If you have pets, you couldn’t bear the thought of leaving them behind when you move. Your pets become part of your family. They bring you joy and unconditional love. They teach valuable lessons of forgiveness. In some households, they’re a welcome addition to an already full family. In others, they can seem like children on their own. So with your furry little friend in mind, review these house buying tips so you can find the perfect place for yourself, your family and your pets while you shop for a new home.
House Buying Tips Specifically for Dogs
The most optimal feature in a home if you have one or more dogs is a fenced-in yard where they can run free. Due to some neighborhood regulations, however, that’s not always a viable option. One of the best house buying tips for dog-owners is the kind of neighborhood that’s friendly and walkable. Walking your pets is good for them and for you.
In reality, though, you may not always have time to take your dogs for a walk. Survey the selection of trees in the yard; you may be able to fulfill your needs with a simple solution. Stringing a wire between two trees and hanging a leash from it allows your pet the freedom to run but also ensures his safety — even without a fence.
Also look for dog parks in the area. As long as your pup plays well with others, dog parks help your pet get that much needed interaction and exercise. And it gets you out of the house to meet some of your dog-loving neighbors. Plus, dog parks often signal an up-and-coming area.
Sleeping Situation
Most house buying tips say to allocate a special place for your pets to sleep, whether on your bedroom floor, in another room or in a crate or cage. It may be hard to say no, but you shouldn’t let your pets sleep in bed with you. So look for a house that can offer a compromise, a comfortable alternative place to sleep for your pet.
Consider making the laundry room, mudroom or even a corner of living room into a pet bedroom. Place a simple bed and a water bowl in it to create a feeling of personal space. Baby gates add security and safety, while keeping some pets in place for the night.
Plan for Everything
With any species of animal, accidents are bound to happen. If you’re looking for a home which is move- in ready, one of the most important house buying tips to remember is to get a darker carpet, polished wood floors or at least something you can easily clean and won’t show lasting stains.
Additionally, choosing a house on a busy road may not be the best idea with animals. You not only have the danger of escape and accident to worry about, but the loud noises from the road — not just cars and trucks going by, but horns and people noises as well — can be disruptive and confusing to your pets, especially when you first move in.
And finally, just remember that all it takes is some creativity, some preparation, some house buying tips in your arsenal, and lots of love for your little critter to find the perfect home for your entire family.
Zachery “Zack” Adam of GoPrime Mortgage, Inc. . (dba PrimeRate Mortgage Lending) is here to help you find the perfect home for you and your pets. For more information on house buying and financing, please visit Zack’s Blog Page.
