Why Pet-Friendly Homes Are in High Demand
One of the many benefits of owning your own home is the freedom to find your ‘furever’ friend. By pointing out the aspects of your home that make it ‘pet-friendly’ in your listing, you’ll attract these buyers, rather than alienating the 68% of American households that have a pet!
If you are one of the many homeowners looking to list your home for sale, how do you stand out to the millions of pet parents searching for their dream home?
Whether a dog person, a cat person, or someone who prefers the company of another pet species, 99% of pet owners say that they consider their animal to be family. When finding a home, 95% of animal owners believe it is important that a housing community allows animals.
A study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed that there are many aspects of the home buying, selling and owning experience that have been greatly impacted by our love for our pets.
This should come as no surprise, as $72 billion was spent on pets in the U.S in 2018. NAR’s President William E. Brown shed some light on the impact of pet owners and their home search.
“It is important to understand the unique needs and wants of animal owners when it comes to homeownership. REALTORS® understand that when someone buys a home, they are buying it with the needs of their whole family in mind; ask pet owners, and they will enthusiastically agree that their animals are part of their family.”
The Power of Pets When Choosing the Right Home
- 89% of pet owners say they would not give up their pet due to a housing restriction
- 81% of Americans say their pets play a role in their housing situation
- 31% of animal owners have refused to put in an offer on a home because it wasn’t a good fit for their animals
- 19% of Americans say they would consider moving for their pet
- 12% percent have moved for their pet
New home builders have actually begun installing retractable pet gates that tuck away neatly inside door jams as a highly requested feature in new homes to attract pet-parents.
So, if you are a homeowner looking to sell in today’s pet-friendly environment, point out the features of your home that will attract pet owners:
- Fully fenced in backyard – (91% of pet owners ranked this as the most important feature of a home to accommodate their pet)
- Locations of dog parks/walking paths/pet-friendly beaches in the area (71% ranked this as the top feature of any neighborhood they would consider)
- Proximity to veterinarians/groomers/pet supply stores (31%)
Bottom Line
Americans love their pets and will look for pet-friendly features in the home they wish to buy, so take advantage of this knowledge by pointing out your home’s ability to meet their needs.
Buyers Are Regaining Some of Their Negotiation Power in Today’s Housing Market
Buyers Are Regaining Some of Their Negotiation Power in Today’s Housing Market If you're thinking about buying a home today, there's welcome news. Even though it’s still a sellers’ market, it’s a more moderate sellers’ market than last year. And the days of feeling...
Your Guides to Buying or Selling a Home This Fall
Buy or Sell with Marty Gale "Its The Experience" Principal Broker and Owner of Utah Realty™ Licensed Since 1986 General Contractor 2000 (in-active) e-pro (advanced digital marketing) 2001 Certified Residential Specialist 2009 Certified Negotiation Expert 2014 Master...
Expert Forecasts on Mortgage Rates
Expert Forecasts on Mortgage Rates If you’ve been thinking of buying a home, you may have been watching what’s happened with mortgage rates over the past year. It’s true they’ve risen dramatically, but where will they go from here, especially as the market continues...
How Owning a Home Builds Your Net Worth
How Owning a Home Builds Your Net Worth Owning a home is a major financial milestone and an achievement to take pride in. One major reason: the equity you build as a homeowner gives your net worth a big boost. And with high inflation right now, the link between owning...
Should I wait to buy a home?
Part 4 Should I wait to buy a home? This is probably one of the biggest questions you’re getting asked right now, and it’s never been more important to have a good answer for it. Even though purchasing a home today may not be as easy as it was a couple of years ago,...
What will happen the second half of this year?
Part 3 What will happen the second half of this year? Yes, we are seeing a slowdown. However, we are really just heading back toward the market pace we saw pre-pandemic, and those were still great years for real estate. Focus on the big picture, and that’s this: the...
Expert Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year
Expert Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year The housing market is at a turning point, and if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, that may leave you wondering: is it still a good time to buy a home? Should I make a move this year? To help...
If the economy slows further, what does that mean for real estate?
IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY, PEOPLE FOLLOW THE CERTAIN Part 3 If the economy slows further, what does that mean for real estate? Post-2009, nothing will strike fear into the hearts of buyers and sellers like the word “recession.” But as the economy slows down, history...
What’s happening with mortgage rates, now and in the future? Part 2
What’s happening with mortgage rates, now and in the future? Rising mortgage rates are no doubt one of the biggest factors impacting the housing market right now. But it’s important to remind your clients that the low rates of the last few years were an anomaly. As...
The market has shifted, and that’s a good thing.
IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY, PEOPLE FOLLOW THE CERTAIN – top five housing market questions Over the next 5 days we will post the top 5 questions everyone is asking. Question one: Is the housing market going to crash? Answer: Headlines right now scare consumers that the...