One of the great benefits of owning a home is having the perfect space not only for you, but for your furry friend. The National Association of Realtors® estimates that 61% of households own a pet. And 99% of pet owners consider their pet as family. If you’re selling your home, it’s in your interest to make sure your home appeals to people with pets.
Pets hold more power than you might guess when buyers are searching for a home.
∙ 81% of Americans say they factor in their pets’ needs when choosing a home
∙ 31% of pet owners declined making an offer on a home because it was not pet-friendly
∙ 19% of Americans say they would consider moving for their pet’s needs
∙ 12% percent have moved for their pet
How do you set your home apart from others to convey a pet-friendly property? You can start with simple accessories to portray a pet lover’s homestead. Keep a clean, colorful leash hung on a coat rack or near the back door. Invest in a shiny water bowl that’s kept full and strategically placed in your kitchen. Keep a cozy dog bed (or furry throw rug) at the foot of your bed or in the family room to indicate a comfy spot for a dog or cat to curl up. Keep dog or cat magazines prominent on the coffee table. Put a fresh coat of paint on the dog house outside and designate a special outdoor pet area with wood chips or pea gravel.
Of course, there are pricier options to consider for your own pet, with a return on investment down the road when you sell. One trend in new constructions is the addition of retractable pet gates that tuck away into door jams. Pet baths installed in the laundry room or garage is also a desirable feature that allows pets to have their own domain instead of sharing tubs with human companions. Outdoor fountains with a pet theme (such as a fire hydrant) that also functions as a watering hole are also trending. Of course, an electric fence is always a bonus as it keeps dogs contained without any visual impact for owners or their neighbors. But fully fenced-in yards, especially well-maintained wooden ones, are also a great attraction for pet owners. Wood makes a classier statement and having a fully enclosed fence is one less thing for buyers to worry about installing. Although not a favorite to everyone, the doggie door is considered a major convenience for people with pups who love to come in and out frequently. If you have one, make sure it’s surfaces are smooth and clean. They can take a beating and need to be maintained like anything else in the home.
When buyers visit your pet-friendly home, it’s still best to keep pets out of the house during showings. Of course, eliminate all odors beforehand and ensure that yards are completely poop-free, even if you have to hire a company to come pick it up for you! Buyers love their pets and look for pet-friendly features in the home they finally choose, so take advantage of this knowledge by pointing out your home’s ability to meet their needs.