Pet Tips for Home Seekers and Sellers

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
Buying or selling your home, especially when you have a pet, means you need to take extra steps to ensure you find the right fit for you and your furry friend.


The process of buying or selling a home is by no means simple. When it comes to selling a home there are certain things you can to do make your home more appealing to potential buyers and, as a buyer or renter, there are key things you should look for. Things become even more complicated once pets are involved – keep reading to learn some practical tips for home seekers and buyers with pets.


Finding the Perfect Pet-Friendly Home


When you are looking for the perfect apartment you need to keep your dog’s needs in mind as well as your own. Unfortunately, many rental agreements come with restrictions regarding pets such as size, breed, and number – it is also common for rentals to not allow pets at all.


Related: Top 10 Best Dog Breeds For Apartments


As you start looking around, check first to see if the unit allows pets to make sure you aren’t wasting your time. If you have already rented before, try to get a letter from your previous landlord stating that your pet never caused any problems. Even with glowing praise from a previous landlord, however, you may still face some opposition and you may have to settle for paying an additional pet deposit and even a monthly pet fee.


If you are planning on purchasing a home, you do not have quite so many hoops to jump through because, ultimately, the home will be your property. Still, you do need to think about a few things before you really start looking.


For one thing, think about what kind of lifestyle you want for yourself and for your pet? Do you want to live in an urban setting that is close to the center of activity or would you prefer a home that has plenty of outdoor space? If you choose an apartment or condo, where will you take your dog outside or will you housetrain him indoors? If you choose a home in a suburban area, is it close to a dog park or somewhere you can walk your dog? You also need to look into any rules or restrictions set forth by the homeowner’s association in your area.


Related: Proper Dog Etiquette When Renting a Cottage


Home-Selling Tips for Pet Owners


Homeowners who own pets can sometimes run into problems when it comes time to sell their home. In the same way that smoking leaves a discernible odor in your home, so can the presence of a pet.


Before you put your house on the market, be sure to give it a thorough cleaning to remove stains and all traces of pet odor from the carpet and furnishings. You also need to think about your yard, if you have one – potential buyers won’t want to see yellow stains or dug-up flower beds. As part of your cleaning preparations, you should also be sure to put away your pet’s bedding and toys so potential buyers can really picture themselves in their new home.


Whether you are buying, renting or selling a home you need to think about the practical implications of bringing a pet along. If you take your time and cast a wide net, you should have no trouble finding a new home that is perfect for both you and your pet.

Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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