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It’s no secret that we love our pets, but what may come as a surprise is how large a role they can play in the homebuying process – and our lives.
In fact, many pet owners admit that many of the decisions they make in life are done with their beloved pets in mind, and that includes the type of home they buy.
Depending on the type of pet you have, it may not be well-suited for specific indoor environments. For example, a large breed dog may not be entirely comfortable in a tiny studio apartment with little space to roam. As such, pets are often considered in the decision-making process when buying a home.
Approximately 70% of US households have pets. That’s the highest percentage over the past 30 years.
Perhaps a lot of that has to do with the recent health crisis, as pets have played a key role in comforting Americans throughout the pandemic. This led to an increase in the number of households with pets. Millennials, in particular, made up the largest segment of US pet owners.
We’re also spending more than ever on our furry friends. Americans spend an average of $1,163 a year on their pets.
Over the past 12 months, 35% of pet owners polled said they spent more on their pets compared to the preceding year. Gen Z and millennial pet owners drove these stats, with 49 % to 50% claiming to have spent more on their pets over the last year.
Pet owners are serious about making life with their beloved pets as comfortable as possible, and they’re willing to make major moves to do so.
Here are some of the more common amenities pet owners look for in a home:
It’s nice to be able to simply open your back door and let your pet out to enjoy some time outside. But unless the yard is fenced in, you’ll have to either leash your pet or stay by its side while outdoors. For pet owners, a fenced yard is one of the more important must-haves in a home.
Having a place to hose off your pet after a muddy walk before your pet goes inside can make life easier for you. Instead of carrying your pet to the tub, you can avoid any hassles and unnecessary cleaning by ensuring your pet is thoroughly washed before stepping foot in your home.
It’s a lot easier to clean hardwood floors than carpeting. Just a quick wipe and you can easily get rid of any paw prints or mud tracked in the home. With carpeting, the cleaning process is a lot more involved.
Unless you have a cat or a small dog, you’ll want to have enough space for your pet to roam around, both indoors and out. More specifically, a nice-sized yard would be ideal to give your pet some room to run around between walks.
If you’re thinking of adding a new furry friend, or if you already have, let’s connect to discuss how you can find a home that meets all your pet’s needs.
Are you ready to apply for a mortgage to buy a home? If so, Sammamish Mortgage can help. We are a mortgage company serving the entire Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado. We offer multiple mortgage programs to buyers and have been doing so since 1992. Contact us today with any questions you have about mortgages.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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No Obligation and transparency 24/7. Instantly compare live rates and costs from our network of lenders across the country. Real-time accurate rates and closing costs for a variety of loan programs custom to your specific situation.