How Pets Are Influencing Home Buying Decisions In Major Ways
According to a 2020 report on pets and real estate by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 1% of homebuyers made their purchase for a better home for their pet. And a 2021 study by the NAR found that 43% of people would be willing to move to better accommodate their pets.
So what’s driving these pet-friendly home purchases? Here are the top 4 features that pet owners consider most important in a new home:
One thing that every Realtor knows is that when pets come into the picture, they can have a big influence on what home buyers decide to do.
Plenty of families these days count their furry friends as part of the family. Dog lovers know firsthand the importance of making sure that dogs have access to dog-friendly activities and can go on play dates with canine friends. That’s why so many people look for homes in pet-friendly communities.
Nearby dog parks, doggy daycare, a vet, and/or outdoor space are huge factors in many pet owners’ choice of neighborhoods.
As parents with kids who look for good school districts, pet parents look for facilities likewise. These amenities include intimate pet communities, shade trees, fenced yards, accessible veterinary services, walking paths, etc.
Pet owners want to find other pet lovers like themselves. A recent study by the NAR found that 29% of young millennial buyers (likely first-time) picked their neighborhood with their pet in mind. Buyers are noticing people walking dogs around the block and looking for cats sitting in windows.
People with pets prefer a locale that comes with intimate dog groups or communities that appreciate the presence of parks, daycare facilities, and other outdoor spaces.
Imagine living in a place where neighbors love your pets as much as you do – that’s something pet parents are seeking for.
Pet owners are motivated buyers. With all the money pet owners spend on their pets, it‘s no surprise that many want houses that provide ample outdoor space and provide a home where they can spend quality time with their pets.
Appealing features include large, fenced-in yards, shade for pets to stay cool, and non-toxic landscaping. These outdoor features can translate to big rewards for sellers. Zillow and Rover research noted listings with a doghouse often sold for more than expected, and homes with a fenced yard sold five times faster than expected.
Pets are impacting design details on home choice as well. According to the NAR, pet-friendly flooring, grooming and washing areas, custom built-ins for litter boxes, pet supply storage, feeding stations, and pet beds are all grabbing the attention of home-buying pet owners.
Americans have also been willing to move to better accommodate their pet and are on the hunt for more pet-friendly home features. Pets are part of the family so it makes sense for buyers to consider their needs too when evaluating a home’s potential.
The Bottomline:
Your pets are part of the family. They deserve to be in a place that welcomes them and makes them feel safe, so make room on the couch or in your heart―there’s a perfect pet-friendly house waiting for you out there.
And if you are thinking of selling your home, know that having a pet can affect the choices home buyers make as a homeowner. Buyers and renters are willing to pay for the privilege of having pets. To attract pet owners, highlight certain amenities and features of the home in the listings and property descriptions.
Buying or selling a home? Whatever your goal is, I’m here to help! You’ll have my undivided attention for you and your family every step of the way. Book a free homebuying/home selling consultation with me so your real estate goals can start coming true.
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