September 16 2020

4 Great Tips for Finding a Home For You and Your Pet

Ellen Bruya Home Buying cats, dogs, pets 0

We speak to a lot of homebuyers that are considering a house based on pet allowances. Whether it’s a condominium, townhouse, or even a single-family house Association, the question of whether or not to bring your four-legged best friend along is not a question at all, it’s a reality. I mean, they are part of your family, right?

When you’re looking for a new home you’ll want to make sure that the house is adequate for your pets as well. However, you do need to keep in mind codes and restrictions to the neighborhood or complex. Here are some tips to keep in mind when finding the right home for you and your pet.

Finding the Right Home for You and Your Pet

Check with local ordinances and homeowner association roles.

Did you know that you need to register your pets if you live in Hawaii? I can understand this as they want to protect existing domestic animals from viruses and diseases from the mainland, but that’s not usually the case in Tennessee, however, certain ordinances and HOA rules can prevent certain types of animals. Most associations will allow for a small dog or cat, but what if your animal is a little unusual? What if you have a ferret, snake, bird that makes noises all day long or some other exotic pet? There may be rules and regulations when it comes to pets besides the typical dog or cat.

A lot of these ordinances will also have leash laws that you must adhere to. Just because your pet doesn’t need to be on a leash and will follow you blindly, it doesn’t mean that everyone’s pet will do the same. You wouldn’t want to risk your pet’s protection by not keeping them on a leash should a rogue pet attack.

Find a pet-friendly Realtor

We want you to find not just the best home for you and your family but for your pet family as well. We may know of certain complexes or townhome communities that allow for a variety of pets or we may suggest steering clear of a certain association that forbids pets altogether.

A condominium

It’s important that when you find a condo you understand their pet policies. There are several different regulations when it comes to condo associations. You may be limited on how many pets you can have, the type of pet, and pets under a certain weight. Typically, the weight limit is 20 or 25 pounds. Remember, your downstairs neighbor doesn’t want to hear a 150 pound Rottweiler bouncing around all hours of the day and night.

Consider your pet’s needs.

When looking for a home for you and your pet make sure you understand your pet’s needs as well. If you have a large dog or a puppy that will turn into a large dog, you may need a larger backyard or fenced-in area for the dog to play and roam. Materials used in the house may prevent you from choosing that home such as hardwood floors and lots of tapestries that can be damaged.

Of course, you want to bring your four-legged friend along, but let’s do this the right way. Let’s take a look at the type of home you and your pet need and then narrow down our search to what will really work for you. Give me a call today to find out more information on condo complexes, townhome communities, and single-family home associations that allow for pets.