Shopping for a home can be tough. Shopping for a home when you have a dog can be even tougher. If you are looking for a home with a canine friend, you might want to keep the three factors below in mind.
Space Considerations
Is your new home actually going to be big enough for your dog? It’s a simple question, but one that can greatly change the way you look at a home. For most dog owners, the clear answer to this question usually comes with a fenced backyard. For others, though, a smaller house might be fine as long as there is a dog park nearby. For those dogs that are happier indoors, it might also be a good idea to find a home that has room in which the animal can run around. These are all important factors that can impact your dog’s life.
The HOA
It’s also a good idea start looking at your potential home’s HOA or condo association rules when it comes to animals. Many HOAs have rules that govern the breeds of dogs that are available, with some even governing the size of dog that can live in the neighborhood. While this might not be a huge hassle for those looking to get a dog after they move, it’s a major issue with which current dog owners might have to deal. If your HOA won’t allow your dog to move in, you should probably keep looking.
Flooring
What type of flooring does your potential new home have? If it’s got carpet, will it be able to stand up to the traffic of your dog? If it has wood floors, will your dog’s claws tear it to shreds? It’s incredibly expensive to replace flooring, so always keep it in mind when looking for a new home. Try to factor the cost of replacement into any offers you make, especially if you think your dog will be spending most of its time indoors. The last thing you want is to add thousands of dollars to the price of a home due to flooring damage.
It’s always a good idea to get help from professional realtors, like those at Liz Carter & Team Realty Inc, when looking for a home that will suit your dog. Make sure you communicate that you need a community that is dog-friendly, a house that is large enough for your animal and one that will stand up to a bit of wear and tear. With some luck, you can find the house that is perfect for you and your dog.
