A new survey out from realtor.com® shows that home buyers are more and more likely to forego other wants in their home search in order to accommodate their furry friends. In the survey, 75% of pet owners said they would not make an offer for an otherwise “perfect” home if the home didn’t have spaces suitable for their pets. Woof!
Home buyers with pets make up 80% of the home searching population, so these results are nothing to scoff at. Dogs were the most common pets, so outdoor spaces and large yards are common must-haves when searching for homes. Eighty-nine percent of younger buyers aged 18-34 said they have pets, and families with children were also highly likely to have pets, at 91%! However, dogs weren’t the only pets that made an impact on buying decisions. Pets like fish, birds, reptiles and rodents were also taken into consideration.
“It’s heartwarming to find that people will put their pets’ needs first, even when it comes to one of the biggest financial decisions they will ever make. This survey shows that we really do consider pets part of the family — and that their needs are a critical part of finding the perfect home.”
—Nate Johnson, realtor.com®
Seattle is a notoriously dog-friendly city, with one Seattle Times’ article noting that we now have more dogs than children in the city. There are plenty of dog-friendly eateries and parks, including Norm’s in Fremont, Belltown Pub, and Fremont Brewing. See a comprehensive list of dog-friendly Seattle restaurants here.
Several of our own clients this year have been dutifully searching for homes that will be a good match for their pets. If you’re a Seattle renter searching for a home to make your own and looking for pet-friendly accommodations, give us a call at 206-965-8205 or email us at hello@remaxonmarket.com. We can help you figure out the best solution for your needs!
