Nearby dog parks a drawing card when it comes time to sell
What might cause one home, nearly identical in style and condition to another just a couple miles away, to sell faster and for more than its twin?
Anyone with a modicum of real estate knowledge can rattle off likely reasons. The quick seller is in a more popular school district, or is closer to public transportation, or is on a block with more attractive homes.
But another explanation playing a bigger role of late. The quick seller is near a dog park.
Some 45 percent of pet owners reported treating their pets “like royalty,” according to the “Consumer Insights Survey” of 20,000 home shoppers by John Burns Real Estate Consulting, Irvine, California.
Properties with a dog park nearby tend to receive more viewings and offers, says Jamal Asskoumi, owner of the real estate website CasteSmart.com.
“If a property is near a dog park, a 10-minute walk or less, brokers should highlight the fact,” agrees Nicholas D’Addario, agent with William Raveis, a New York City realty firm.
Highlighting a dog park in a listing doesn’t have any negatives, says Asskoumi. “The non-dog owners will probably glance over this feature, focusing on the actual property, while dog owners will take it into account,” he says.
Canine passion is increasingly reflected in the interiors of homes. John Burns Real Estate Consulting reports that “pet suites,” which can include a special dog wash area and dedicated spaces for a dog bed and food, are growing popular.
When owners sell, they should investigate how these spaces can be used for buyers without dogs, says Asskoumi.
And, it might be advisable to keep canine amenities in laundry rooms or out-of-the way spaces. “A property was listed on our site featuring a dog bath in the master bedroom that couldn’t be removed,” shares Asskoumi. “Many potential buyers were no longer interested.”
– Marilyn Kennedy Melia
© CTW Features
