Pet-Friendly Homes: The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Home a Welcoming Place for Furry Friends6/7/2023 With 67% of households being home to at least one pet, pet-friendly house features weigh heavily in the minds of home buyers. According to the American Health Foundation, having a pet contributes to more physical activity, less stress, lower blood pressure, and alleviates depression. With all those benefits, no wonder so many become pet parents who value a home accommodating their furry friends. Here are a few things to consider or create in a home to make sure it is a four-footed dream. Not only will these tips offer you and Fido more enjoyment while you live there, but they will also add value to your home when it’s time to sell. #1 Pet-friendly flooring: Choosing solid surface flooring is the way to go! Concrete may be hiding underneath carpet or in sunrooms - offering a durable flooring solution that can be painted or stained for a wow factor! Hardwood floors are simple to mop or vacuum but may be prone to scratches and stains, especially for larger breeds. The cost and ease of installing luxury vinyl in family rooms, bedrooms and basements makes it an easy and economical solution when new flooring is needed. Pet-friendly LVP is scratch resistant, water resistant and easy to keep clean. And the even better news is that new floors may pay for themselves! According to the National Association of Realtor’s 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, the cost of refinishing hardwood flooring returned homeowners’ a 47% return on investment. And new wood flooring returned 18% on the investment. When a flooring rehab isn’t in reach, a high-powered HEPA filtered vacuum can do the trick of keeping your floors clean. Gifting yourself one as a housewarming present may be just the thing! #2 Pet spas: Bathing your pet regularly keeps both your pet and your home cleaner longer. At bath time, be sure to trim nails to avoid floor scuffs or upholstery snags. Regularly bathing and brushing also removes loose hair before it ends up on your floor, bedding and upholstered furniture. Generously sized mudrooms, half baths and even laundry rooms may provide an opportunity to install a pet shower. A little extra space and existing plumbing lines may lead to an affordable feature that not only makes your life easier but also wows your future home buyer. If you don’t have the extra space, be sure to purchase a home with at least one tub. A home with no bathing solution for kids – four- or two-footed, for that matter – limits the buyer pool when it’s time to sell. #3 Fencing for frolicking: Purchase a home with an existing fence line or make your backyard more pet friendly by adding one. Fencing off areas for potty or play adds appeal for future buyers and makes life with pets a lot easier. While fencing the entire area is ideal, smaller dog runs may do the trick allowing for a dedicated potty or play space for smaller breeds. If you do plan to purchase or install a fence, be sure to get an idea of costs upfront since they can be pricier than expected. Also, make sure you have a clear understanding of your property lines before putting up fences. Installation without a survey can lead to encroachments and liens that prove problematic and costly – especially when it’s time to sell. #4 Restrictions and covenants: Cities and neighborhoods may have laws or covenants that restrict pet ownership. For example, some homeowners associations (HOAs) prohibit certain breeds or sizes of pets – especially for condos or townhouses. HOAs may also prohibit or limit the type of fencing solutions that can be installed. Be sure to know the rules and read the fine print before purchasing a home since restrictions can limit you and deter future home buyers. #5 Pet-friendly yard features: Adding obstacles for your pup can be a fun touch. The addition of water features keeps pets cool and hydrated when outdoors. Replacing hardscapes with flagstones or pavers with mulch, artificial turf or sod prove kinder to paws - especially in summer months. When painting or sealing decks, avoid dark colors that stay hot and consider adding sun and rain protection with a canopy or cover. #6 Dedicated pet playroom: Setting up a small nook, opening up a closet or converting a smaller bedroom into a play space provides a dedicated area for your pets. Bedding, toys, brushes, leashes and treats all in one place makes it easy to manage and prevents your home from being completely overrun. Pet ownership has many benefits, and accommodations for furry friends add real value to your home both in terms of enjoyment and resale potential. Creating spaces and utilizing features that offer a relaxed atmosphere for both you and your pets can pay off big time – both in dollars and cents and wags and kisses. Never want to miss a post? For more useful real estate tips & tricks, subscribe to our mailing list or contact us with any real estate questions.
Authored by: Denise Conway, REALTOR® MT Realty Advisors of Long & Foster Real Estate Village of Midlothian Sales, 1100 Jefferson Green Circle, Midlothian, VA 23113 Licensed to sell in the Commonwealth of VA | Equal Housing Opportunity For informational purposes only. Not intended as legal, financial or credit counseling advice. Seek the assistance of a professional should you require.
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