Why Pet-Friendly Homes Are in High Demand

Why Pet-Friendly Homes Are in High Demand
Why Pet-Friendly Homes Are in High Demand | MyKCM

One of the many benefits of owning your own home is the freedomto find your ‘furever’ friend. Bypointing out the aspects of your home that makeit ‘pet-friendly’ in your listing,you’ll attract these buyers, rather than alienating the 68%of American households that have a pet!

If you are one of the many homeowners looking to list your homefor sale, how do you stand out to the millions of pet parentssearching for their dream home?

Whether a dog person, a cat person, or someone who prefers thecompany of another pet species, 99% of pet owners say that theyconsider their animal to be family. When finding a home, 95% ofanimal owners believe it is important that a housing communityallows animals.

A study by the National Association ofRealtors (NAR) revealed that there are many aspects ofthe home buying, selling and owning experience that have beengreatly impacted by our love for our pets.

This should come as no surprise, as $72 billion was spent onpets in the U.S in 2018. NAR’s PresidentWilliamE. Brown shed some light on the impact of pet owners and their homesearch.

“It is important to understand the unique needs andwants of animal owners when it comes to homeownership.REALTORS® understand that when someone buys a home, they arebuying it with the needs of their whole family in mind; ask petowners, and they will enthusiastically agree that their animals arepart of their family.”

The Power of Pets When Choosing the RightHome

  • 89% of pet owners say they would not give up their pet due to ahousing restriction
  • 81% of Americans say their pets play a role in their housingsituation
  • 31% of animal owners have refused to put in an offer on a homebecause it wasn’t a good fit for their animals
  • 19% of Americans say they would consider moving for theirpet
  • 12% percent have moved for their pet

New home builders have actually begun installing retractable petgates that tuck away neatly inside door jams as a highlyrequested feature in new homes to attract pet-parents.

So, if you are a homeowner looking to sell in today’spet-friendly environment, point out the features of your home thatwill attract pet owners:

  • Fully fenced in backyard – (91% of pet owners ranked thisas the most important feature of a home to accommodate theirpet)
  • Locations of dog parks/walking paths/pet-friendly beaches inthe area (71% ranked this as the top feature of any neighborhoodthey would consider)
  • Proximity to veterinarians/groomers/pet supply stores(31%)

Bottom Line

Americans love their pets and will look for pet-friendlyfeatures in the home they wish to buy, so take advantage of thisknowledge by pointing out your home’s ability to meet theirneeds.