Try to picture this phenomenon among millennials. More than 73% of them own a pet. Then, 89% of millennials who bought a home in 2018 also have a pet. Of that number, 79% said that they would pass on an ideal home if it does not meet the needs of their furry friends. What exactly are these needs? Are you in the same boat? The fact that the average American has a love affair with pets—dogs, particularly—shouldn’t come as a surprise. Pets are a part of the family; there is no argument to that fact.
That being said, it’s also important to acknowledge their needs when you start to look into buying a home. Millennials should not be alone in doing this. The fact that they are ready to look for the right homes in a foreclosure sale says much about how important their pets are to them. Remember that although you can snatch great deals through public auctions for properties, you’ll have to be responsible for all the negative aspects of that sale, including problems in titling, renovations, and more. Millennials are willing to go through that trouble for their pets.
Baby Boomers, Generation Z, and virtually anyone who wants to buy a home now with pets in their families should consider what’s best for their furry friends, too. After all, if you consider them part of the family, they should have a say on where they will live, right? Don’t worry; the process is straightforward. Their needs and demands are not like people’s. Pets only want space and nature. If you can give them that, they’ll be the happiest animals in the world.
Local Pet Laws
You cannot buy a home that will not allow your pets. Condominium buildings, gated communities, and even the city or state at large have some weird laws about pet ownership. Some of them will limit the number of pets you can have in your home. What if you have five dogs? What size of the home should you buy? Of course, in condominiums, the homeowners’ association will usually have a say in the areas where the dog or cat is allowed.
If you’re investing in a suburban home, you have to check if your pets can run around freely. Some local laws will not allow dogs—even if they are well-trained—to walk without a leash. If your dogs love to run around the neighborhood, you have to think about if this is the best property to buy.
Yard and Fencing
With pets in the family, you need to put up a fence around the yard. Of course, that means you have to choose a property with a yard large enough where your dogs can roam freely. Again, you have to check out the local laws for fencing. What type of security and safety system can you install on the fence to protect your pets from getting out? These are the types of regulations that you have to check, too.
Toxic Materials
Dogs and cats love to chew drywall or scratch the woodwork. If your pets are like these, then you cannot have a home with lead paint. In actuality, you shouldn’t live in a home that has lead paint. Homes built before 1978 may still have lead paint in them, especially on the drywall. You need to pay a home inspector to check for the presence of lead because this is not only toxic for your pets but for you as well.
Additionally, check if your pets can enter and exit the home comfortably. This is especially important for families with older pets. If they have a hard time climbing up and down the stairs, you might have to build them a ramp. Is there enough space for it? How about a dog house in the yard if they are going to stay outdoors?
Flooring
Finally, if you have pets, a wooden floor is not the best material for the house. No matter how much you try to trim their nails, there will surely be scratches on the flooring. Also, hardwood flooring might be too slippery for them. If they slip, that can cause bone problems and other types of injuries. You can install carpets and rugs for your pets.
Make sure to look at the home from your pets’ perspectives. Many things in your future home and neighborhood can affect your pet’s health and the condition of your home. Both are important, so you have to consider them before making an offer for a particular property.
