Pet-Friendly Properties – How to Find the Right Home for You and Your Furry Friends

Our pets are an important part of our family. No longer are our pups relegated to the backyard dog-run or our birds stuck in their cages. Our animals are cherished members of the household and love to be where we are. As a result, our homes must provide the comfort and safety needed to care for our animals. 

Finding a pet-friendly home means paying attention to the features and amenities that will ensure your animals’ comfort and safety. For dog owners, seek homes with outdoor spaces that offer a safe, fenced area where they can play, exercise, and roam. While a private space makes this easier, condo or apartment buyers should look for communities that offer dog parks, trails, or green belts that can accommodate this need. 

Our kitty or bird owners know that their pets enjoy watching the activity outside their windows. Wide window sills with yard views can actually help your pets’ sense of well-being. Look for rooms with areas to add a perch or scratching post so your pets can spend time with you and the family. Double check that all doors and windows have screens or other methods of making sure they can’t head outside without you. 

Finally, before purchasing a home, understand the community association’s rules and policies. Carefully read the rules regarding the number, type, and size of animals. Be aware of the policies regarding barking or other noise too. Always request this in writing, review, and keep for your records. 

Our animals are treasured members of our family. Moving can cause stress for them and we can help mitigate this by choosing the right home, where they will feel safe and cared for.

Limit Disruptions During the Holiday Showings

Selling your home during the holidays requires a balance between family celebrations and public access. While your home may look its best, it can be challenging to accommodate the last-minute showings. Communication with your agent is critical and with proper planning, you can minimize the disturbances while still allowing potential buyers to view your property. 

· Showing Windows – Working around your holiday schedules, as well as your agent’s, state clearing in your real estate listing the show times you will allow. An example might be a 4-hour window on weekends or a 2-hour time frame weekday evenings. 

· Advance Notice – State clearly that all buyers must reach you prior to showing up. Of course, some will still stop by, but you can minimize the impact by asking for advance notice. 

· Online Tools – The more pictures and videos the better. If your potential buyers can view your home online, you are more likely to get the right buyers setting appointments. You may get fewer showings, but they will be the right ones. 

· Clean-up Stations – You want your home to look festive, but this can lead to clutter. Keep clean-up bins in strategic locations so you can easily hide unnecessary items on short notice. 

Again, communication is more important than ever during the holiday season. You are in control. Set realistic privacy boundaries and hold to them. This allows you to showcase your home in its best light, without the disruption to your family traditions.