Homebuying For The Whole Family: Considering Pets In The Homebuying Process

Buying the Perfect Home for You and Your Furry Friends: Simplified.

As a Fido-friendly office, we know the value of our pets at Donna Kerr Group. It’s no surprise that 70 percent of households own a pet or that 43 percent would change their living situation to accommodate their furry friend. In fact, a survey by Realtor.com reported that 79 percent of millennials would pass on their dream home if it wasn’t the right fit for their four-legged companion.

 Here are some things to consider when buying a home as a pet owner:

1. Are Pets Allowed?

Perhaps the greatest deal-breaker is an association or condo that prohibits pets. This could include rules against barn animals (chicken coops, horses, llamas, etc.) or even regulations prohibiting cats and dogs. If you are a pet owner or plan to become one, these are other reasons an experienced Realtor is so important. They’ll help to ensure that every home you consider is approved for the whole family.

2. Pet Exercise Space 

For cats, it may be vital to consider cat-approved areas inside the home. For dogs, an expansive, fenced-in backyard may be a top consideration when it comes to making an offer. 

3. Is It A Pet-Approved Neighborhood?

While Walk Scores on real estate search engines are a fantastic resource to identify the walkability of a home to amenities, these scores can’t guarantee the best experience for your walks with Fido. A great Realtor is a local expert who knows neighborhoods inside and out and can give you a more accurate perspective. In addition, consider the availability of local dog parks nearby if your pooch loves to socialize. 

4. The Stair Factor

Whether your pet is new to stairs or may need extra assistance on a multi-level home, it’s important to think this through ahead of time. Consider the types of stairs a home has when considering maneuverability for your furry friend, particularly an older pet. 

5. Pet Amenities

While a large fenced-in yard or a walkable route may be top of the list, there are a few other factors that may be important when it comes to your final choice. Is there an emergency pet clinic that serves your type of pet close by? (Ferret owners come from as far away as Pennsylvania to visit this local Bethesda vet.) Does the neighborhood have local dog walking services/groomers/pet sitters? A showerhead with a detachable sprayer for bath time, a designated space that’s litterbox approved, or an easily accessible shower for extra messy days may not be deal-breakers, but they sure are nice to consider in your home search. 

The process of searching for a home can become bogged down in square footage and bedroom numbers, but we understand that the perfect home is like a well-tailored suit. It fits the needs of the owners in every way. Our Realtors work alongside our buyers to identify the must-haves beyond the home statistics. Connect with us so we can discuss finding a home that meets all your needs.