Are you buying or selling a home but unsure how your pet fits into the process? You may not be the only one. Nearly 70 percent of American households are home to at least one pet, and whether they’re furry, feathery or scaley, many Americans factor their pets into consideration when looking to buy or sell.
“Pets are often a top priority for homebuyers,” said Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® President Lori Campbell. “If you’re looking to buy a home that accommodates your pet, think about their needs. Consider indoor space, yard space, fences, neighborhoods, location to parks and veterinarians, HOA pet policies and more.”
Forty-three percent of households said they’d be willing to move to better accommodate their pets in a National Association of REALTORS® report. Additionally, 68 percent of REALTORS®’ clients said that the animal policy influenced their decision to rent/buy in a particular community.
The most important pet features that homebuyers wanted included a fenced yard, a large enough home for both the household and the pet and pet-appropriate flooring.
“Pets can impact the homeselling process, too,” Campbell noted. “While you may love having reminders of your pet throughout your home, it’s important to remember that they’re part of your family – not potential buyers’. It’s best to leave furry friends out when selling your home.”
The most common pet-related changes sellers made according to the NAR study were taking pets out of the home for showings, replacing anything damaged by pets, cleaning the home to remove pet scents, having the home professionally cleaned, removing pet objects and replacing carpet or finishing floors.
Like many people, the majority of REALTORS® have a soft spot for pets. Eighty-one percent of REALTORS® said they considered themselves to be animal lovers, and 14 percent reported volunteering for an organization that helps animals.
“As REALTORS®, we’re dedicated to guiding our clients through the homebuying and selling processes,” Campbell said. “Whether you’re looking for a new home that fits you and your pet, or you’re selling a home with lots of memories, we’re here to help every step of the way.”