A Pet Lover’s Guide to Buying a Home

If you’re thinking about purchasing your new home, don’t forget to think about your pets. Life wouldn’t be complete without a four-legged friend by your side.  With that said, you would want to search smarter for pet-friendly homes since certain homes and neighborhood may not roll out the welcome mat for your furry friend.

So, here are 3 questions to ask that will keep you, your pet, and the people around you peaceful.  

What are the local pet laws?

You should be familiar with the city & county’s rules when it comes to pets.

There are certain locations that your pets might not be welcome, since there can be restrictions within an HOA, condo development, or even the city or state.

Some HOAs or condo developments restrict the number of pets you can have as well as the type of pet. It is your responsibility to know the law.  

Some laws concern the behavior of the dog. Dogs bark naturally, however constant barking can be disturbing for your neighbors. There are noise ordinances for almost every city.  Better to be safe than sorry!

Is the neighborhood good for pets to roam?

You’ll want to find a neighborhood that will be good for walks. A location that’s close to a park, trail, doggy park, or other green area. With dogs, they would want to roam around, especially on bathroom walks.

Another thing is being cautious on choosing a location right near a busy road or highway. Dogs and cats that like to roam could be in danger in a high traffic area.

Should you check your dream home layout?

It’s important for you to consider if the home’s layout is safe enough for your furry friend. You need to be mindful of getting a home that has a fenced in yard. Depending on the size of your pet, the amount of space varies. Definitely take into consideration their needs.

Managing a massive dog can be a massive challenge, but the right fence goes a long way in terms of keeping your dog safe and secure.

Also, see if the property is safely fenced and if the stairs are safe enough for them to go up and down easily, in case you have elderly pets or pets with disabilities.

So, take the time to consider what will best suit your four-legged companion before making a decision.

With these tips in mind, there will surely be one that’s perfect for you and your furry friend. If you want a full team of mortgage professionals at your disposal to help you make the best decisions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to hearing from you!