Forget automatic water and feeding bowls… say I love you to your pet with a new home 

As you’ve probably heard, the housing market is hot! And people don’t just have kids or other family members in mind when it comes to choosing where they want to move. Approximately 70% of American households share a home with at least one pet, mostly cats and dogs. Recent consumer studies find that those furry friends have a lot of influence is their owner’s real estate decisions.

According to a survey conducted last year by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), pet owners are willing to move to accommodate their pets, and they’re on the hunt for pet-friendly home features. A recent Homes.com survey backs up NAR’s findings. Of 1,600 homeowners surveyed, 68% of respondents who weren’t living in a pet-friendly home at one time said they moved for the sole purpose of accommodating their pets. For homebuyers, two-thirds moved from renting to owning specifically to either get a pet or keep a current pet happy.

Pet owners also say they’ll pass on a home if it doesn’t meet their pet’s needs.

Many pet-moving buyers say they’re looking for more space. They also want a secure fence, hardwood floors, plenty of yard space, a mudroom, and be within proximity to parks and play areas. In a realtor.com survey of 2,000 consumers last year, 68% of pet owners said they would pass on the otherwise perfect home if it didn’t meet their pet’s needs.

Pets are just as important, according to research done by Rover and Zillow.

Based on an analysis of 1.4 million home sales from 2020 and a survey of 1,000 U.S.-based dog owners, Rover and Zillow found the following about new home-seekers and their pets.

•  Homes sold five days faster than expected when the listing mentioned a fenced-in backyard.
• Homes sold four days faster than expected when the listing mentioned a dog run.
• A 3% higher-than-expected sale price was associated with listings that mentioned a doghouse.
• The No. 1 pet-friendly feature was a fenced-in outdoor area.
• 84% will spend more on pet-friendly features like a fenced-in yard.
• 62% of dog owners would consider moving for their dog.

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Cities:

1.  Denver
2. Orlando
3.  Anaheim, California
4. Charlotte, North Carolina
5. Birmingham, Alabama
6. Atlanta
7. Boston
8. Glendale, Arizona
9. New Orleans
10. Tampa

Selling your home: 4 things pet owners should consider before selling

If you have a pet and want to put your house up for sale, there could be some things around your home that might need to be replaced due to damage caused by your pet. Having these problems addressed before putting your home on the market can help ensure you get top dollar for your home:

Carpet:

Even if your pet is house trained, there still may have been occasions where they had an accident and caused underlying damage to the carpet. Pet dander, dog hair, dirt, and debris can also be difficult to clean entirely and diminish the quality of your carpet. Replacing your carpet with a high-quality option can make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

Wood Floors

If you have wooden floors in any part of your home, you'll likely notice scratch marks from your dog's nails. There are modern wooden floors that are made to be scratch-resistant, which will help you keep your floor looking its best until your home sells. Floors made out of bamboo, cork, and laminate materials are also known to be good at withstanding pet damage.

Doors

Wooden doors are susceptible to scratches. Upon enter and exiting the home, your dog may have rushed through and bumped them causing them to not open and close properly. Steel and fiberglass doors make great replacement doors, or you can even opt for higher-quality wood.

Landscape

Frequent digging can also cause damage to the roots and shorten their lifespan. If you notice shrubs that are in poor shape, you will want to have them replaced to increase your property's curb appeal. Additionally, large amounts of dog urine can kill shrubs and make the leaves look as though they've been burned.

Buying a home: 4 Things for pet owners to remember when buying

Local Pet Laws

Even if you own a piece of property, it’s not guaranteed that your pets will be welcomed. The HOA or city could restrict the number of pets you can have and even the breed. Before signing a contract, you will want to check both for breed-specific laws and limits on the number of animals per home

If you have a dog that parks you will also want to find out if there is a noise ordinance.

Fenced Yards

Having a yard where your pet can roam is every pet owner's dream. However, keep in mind that in order to keep your pets in and other critters out, you’ll need a fence. Again, you will need to check the HOA or condo covenants to find out rules and regulations.

Is the Neighborhood good for pets

With dogs, finding a location that’s good for walks is key. That might mean being close to a park or trail. Even if your dog doesn’t mind commuting, you’ll want to consider the sidewalk situation for everyday bathroom walks.

Can you pet handle stairs

If you’re looking at a multilevel home, consider whether your pet will be okay with stairs, particularly as they age.

 From house buying to housekeeping, there’s no denying that for some, pets call the shots much more than we realize. If you’re looking for the best home possible for your four-legged companions, our team is here to help!

 
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