If you keep dogs, cats or other pets and regard them as family members, you're more likely to keep their needs in mind when purchasing a home. Some people even think of their pets as their “furever friends” or their “furbabies,” so their home buying preferences and decisions will be greatly influenced by them. After all, 68 percent of US households own a pet according to the 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA).
Recent studies have also found that millennials’ decision to purchase their first home was influenced by their desire to have a better space or yard for a dog, or that they daydream about the day they’d be able to have their furry friend because owning a home can give them the freedom for that. So for all pet owners and pet-loving home buyers out there, here are five things to consider to ensure you and your pets can find the perfect home:
1. The local pet laws and pet owner requirements
Before purchasing a property, check the local pet laws and pet owner restrictions. You should familiarize yourself with breed-specific legislation within your state and city, as well as the limits on the number of animals allowed in a home. For an instance, dog lovers in the Los Angeles County can now own four dogs per household in an effort to give homeless dogs additional opportunities to find permanent homes. Some cities also require an owner to have a kennel license to keep several animals. There can also be restrictions on an HOA or a condo development, especially on the types and number of pets allowed. Many HOAs also enforce noise ordinances, which is important to note if you have a dog that barks a lot.
In some communities, owners also need to obey leash laws when taking your dog for a walk and clean up after your pet in public places. These restrictions are commonly in place for health and safety reasons.
2. Accessibility to pet services
Like parents who will greatly consider a good school district when choosing a neighborhood, home buyers with pets should also consider the property's accessibility to good veterinary clinics and local pet services so that they can easily tend to their pets’ health and needs.
If you’re buying a home in a new area, make sure to also ask your local real estate agent for referrals to where you can find a pet food store or a pet grooming salon. Talk to your potential neighbors and inquire about pet sitters and walkers nearby just in case you need their services if you go on a vacation.
3. Whether the neighborhood is pet-friendly and if there are pet-friendly amenities
It’s a big must-do for home buyers to drive around their chosen area at specific hours of the day to better familiarize themselves with the neighborhood and the local traffic. For pet owners, it wouldn’t hurt to see for yourself if the neighborhood is “pet-friendly” and if there are pet-friendly amenities nearby. Drive around to see if there are dog/pet parks, a dog trail or other green spaces for your little buddy’s daily walks. Ask about the existing pet parks around the area and be informed about the rules and regulations from the local parks and recreation department.
It’s also advisable for buyers to avoid choosing a home that is located right on a busy street or highway as car traffic is dangerous, especially for dogs or cats that like to roam. Pets can dart into the street anytime once they push open a screen door, or if a gate was left open.
4. The home’s layout, flooring and other features
It’s important to assess the home’s layout and features and make sure that you and your furry friends will be comfortable living in it. For home buyers who have big dogs, they may be inclined to buy a traditional single family home with more outdoor space or a bigger yard rather than settle into a typical townhouse. They may also find an outdoor or garden faucet as a great feature, especially for bathing.
If you have several pets, estimate whether there’s enough space inside the house as they are likely to run around and chase each other in circles. Check if the windows have window ledges where cats like to sleep. If you’re looking to buy a multilevel home, consider whether your dog can handle the stairs, as dogs can get joint problems particularly as they age. Likewise, assess if the house has pet-friendly floors. Carpeting is not recommended for dog or cat owners, as carpets can easily be clawed and get stained. Having an extra closet space where you can store your pet supplies and accessories will also be an advantage for you as a pet owner.
5. Yard and fencing
If the yard does not have a fence, it’s important for you to construct one where your pets can roam around and play safely. Review your HOA covenants and see if you are allowed to build a fence, as well as the restrictions on the size and materials that can be used. If your home already has an existing fence, inspect it to know if there are loose fence boards that need to be replaced, if it is gated, and if the fence is high enough so your dog can’t jump over it.
Dear
- you're in great hands -
Meet
Proven Track Record
Service
Knowledge
Integrity
An MAI of 30 is typically balanced; over 30 is a seller's market, under 30 is a buyer's market.
Buyer markets
Seller markets
View current market trends
Processes
1
Consultation
2
Pre-Approval
3
Property tours
4
Write offer
5
Under Contract or Escrow
6
Appraisal
7
Inspections
8
Closing
Unique Value I Provide My Clients
Professional Network
Price Range
Beds & Baths
Property Types
Raving Reviews
Review has been shortened using AI, click the review to read the full review.
Review has been shortened using AI.
Loyalty
Reviewing each others roles and responsibilities as we embark on the next steps of your home-buying journey is how we can decide if we are ready to be loyal to one another.
105 More Ways
Agents Who Are Realtors ® Are Worth Every Penny Of Their Compensation.
