Focus on Pets

in the house and around the neighborhood

When I retired from my first career I was perfectly happy in my Alexandria home. Then, within weeks, came Fergie, my retirement “gift” to myself. Since she’s been with me, I’ve made multiple home-related decisions that have merged her comfort with my own set of priorities for comfort and aesthetics. The extension of my front patio— ostensibly to have space for morning coffee or an evening glass of wine with visitors—has the added benefit of space for me and Fergie to settle into our chairs on lovely afternoons and chat with passing neighbors.

Just inside, the rearrangement of my living room has provided a spot for Fergie’s bed right in front of the window and enough space for her easy access to her half-wine-barrel toy bin. There is now a discreet spot behind the nearby front door where I can easily hang Fergie’s leashes. And in the kitchen, under the tall pantry cupboard, is a nook for her water and food bowls. It’s a spot that’s well-positioned for both of us.

Unsurprisingly, dogs and cats are the most common pets in the U.S. 44% of people with pets have dogs and 29% have cats⁴. This got me wondering about what home features are most often considered by those home-buyers. Far and away, the most common feature that pet owners consider important in their home search is a fenced yard. As someone who lets my dog out first thing in the morning and last thing at night, I certainly appreciate this! Next on the list of features that will make life easier are having enough space for all and appropriate flooring.

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Buying a new house is a big deal, not only for the people who’ll be living there, but also for their four-legged companions. Whenever the time comes to move, Fergie’s continued comfort will be top of mind in my decision. And I’m not alone in what some might consider my obsession over making home as comfortable for Fergie as it is for me! According to National Association of Realtors’ research, 43% of pet owners would be willing to move or change their living situation to accommodate their pet¹. The share of recent pet-owning home buyers who factored their pet into their neighborhood choice was higher than the share who prioritized walkability, convenience to leisure activities, or even convenience to schools¹. Wow! When you factor in that about 66% of American households have a pet², that’s a lot of home-related decisions that are based at least partially on pets. In the home buying process, it turns out, the comfort and satisfaction of people’s pets can be quite important.

1. Animal House: Pets in the Home Buying and Selling Process 2020, National Association of Realtors (NAR) Report
2. 2023-2024 National Pet Owners Survey, American Pet Products Association (APPA)

3. 2022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, National Association of Realtors (NAR)
4. Pet Ownership Statistics 2023, Forbes Advisor

A past client whose custom-built home features a pet washing station!

Past clients whose dog may have enjoyed their fenced backyard and patio as much or more than they did.

Past clients who built a pool for relaxation, and whose dogs find it cool and energizing on hot days.

A client whose limited space inspired them to mount ledges to accommodate their kitties’ acrobatics and to provide them a domain away from the pooches!

What Clients are Saying

“Outstanding, a definite five stars. We believe that Sarah’s knowledge of the market during a time of transition, as well as the time and work she put in, were exceptional.”

- Cindy R.

“I’m so glad we found Sarah. She was always in communication with us and was always organized (very important to me).... It’s the first time we bought a house without being there in person; Sarah was honest and helped us with the search as if she was buying for herself. She made the process very easy for us and always kept her cool during negotiations.”

- Alex M

I’m excited when my clients tell me they’ll be factoring their pets into their decisions. And because I’m a devoted dog owner, I’m eager to fully understand their needs. Bottom line: if you have a pet, I’ll make sure that you find a new home that you and your furry friends will be happy in. Give me a call so we can start planning a move for all of you!

-Sarah Bobbin, Realtor®