The Power of Pets

Over the years, the real estate business has shown little love for pets. People have been accustomed to hiding their beloved dogs or cats-and all traces of them-from the toys, the beds and the bowls-all just to prepare for a home sale. Good news! Those hard-line messages are softening as pets actually are becoming a plus in the marketing of homes for sale.

Pet power is on the rise. Currently 65% of US households own a pet which averages to a record breaking 79 million people. 83% of pet owners consider their pet to be a member of the family. Can you blame them? When selling your home, addressing that pet love philosophy give realtors a new meaning when it comes to showing or selling a home on your behalf. They now have to assist the buyers in scouting for homes that meet the needs of their pets as well as working with a seller to leverage their home’s pet appeal.

With pets no longer being as big of a real estate issue as they use to be, it’s no wonder as to why there is a growing network of realtors and communities who market to those with pets. Home builders and also luxury condominium buildings are joining the pet craze too by offering rooftop pet parks and spas ( complete with “pawdicures”), dogbone-shaped swimming pools, pet fitness yoga classes and treadmill sessions, and even “yappy-hours” social mixers. A pet friendly home is an advantage for a property nowadays and it certainly is about time!