Counseling Session Activities
- Prepare the buyer for executing a buyer representation agreement
- Explain agency relationships to the buyer and get state required legal consent to represent, if needed
- Inform the buyer of working relationship based on state law, the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, and the broker’s business policies
Building a Relationship
- Learn the buyer’s wants and non-negotiable needs
- Understand the buyer’s budget and what will be needed financially
- Help the buyer understand what property their chosen budget will buy
- Consider having the buyer fill out a homebuyer’s checklist
- Assist the buyer in examining how much they can afford to spend
- Provide quality lender resources
- Partner with the buyer to locate suitable properties for consideration
- Match the buyer’s needs with available property
- Constantly re-evaluate buyer’s needs and refocus property showings to fit those needs
- After ensuring the buyer understands what is done for them, how it is done,and the benefit to them, obtain signatures on the buyer representation agreement
- Explain how compensation is paid, who pays it, and what the buyer’s options are for paying it
Educating the Buyer
- Communicate the working relationship based on state law, the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, and the broker’s business policies
- Explain Federal and State Fair Housing laws
- Explain what to look for in applicable property disclosures
- Reassure the buyer that their personal information will remain confidential
- Inform the buyer that you will always disclose all known material defects
- In accordance with state law, provide information on checking the sex-offender registry and crime statistics for the neighborhood
- Discuss available resources that the buyer can check to learn more about prospective neighborhoods
Preparing the Buyer
- Explain the timeline for house hunting, mortgage approval, and closing
- Explain the local market and how it impacts the buyer
- Show statistics on what percentage of list price sellers in the area are currentlyreceiving
- Inform the buyer on what home features are popular
- Identify current average days on market
- Share the dangers of using the price per square foot to figure home values
- Explain the concept of absorption rate and how it impacts the buying process
- Indicate current listing months of market inventory
- Share estimated potential out-of-pocket costs to complete the transaction
- Assist the buyer in analyzing the loan estimates
- Qualify the buyer for financial ability to purchase
- Help the buyer account for the complete costs of homeownership
- Prepare lender for listing agent calls
- Assist in comparing different financing options
- Help the buyer select for viewing only those homes that fit their needs
- Proceed in showing homes that fit the buyer’s must-haves
- Caution the buyer on posting information to social media
- Review the sample sales contract so the buyer is prepared when it comes time to make an offer
Showing Properties
- Schedule showings and provide access to all listed properties as soon as they become available in their local MLS broker marketplaces
- Educate the buyer on the immediacy of new listings appearing in their local MLS broker marketplaces and the lag time for them to appear on some websites
- Collaborate with the buyer on properties they may have learned about through their sphere contacts
- Research and assist on all unlisted properties the buyer wishes to see
- Preview properties prior to showing if needed
- Network with other agents to source properties not yet in their local MLS broker marketplaces
- Contact homeowners in focus areas to see if they are considering selling
- Set up an automated email alert system through their local MLS broker marketplaces that immediately notifies the buyer of properties that fit discussed requirements
- Arrange a tour of areas, schools, and key points of interest
- Provide resources containing neighborhood information on municipal services,schools, etc.
- Inform the buyer of negative aspects like nearby venues or operations that may result in issues that could impact value
- Collect and share any other vital information on available homes, remembering to follow all fair housing laws at all times
- Check applicable zoning and building restrictions
- Help the buyer decipher public property and tax information
- Collect and share pertinent data on values, taxes, utility costs, etc.
- Compare each property shown to the buyer’s wants and needs list and remind them of what they were looking for
- Help the buyer narrow the search until the buyer identifies top choices
Negotiating Offers
- Assist the buyer in getting the best property at the best price
- Suggest that the buyer learn more about the neighborhood prior to makingan offer
- Prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) in advance of making an offer
- Prepare the buyer to have the most attractive offer in the current marketplace
- Explain common contract contingencies and include approved protective clauses in the purchase offer
- Ensure that the buyer receives and understands all state and federally-required disclosure forms
- Prioritize contract negotiation goals with the buyer
- Help create a negotiating strategy
- Use strategies such as an escalation clause to maintain a competitive offer
- Prepare the buyer for a multiple offer situation and develop negotiation strategies
- Write an offer that has a reasonable chance of being accepted
- Recommend optional contingencies and explain the pros and cons of using them
- Provide information on purchasing incentives that may be available
- Discuss financing alternatives
- Negotiate the buyer’s offers to arrive at the best price and terms
- Utilize hyperlocal expertise and strong communication skills to assist the buyer in being the successful offer
Buyer Specialist
Let's Chat.
I look forward to working with you.
Thank you!
This is only the beginning of an exciting journey to a bright and shining new future. And it's only the beginning of our commitment to servicing your every real estate need. Thank you for the opportunity to help you find your perfect home!
Starting August 17th, 2024
By Signing the Agreement to Partner with an Agent
