the morning or evening was a familiar activity for many.

The home was a wonderful fit for EVERY member of the family!