Pets are a big part of our world. Many women over 60 have pets, as well as many others. They’re part of our families.
Thinking of moving? Just look at those faces and you know they’re coming with you. Honestly, would you go without them? I wouldn’t!
Many people get to a point in their lives that it’s time to downsize. So where will you go?
What Kind of Home Are You Looking For?
A condo that accepts pets? Maybe a condo at the beach.
An active adult community or a pet-friendly gated community?
Single family home on a street? Perhaps a villa because it’s easy living on one floor.
Figuring out the type of home you are looking for is a good beginning.
The type of home you are dreaming of, ultimately, may or may not work for you and your pets, but it’s a good place to start.
Make a Wish List
In a perfect world, what would you like to have? What would make you happy?
Make a list of your absolute must haves and the things you are flexible on.
You may not get them all, but you can try.
Be Honest About Your Pets
How many pets do you have? What kind of pets are they?
More than one pet can sometimes be a problem, depending on the type of home you’re looking to buy. And no, please don’t try to hide them. The neighbors always find out!
A man once called looking to buy a condo with eight dogs – they allowed one. How long do you think it would take the neighbors to find out? About an hour or less!
Certain communities do not allow reptiles. Same with large birds.
Be upfront with your buyer’s agent.
Condo vs House with Pets
Living in a condominium building is different than living in a house, villa or townhouse with dogs.
For one, each condo has it’s own rules with regard to pets. You may be required to enter and exit the building with your dog in a different manner. Are you okay with that? Some people are, others not. Definitely something to think about.
Condos may insist dogs be fully vaccinated every year and require proof to that effect. If you’re a person who does not vaccinate, this may not work for you.
Please be aware that a rabies vaccine is required in certain counties and/or states. Always check the county and state you’re planning to move to.
Life in a homeowner’s association, whether in a single-family house, villa or townhouse may be easier. You won’t have to carry your furry friend outside for a walk. No elevators to deal with – out the door you go.
It’s easier living, but some people still prefer a condo, and that’s okay.
Homeowner’s associations may still require vaccinations. Some homeowner’s associations require photos and certificates from your veterinarian as proof.
I recently came across pet restrictions that gave the board in a homeowner’s association the right to have your dog weighed in front of the board if they thought s/he was over the weight. Ridiculous, yes! True, yes! I agree, totally absurd.
Do you need a fenced yard, or will you walk your dogs?
These are all things to think about as some communities do not allow fences unless you have a pool. Do you want a pool?
So many things to think about!
And My Friend Said…
Please don’t take your friend’s word for it. I know they mean well, but this is your beloved pet. They may be right and they may not be. Do your due diligence and don’t take a chance. Pet restrictions can and do change from time to time.
Just because you may see dogs walking in the building or community doesn’t mean it’s acceptable in that building or community.
Don’t rely on the types of dogs you see walking around either – big versus small or different breeds. These may be service or emotional support animals.
Hire a Pet-Friendly REALTOR®
It pays to hire a pet-friendly REALTOR®. When I say that I mean not just any buyer’s agent.
Why?
Because they live and breathe pet-friendly homes 24/7 dealing with all types of situations. They don’t just post listings that may or may not allow pets.
Ask them how they became a pet-friendly REALTOR®.
It will save you a great deal of time and frustration as you scroll through tons of listings online.
Don’t trust what the listings say. They may be right, but they are often wrong when it comes to pets. They are manually entered and the person may or may not have done the research.
It’s just as frustrating for me. Each time I see “pet restrictions,” I cringe. I have to stop and research exactly what the pet restrictions are, which may have changed.
Don’t spend massive amounts of time scouring listings only to become increasingly frustrated. Let your buyer’s agent do it for you.
Make sure you fully research your buyer’s agent before you hire them.
You will be glad you did.
Final Thoughts
Pets are part of the family. I know this because my dogs are part of my family.
So whether you’re looking for a condo, townhouse, villa or single family home to buy, please check into all aspects of the property relating to pets, so your beloved pets will be as welcome as you.
You don’t want to find out after you’re under contract or have closed on a home that they’re not welcome. Then you have a problem.
There are many condos and communities that will gladly welcome both you and your beloved pets.
Will you have to compromise on some things? Maybe.
But if you’re a pet lover, it’s worth it.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Are you a baby boomer with pets planning a move? Do you have any questions about pet-friendly buyer agents or pet restrictions. Let’s talk about it!
