What role do a buyer’s pets play in the house hunting process?

A:

The pets buyers have play a big part in their decisions on where to buy a home and what type of home they want to buy. According to the American veterinary Medical Association, nearly 57% of U.S. households own at least one pet.

Pet ownership appears to be influencing home buying decisions, with nearly 90% of pet owners saying that their animals’ needs were important or very important in their home search process. A full 75% said they’d pass on their dream home if it didn’t meet their pet’s needs.

Location is always important to homebuyers; for example, parents with kids look for homes in good school districts and access to parks.

Pet owners, however, are more interested in communities that welcome pets by having fenced in yards, nearby dog parks and proximity to pet stores and veterinarians. A home with a decent-sized yard is usually a “must have” for dog owners.

Home buyers with older pets will likely be looking for homes that their pets can navigate on their own, like a single-story home with ground level entryways.

As a Realtor, I will typically ask my home buyer clients if they have pets, and if so, what kind of pets. I know this can often influence the location and type of home that will work for them.

A:

As proud Dog Dads ourselves of the best-ever real estate super dog Raffi (who you can meet at our open houses), taking pets into account when looking for a new home can be deal breakers. Just as many folks will have children (actual or future) in mind when home buying, so will people with pets.

This is a trend to stay. The pandemic placed a renewed emphasis on having multi-legged companions at home — as pandemic puppies become family members, they’ll influence housing preferences for years to come.

If a condominium is being considered, we’ll need to see if an HOA limits the number, weight, and type of pet per unit, which is common. Many newer developments, however, will tout dog baths and dog runs — woof.

What else do animal lovers look for? If a home has a yard, proximity to parks/dog parks and pet food shops — the basics.

We’ll also be on the lookout for pet-friendly neighbors and, if a property is in a multi-unit building with other animals onsite, a pre-offer doggy meet-and-greet may not sound as far-fetched as it once did.