If you have a dog or a cat, you’re among the majority of households in the United States. While we typically think of animals needing lots of room to roam, the truth is that many of our pets will thrive in a smaller home or even a condo. If you’re looking to downsize, don’t fret. The tips below will help you make your move without upsetting the delicate balance your animal has come to expect.
Today’s post is just one of many informative pieces presented by the Home Girls.
General Home Buying Tips
Before we get into the specifics about moving with the pet, it’s a good idea to cover a few quick points about buying a home in general. First, check your credit score. This will help you make a better decision on the type of loan to apply for. For a conventional loan, you may need a higher credit score than if you opt for an FHA or VA loan. You can find out more about the different types of mortgages by visiting Penny Mac US. You also have to determine a budget, decide where you want to live, and partner with a realtor that has experience in your location.
Features to Consider
When you’re downsizing, you’ll need a home that continues to meet your and your furry family’s needs. Aside from the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, you’ll want to make sure that your new home has a yard or is within close proximity to public areas where dogs can run and play off-leash. If you do opt for a house with a backyard, it must be fenced, ideally with solid materials, which will keep your pet from being distracted by other animals and neighbors. Daily Paws suggests fencing made from vinyl, wood, or metal.
Something else you must also think about is whether or not you plan to live in a community with a Homeowner’s Association. Some HOAs may restrict the number of pets you have and bar you from having a certain type of fencing or a visible doghouse (in this case, you’ll have to get creative).
Are You Selling, Too?
If you also plan to list your current home and you have pets living with you, you’ll need to set the stage for a successful sale so that you can expedite the moving process. Your first task here is to remove evidence that a pet still lives in the house without downplaying features that will appeal to other pet parents.
Getting rid of the smell is your hardest task but one made easier when you open the windows. This is especially effective when the weather cools down and you can keep the windows open for longer, which helps circulate air and purges your home of dust, smoke, and other irritants, such as pet dander. Comfort Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing cautions, however, that you might want to keep the windows closed if it’s humid out. Regardless, you’ll still need to make sure to shampoo the carpets, clean the upholstery, and move your pet’s food, bed, and toys out on showing day.
Moving Day Mayhem Averted
Moving day is a source of stress for many animals (not to mention their human companions). You can streamline the process by hiring a moving service, keeping your pet safely in their crate, and making sure their tags and microchip are up to date in case they wander during all of the excitement. If you’re moving across state lines, talk to your vet about obtaining a health certificate and whether or not you need medicine on hand for motion sickness.
Downsizing has become more popular among empty-nesters, retirees, and younger couples. But, less space doesn’t mean you can’t find the perfect house for your entire family, those with four legs included. Talk to your realtor and veterinarian if you need more information or guidance.
