Pets are, to many people, a loyal and comforting friend. They are just another family member, and when we make big changes or decisions, their comfort and happiness is usually a big factor. This is especially important when you’re purchasing a new home.
Before you do anything else, however, spend some time researching the area where you want to live to get a better understanding of what the area has to offer. For example, doing a quick search online shows that Redondo Beach is a family-oriented city with a large number of young people among the population. Once you determine if the city is a right fit for you, begin to search for a home that will suit your needs and the needs of your pet.
Read on for more tips from Homes Fit For A King.
Sideline the Stress
Buying or selling a home is, obviously, a major change, and for some animals, Whole Dog Journal points out that it can bring about quite a bit of anxiety and stress. When that happens, it’s usually best to find ways to take them out of the situation and allow them to relax.
Sometimes this is easier said than done, but depending on where you live, there may be many different places you can go with your dog during a real estate transaction. Not only will removing your pet from the situation help him stay happy, it will also keep him and everyone else safe, especially if he’s a breed that becomes aggressive when faced with strangers in his home. Depending on the weather and time of year, you might even consider camping out for a couple of days to get out of the way so your realtor can set up an open house.
Transition Time
Along those same lines, if you want to get away for a few days and have all the luxuries of home, consider getting a hotel room or renting a room in a lovely old Victorian. There are several places around the city that allow pets; just check on breed or weight restrictions, pet deposits, and how many animals the destination will allow at once.
Of course, you don’t have to pack up and leave if you have other commitments; you can get out of the house for a little while, however, and there are many places that will allow you to bring your dog along. Take this opportunity to go out for a nice meal with your partner or take the whole family out for a bite to eat; Lincoln has many restaurants that allow pets. For a detailed list of all your choices, head over to BringFido.com.
House Hunting and Settling In
If you’re used to bringing your dog along wherever you go, you might want to rethink it during the house-hunting process. It can be tempting to use the logic that your dog needs to be introduced to the space to make sure it’s right for him, but save that for after a purchase has been made and you actually have the keys to the home.
Looking for a new house means you might come into contact with the homeowners, who could potentially have allergies to dogs or have pets of their own who wouldn’t appreciate a new animal in the house. Ask a friend to help you keep him occupied if you come across an open house you just can’t miss while you have your dog with you, or bring a kennel and keep it in your trunk for just such an occasion.
These same measures can be taken during the actual move. The activity of so many bodies moving furniture and boxes will likely confuse and stress your pet, let alone the risk of him running out the open doors. Plan your move early on by Googling “professional movers near me” and using Angi.com to narrow your search for a moving company. Some companies offer a full range of services, such as handling the packing and unpacking for you, which you may consider to further avoid your pet becoming anxious at the site of belongings being tucked away in boxes.
Rover.com notes that it is important to allow your dog to get a feel for the new home, so once it’s possible, take him for a visit and let him roam around, explore the yard, and get used to the new smells and terrain. If the new home has stairs but the old one doesn’t, be sure to put up a baby gate until your dog can get accustomed to climbing and descending.
With these tips in mind, you’ll find that the home buying and selling experience with pup in tow doesn’t have to be a logistical or emotional hassle. Just stick to your strategy and be mindful of proper etiquette. Everyone involved — Fido included — will be the better for it!
The goal of realtor Dave King of Homes Fit For A King is to be your guide, and to provide you with all of the information you need, both good and bad, to make the best decisions for you and your family. Team up with Dave today by calling 610.563.5185!