A pet, whether it's a cat, a dog, or a hamster, is a part of your family. In fact, 99% of pet owners in the U.S. consider their animal to be an important part of their family. As such, it's important to factor in your four-legged friends when you're searching for a new home to buy.
One of the many benefits of owning your own home is the freedom to find a great home for your fur-baby. We know how important pets are and how to find the right home for both you and your pet, too!
Tips for a Pet-Friendly Home Search
Tip 1: Carefully research neighborhoods and HOAs
Many communities in the greater Triangle area have specific rules and regulations regarding your pets. Before you begin touring homes in a particular neighborhood, make sure you check their HOA regulations regarding pets and animals.
In addition, make sure the neighborhood itself is a good place for your pets to roam (if you have a dog). Look around and see if any of your potential neighbors have dogs, if there are sidewalks good for walking him/her, and if you'll have lots of green space. Bonus points if the home is close to a dog park!
Tip 2: Look into homes with yards and built-in fencing
Having a home with a large yard and a built-in fence is invaluable to you and your pets. However, if you fall in love with a home that doesn't have a fence, check with the HOA to make sure you're able to build one on the property. Some HOAs have specific rules about what kind of fencing they allow.
Tip 3: Look for (or build) a home with pet-friendly floors
If you've had pets for a while, you're probably already familiar with how they can affect your flooring. Carpet isn't ideal for dogs, which is why we highly recommend looking for a home with solid hardwood. This kind of material can be refinished if it gets too scratched up. If you're putting in new flooring, think about obtaining reclaimed or distressed wood. That way, any additional scratches or marks will just add more character to the wood!
Tip 4: Think about whether or not the floorplan is pet-friendly
If you have an older dog or cat, they may have a hard time navigating a lot of steps. If your dream home is at least two-stories, make sure that the ground floor has plenty of space and all the features and amenities your pet will need. If you own a bigger breed of dog, you'll want to make sure the home is large enough to accommodate them.
How to Pull off the Perfect Move for Your Pets
If moving is hard for you, think about how stressful it must be for your pets! That's why we created a helpful guide with some tips for moving with your pets in mind. Click the button below to learn more.
Still Looking for Your Raleigh Dream Home?
My team and I can help you find a home that's right for both you and your pets. Give us a call today at Linda Craft Team Realtors REALTORS to learn more about your home-buying options in Raleigh and the greater Triangle area.