While making the decision to find a new home is an exciting time, it can also be as exhausting as a puppy attempting to bark for the first time. Here’s a handy list of 10 things to keep in mind when making the most of your house hunting!
1. A Pet-Friendly Realtor Is Key
A pet-friendly real estate professional is key in your search for a new home. When choosing between realtors, ask about their knowledge of dog-specific regulations and experience with finding homes for the pup-obsessed humans like yourself. 😉
2. Create A Checklist
It’s important to nail down what things are most important to you. Do you need a huge backyard for your Great Dane? Or is it more of a “Nice to have” for your Yorkie? These factors will help narrow down your search and find the pawfect fit.
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3. Explore The Neighborhood
Your realtor most likely knows the inside scoop on the neighborhood. Be sure to ask questions about dog-friendly businesses, dog parks, and off-leash areas for your pup to explore.
4. Ask About Breed Specific Legislation
Some states and cities have laws or statutes that ban certain breeds. Ask your realtor for more information so you don’t end up falling in ruv with a property in a community that will not welcome your best friend.
5. Location Is Everything
You may have narrowed down a state or even a city for your move. What you should also consider is your home’s proximity to parks, wooded areas, and main roads. If your dog is prone to running away like my bandit Levi, living near a main road may be your worst nightmare.
6. Research Potential Threats
Are there any dangers to your pup nearby? Wild animals such as coyotes, rattlesnakes, and raccoons can be potentially dangerous for your dog. These things may not mean the neighborhood is off-limits, but it’s important to be aware of any threats so you can take preventative measures to keep your pup safe.
7. Evaluate Layout Options
Just like you think about yourself in your new space, it’s important to think about your dog in it too. We have about fifteen steps that lead to our front door at home. Now that my dog Molly is 14 years old, we’ve been trying to figure out another way for her to travel outside while minimizing any potential for injury since the steps are pretty steep for any fluffy old lady. 😉
8. Think Like A Pup
Where will your dog sleep? Or go to the bathroom? My home on Long Island has a wooded area right across the street that is perfect for taking my dogs for a quick walk. Things you do every day are just as important to think about as the bigger things, like gorgeous ceilings and renovated kitchens.
9. Keep An Eye Out For Unique Features
Keep an eye out for nooks, closets, and corners that may seem like dead space for humans but can actually be the perfect spot for pups to curl up to after a long day of dreaming of squirrels.
10. Keep Compromise In Mind
Remember – it takes work to make a house your home. If you think you’ve found the right fit, don’t be discouraged by carpeting or an unfenced backyard. While those things are nice to have done before closing, they can always be adjusted with your pup in mind before move-in day or tweaked to work for your pup in the meantime.
