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Listing agent: Nancy Baker, 615-916-1791
People are passionate about their pets, especially amid COVID-19.
A recent survey from TD Ameritrade found that 33 percent of Americans have considered adding a furry friend to their family now that people are spending more time at home. On Petfinder.com, adoption inquiries between March 15 and April 15 jumped 122 percent from the previous four weeks. It’s evident through sources like these that Americans are looking to bring new life into their home as a way to break isolation, add companionship, and beat boredom.
What does this have to do with selling your home, you ask? A recent survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that 81 percent of respondents took animal-related considerations into account when choosing their next living situation. In addition, 89 percent said they would not give up a pet due to housing restrictions and 52 percent undertook home renovations to accommodate their pets. What’s more, Harris Poll found that millennial homebuyers were primarily motivated to purchase a home because of their dog. That’s right, pets outranked marriage and children as the key factor in a millennial’s decision to purchase a property.
If pets matter this much to so many, could there be some merit to demonstrating the pet-friendly nature of your home? If so, how can we do that without alienating buyers who don’t own animals? Let’s look at some creative strategies that might do the trick.
1. If you’re one of the 52 percent making pet-minded renovations, ask your realtor to include those details in the listing. Did you opt for difficult-to-scratch bamboo floors or ceramic tile when you renovated the kitchen? Have you installed an area to rinse dirty paws in your mudroom? Those perks might seal the deal for a family of pet lovers.
2. Add a few pet-minded details when staging your home to imply that this place is comfortable for people and animals alike. A set of stylish new food and water bowls on the patio or an attractive leash hanging in the laundry room might be all you need. The key here is cleanliness. Don’t use worn accessories; purchase something fresh for showings.
3. Does your community or condominium have pet-friendly amenities? Do restaurants in walking distance welcome pets on their patios? Find a way to let potential buyers know how conducive the area is with an animal-lover lifestyle. Consider leaving a framed list of your favorite things about the neighborhood on the kitchen counter during the open house, or share your listing on social media with a brief note.
There are some cardinal rules regarding pets and real estate that still stand. First, an immaculate litter box or yard is crucial. Second, the home should be without pet-related odors. We always recommend inviting a truthful realtor or friend to join you for a final walk-through to identify any lingering smells in which you are accustomed. We also encourage vacuuming furniture and cleaning floors daily while your home is actively being shown to eliminate stray hair. Finally, you’ll still want pets out of the house during showings. Let the buyer envision their family pet in the home – not yours.
RE/MAX Homes and Estates, Lipman Group has years of experience marketing and selling homes based on their unique qualities and connecting buyers with properties that meet the needs of the entire family, including its four-legged members. Whatever your concerns may be about buying or selling a home with pets, the Lipman Group agents are here to help.
Lawrence M. Lipman is the owner and president of RE/MAX Homes and Estates, Lipman Group. He and his team take pride in guiding buyers and sellers through exciting home transitions at any price point and can be reached by calling 615-463-3333 or info@lipmanhomesandestates.com for all your real estate questions.