Just about 9 years ago to the day, we adopted a fluffy and adorable rescue dog. His name is Tommy and we love him to bits. Somewhere along the line, I’ve turned into some French version of myself where I take him with me everywhere, carry him in a baby sling when necessary, and bring him to outdoor cafes where I tie a napkin around his neck and feed him delicious treats. My family (and I’m sure many onlookers) think I’m kooky but it’s make me indescribably happy. I absolutely “get” what pets mean to their families.
I’ve begun noticing that pets have become more central in the home buying and selling process. A recent survey showed that 75% of pet-owning buyers who closed on a home this year would pass on their dream house if it weren’t right for their animals. Among the respondents, 87% said that they took their pets needs into consideration when buying a home. Pet-owning buyers are looking for a walkable neighborhood and/or a spacious backyard that is fenced or could be. A nearby dog park or park with hiking trails was also highly desirable. Pet doors, pet nooks, pet communication systems (communication devices for owners to talk to or see their pets from anywhere) and nearby pet-friendly bars and restaurants are among a few of the “wants” on their lists.
What do pet-owning buyers avoid? Neighborhoods with pet restrictions (some HOAs set a limit on the number of pets in a household) and, not surprisingly, carpet anywhere because of the potential for damage and the need for constant cleaning. One of my buyers told me that he wanted to set up a washing station and/or a mudroom so his 3 dogs could be cleaned before entering the home. That sounded like such a good idea, I stole it and now have a great little system off my own deck.
Pet-owning buyers have made it clear that their pets are members of their households and they will do whatever is necessary to ensure their happiness. I think that’s pretty admirable.
Just as pet-ownership has impacted the way buyers buy, it’s also changed the way sellers sell. Sellers are more likely to be pet owners than ever before and that can be tricky when it comes to putting their homes on the market.
There’s an old real estate adage “If you can smell it, you can’t sell it.” That is particularly true where it comes to pets. Pet-owners become immune to the smell of their pets. There’s the scent of those “accidents” the pet might have had but there’s also a noticeable odor of a wet dog or cat. Buyers notice. We recommend to sellers that they replace or deep clean carpets before the home hits the market. Pet hair, of course, is also a turn-off for buyers as is any evidence of damage caused by the pet. We also recommend that they do a thorough “poop-scooping” of the yard before showings.
However, some sellers see the pet-friendliness of a home as a great marketing opportunity. They’ll leave out the food dishes or offer a bowl of dog treats on the counter as a reminder to a pet-loving buyer that a pet lives there. They might put a pet bed near the fireplace or a list of pet activities on the fridge so buyers can see that there are parks and trails nearby. A designated pet-relief area with pea-gravel or woodchips in the corner of a yard might also impress a potential buyer.
Pets are members of the family in a way that they were not 50 years ago. Pet owners spend a whopping $70 billion on their pets each year. Is it really any wonder that pet’s needs are considered in a home purchase? We love them and value them – and why wouldn’t we? They are our family and our best friends all rolled into one lovable package!
