If you’re like me and you love animals, and your pet is part of your family, you’re going to want to work with an experienced pet-friendly real estate agent. Buying and selling a home can be stressful but even more so when you’ve got pets and children to care for. A realtor with a love for animals and personal experience working with pet-parents makes the process a lot easier. They understand that your pet will be part of the process and how best to work with that.
There are many reasons to work with a pet-friendly real estate agent. Here’s why it’s important:
Pet-owners are generally more personable, approachable, and likable.
People say I’m easy to work with. I think that’s because I try to relate to people and believe in building lasting relationships instead of just completing a business transaction. Throughout the process I am genuinely interested in getting to know my clients, understanding their individual needs, and I work hard getting them to the closing table with the least amount of headache as possible.
Pet-friendly agents have a network they can tap into.
I make it a point to stay connected to my pet-owner clients and those in the pet community, and I’m able to bring that to the table for my clients. It’s not uncommon for me to have a buyers list of clients looking for the perfect home for their pet and their lifestyle. Not all pet-owners have the same needs and that’s why it’s important to have that access to the local community, other pet-loving buyers and sellers, and other real estate agents. When clients choose me, they get access to my network.
They find buyers pet-friendly housing to meet their individual needs.
I work with clients to make sure we’ve identified all of their housing needs, especially those that will make a good home for their pet. We might uncover some new things they hadn’t considered. I always ask my pet-parent clients specific questions so that we can identify the floor plan that will best accommodate their pet. Will they need a fenced yard, how well does their pet do on stairs, will they need a walk-in shower for bathing, etc. There are many things pet-owners should consider when preparing to buy. You can read more about that here: Pet Owners: What to Consider When Buying a House
They help buyers find a home in a pet-friendly neighborhood.
Unfortunately, not all neighborhoods will appreciate your pet. As an experienced agent I have a good understanding of the neighborhoods in Charlotte, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem and I can help you find a home in a neighborhood that is well-suited for you and your family. Location and walkability might be one of the most important factors in deciding on a home for you and your pet.
An experienced pet-friendly real estate agent knows what to look for from an HOA and condo association.
There are advantages to having an HOA and condo living but it’s not uncommon for them to have guidelines relating to pets. There are HOA Rules that Home Buyers Should Watch Out for to Protect Their Pets. An HOA might limit the number of pets you can have, only approve of specific breeds, have a weight limit, require a pet be spayed or neutered, or limit your ability to build the fence you need. I know what to look for in those documents, so you have a full understanding of what you’re signing up for before we make an offer.
They know the ins and outs of the area from a pet-owner perspective.
I can introduce you to dog-friendly parks and trails nearby, the nearest animal clinic or emergency hospital, and help you locate services like grooming or dog-walking. We’ll talk about what’s important to you and I’ll find you a home nearby.
They know how to highlight your homes attributes to appeal to pet owners.
I know what pet-owners are looking for in a home and can advise you on the small things you can do that will make your home stand out. I can create a listing for your home with selling points that appeal directly to pet-owners. Staging your home to specifically appeal to pet-owners can make a big difference in how quickly your home sells; it’s something you might want to consider.
They understand the challenges of showing your home when you have pets.
Realtors will always insist that you and your pet is not on-site during showings. Although you might not think this is a big deal, it’s what’s most comfortable for the buyer. I understand the challenge that brings for you and your pet and will work with you to put in place a process that’s doable. We will identify days and times that work best and agree on how much notice you’ll need before showings. I will honor our agreement and hold people to that when scheduling. I do recommend you make showing times available as much as possible, we’ll figure it out together. I know How Pet Owners Should Prepare for and Can Have a Successful Showing.
Pet-friendly agents can help sellers overcome obstacles that pet owners face.
Unprepared pet-parents can run into challenges selling their home. I’ll do a complete assessment of where we’re at and make recommendations so you can avoid that. There are certain things about pets that can turn-off a buyer even if they own pets themselves. Pet odors and flooring are biggies but there are some others. I’ll make sure you’re prepared and have a good understanding of what needs to happen to get your home show ready.
If your ready to buy or sell and have a four-legged friend in your family, you’re going to want to work with someone who has an appreciation for animals, and a love for pets. Choose your realtor wisely.
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