Buying and selling homes is already difficult, but it can be even trickier when pets are involved. Luckily, we’ve got some tips to help you navigate both sides of the process as a pet owner.
Buying with Pets
Pet parents need to keep several key details in mind while shopping for a home. If your pet loves to run and spend time outside, a large backyard could be high on your wish list. Keeping four legged friends close with proper fencing might also be a priority. If a spacious backyard doesn’t align with your housing options, proximity to a dog park can be a great alternative. “Any neighborhoods with walking trails can also be really good for dogs,” Broker Cynthia Ilewicz reminds us. It’s important to have a close and safe place to let your dog off leash.
Pay attention to interiors, too. Hardwood floors can pose a safety hazard to many animals, and might get damaged easily. Stain and scratch resistant carpets and floors can definitely be a bonus. Check if the property you’re eyeing is part of a homeowners association, since some HOAs may place restrictions on pets.
Take other practicalities into account as well, advises Broker Angie Cullen, “Make sure you’ve registered your pets with the new city and county if required. Ask your Broker for advice on vets in the area early in the home buying process. A fun, loving, knowledgeable vet practice can make ALL the difference with your pet’s transition.” Most importantly, don’t forget your pets’ emotional needs. “Make sure they are not in transition for long,” Angie says. “Set up the litter box, beds, bowls, and food as close to their old locations as possible in the new home. Be very present with your pets; you’re busy moving, but they need you to be their constant through the uncertainty.”
Selling with Pets
Sellers need to think about how potential buyers might feel about animals. A lot of people love pets, but no one likes pet hair. It’s important to get rid of all pet hair (and other messes!) in your home before showing the property. A prospective buyer could have allergies, so keeping your house clean can keep it free of sneezes. You don’t want people remembering your house as the one that made them sick!
Broker Dan Barentine shares the number one rule of selling your house as a pet owner, “Find a way to get your pet out of the home for at least the first week of showings, especially if it’s a hot market and hot property. You want to have as many showings as possible without having to miss that potential buyer because the dog needs to be walked.” To make sure you’re not scaring off buyers who might have a fear of pets, or who just don’t like to think about pets in their new home, give Fluffy a vacation. Pets can get stressed when strangers come into their home, so they’ll probably feel better being somewhere else, too!
Thinking about these tips can make the home buying and selling process easier, happier, and more meaningful for you and your furry friends!