Las Vegas Market Watch

How Pets Can Help Sell Your Home

August 18, 2016
By Keith Lynam
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            In the past, pets have primarily been relegated to the shadows when preparing a home for resale. Conventional wisdom suggested that all traces of the pet(s) – bowls, toys, beds, and even the pets themselves – should be concealed by sellers when preparing to show their home to a potential buyer. However, trends have changed drastically in the real estate industry and pets are now considered beneficial in aiding the marketing of a home for sale.

            The American Pet Products Association recently conducted a survey which revealed that over 79 million households (roughly 65% of households) currently owned a pet. These numbers shatter the previous records. Furthermore, nearly 83% of pet owners surveyed said that they considered their pet to be a family member (PackagedFacts.com). Pet accommodating homes have become such a sought after commodity for prospective home buyers that many pet-friendly real estate agents are now starting to flock to a growing national social platform, for pet-friendly agents and consumers alike, called Pet Reality Network. The Network specifically showcases pet-friendly listings only. Many homebuilders are now designing floor plan which are pet-friendly and accommodating; one such example is the addition of pet nooks in mudrooms or spare rooms in many new-home projects. Additionally, an abundance of luxury condominium developers are pushing a plethora of pet amenities in their marketing efforts. Some of these features include community pet parks and spas, pet fitness classes, pools shaped like dog bones, and even social mixers for dogs; commonly referred to as “yappy hours.”

            So how can you show yourself as pet-friendly to your clients? There are a few different ways to go about doing so. Networking with other pet-friendly agents is always a great start. Volunteering at animal shelters or rescues is a great way to help out animals in need and simultaneously bond with potential pet loving prospects. Make sure to always address all pet questions and needs when dealing with a pet owner. Is there enough space in the backyard for their pets? Is the backyard fenced in securely? Does the community have a dog park? If not, how far is the nearest dog park? What rules does the local homeowners association or condo boards have in place (I.E. - weight restrictions, breed restrictions, number of pets allowed, etc.)? Lastly, always make sure to market yourself as a pet-friendly agent. This can be done as bluntly as showcasing photos of you and your pets on your website, or as subtlety as sharing an occasional pet-friendly article on your website or writing a blog regarding pets in real estate.

            Whether you are pet-friendly (with regards to real estate showcasing) or are still on the fence about the whole ordeal; times have certainly started to change. While cleaning up a bit after your pets and making sure there are no overpowering odors overcoming the home is always a good idea; the days of having to hide all traces of your pets when showing your home to a potential buyer, are over.

August 18, 2016
By Keith Lynam