So, who really makes the decision in a home purchase?
Well, a recent survey conducted by Realtor.com showed that 80 percent of the 1,000 homebuyers surveyed were pet owners. Of those, 79 percent said they would pass up a dream home if it didn’t work for their pet. So, yes, pets definitely factor into the home purchase process.
Pets are a huge part of our lives. Pet industry sales increased 5 percent again last year to $69 billion nationally and continued growth is projected. Amazon alone had pet food sales of 1.4 billion in 2017.
We also are seeing homebuyers focus more on the needs of their pets than ever before. While buyers used to ask where they might put a doggy door, we now have clients thinking through how a home will impact the quality of life for their pets. Dog rooms/suites, cat corners, designated bathing areas and yard amenities are common concerns. Many pet owners also make special food for their animals and require space for an additional refrigerator or freezer.
We recently even showed a luxury home that had custom dog crates built into the cabinetry and a separate dog shower. Drawer refrigerators also were reserved exclusively for homemade dog food.
What things should you take into consideration as you look for the perfect home for your pet? Here are some items to consider:
- Pet Rules—Some HOAs restrict the number of dogs you may have. So, if you are breeding animals, you definitely want to read the CC and Rs. Cities have restrictions, too. For example, in Mesa, you can have a pig only if it is being kept by a student participating in an approved agricultural education program, such as Future Farmers of America or 4-H. Miniature pigs, kept as personal pets, are limited to no more than two such pigs on one land parcel, but again, an HOA may be even more restrictive.
- Backyard—Does the backyard have adequate fencing for your pet? If not, what will the cost be to install different fencing? If you are looking to create a dog run, is there a way to easily create one that connects to your doggy door? Does the home have a pool? Is your animal able to be safe in the backyard, or will you need to fence the pool? Also, be mindful of poisonous plants that may be in the yard.
- Flooring—Many homebuyers with pets are opting for homes with less carpet for reasons of allergies and cleanliness. If you are a home seller who is replacing flooring, consider removing carpet and replacing with tile. For buyers with pets, be sure to consider the cost of replacing carpeting in the home you are considering.
- Space—Where will the dog bowls go? Is there a sink for water near where you are planning to put the dog/cat bowls, or will you have to trek across the house? Where will the crates and cat climbers go? Is there an extra cabinet for pet toys/food/blankets? Does the home have stairs, and can your aging pet negotiate those stairs? Is there enough space to bathe your pet? Is the trash can inside cabinetry or will it be freestanding? Does the mailman come to the house? The all-important questions to consider as you evaluate a home for your pet.
- Location—Is there a dog park nearby? Are there good walking routes? Is the home on a busy street? Do the neighbors have pets (play dates)? How close is the nearest vet and emergency vet? Is there a place nearby to board and groom your pet?
Be sure to tell us if you have pets when you start looking for a home. We have a 1-year-old beagle (who tried to stand on the desk as I wrote this article), so we understand all of these considerations. We will be happy to help you find a home that is right for your whole family.
John Karadsheh is the Designated Broker for KOR Properties. He has been a Multi-Million Dollar producing agent for more than 16 years, and is an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). In 2014, John was voted the No. 1 Real Estate Agent in Arizona by Ranking Arizona. You can reach John at (480) 568-8684, or visit his website at KORproperties.com.
KOR Properties is a boutique real estate brokerage serving the Valley of the Sun and the creator and founding sponsor of Mesa Food Truck Fridays.