Pets Drive Homebuying, Renovation Decisions
There are more American households with pets than children, and studies show that home buyers’ furry friends increasingly influence the type of home or remodeling project buyers choose.
Nearly 80% of consumers say that if they saw signs of a pet in a home, it wouldn’t deter them from making an offer as long as there was no damage to the property, according to a survey conducted by Quicken Loans earlier this year. Two in 10 people even said a pet-friendly home would make them want to increase their offer.
Judging a Home’s Pet Appeal
Sixty-six percent of American households own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. And about one-fifth of recent home buyers said they considered their pet when deciding what neighborhood to live in, according to research from the National Association of REALTORS®.
An entire home design movement, the "barkitecture" movement focuses on integrating pet-friendly features into home design, such as washing stations and hidden feeding areas. According to the 2024 Houzz Pets & Home Report, about half of homeowners prioritize their pets when upgrading their spaces. Common considerations include using pet-friendly materials and creating specific functionalities like pet beds and feeding stations.
Flooring: Scratch-resistant and hardy flooring may be a priority. Common pet-friendly options include laminate, tile and vinyl. Laminate floors, which can resemble hardwood, can come with added protection against claw marks, according to tip sheets from National Floors Direct.
Landscaping: About 34% of pet-owning renovators say they upgraded their landscaping specifically with their pets in mind, the Houzz survey finds.
Custom areas: Nearly one in 10 homeowners prioritize custom feeding stations and outdoor enclosures for their pets, even adding “catios,” or outdoor patios for cats. Some homeowners also add sleeping or relaxation areas, grooming stations and play structures for their pets’ enjoyment.
A Few Pet Peeves
Pets aren’t perfect. Nearly three quarters of pet owners say they’ve had to replace a household item because their pets damaged it. Carpets and rugs were the most replaced items, followed by furniture, bedding and door frame replacements, according to the Houzz survey.
Also, homeowners acknowledge that pet messes happen, saying their biggest pet-related challenge at home is an abundance of fur and hair, followed by dirt, mud and other outdoor items being tracked into the home. More than a quarter say organizing and storing pet-related items is a challenge to keeping the home clean.
Final Observation
While pets can add charm, their presence may overshadow the home’s beauty. When showcasing a home, it’s often best to have pets out of sight. This allows potential buyers to focus on the property’s features without distractions.
However, they can also play a role in attracting interest, making them an asset in drawing buyers in.
Resource: https://www.nar.realtor/
*The above is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.
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