ResalesBrokers Find Pets Are Determining Factors In Deals
Real estate agents are finding pet-ownership to be such an important factor
in the home buying process that one company has developed a program that
helps families chose the right homes for themselves and their animals.
McEnearney Associates, a large independent in Northern Virginia, has
unveiled its "PAWSitive Experience" program that recognizes the role of pets
in the decision making process.
"Our "PAWSitive Experience" program was a natural progression from the many
experiences our agents had with clients who have pets," said Maureen
McEnearney Dunn, General Manager. "We pride ourselves on this kind of client
responsiveness, and our new pet program is one of the many ways we provide
personal service to our customers."
The program includes:
Pet questionnaire that is included with every buyer and seller package,
and is completed by McEnearney agents as part of the initial consultation.
McEnearney agents also make a point of "showing" homes to the pets during the
home search process or before completing the transaction.
Welcome Pet Packages including information for new home buyers complete,
including tips for moving pets, area pet laws, veterinarians and other
applicable information.
A Pet Photo Gallery on McEnearney"s Web site allows visitors to read their
clients" favorite pet stories.
The company said a 1999 report prepared by pet retailer Pets Mart notes that
68 percent of Americans consider pets members of the family and make life
choices to accommodate them.
Alan Sandlin of Re/Max Results Realty on Marco Island, Fla., echoes the
importance of dealing with pet issues as seriously as any family issues.
"For those who have pets, it"s the ultimate factor in the home buying
decision," he said. "I have never see a case where a family didn"t
accommodate a pet just like they would a child."
Pets become especially critical when condo and home owner association rules
come into play. Agents need to be aware of any pet prohibitions before
clients begin negotiations.
He also notes that pets can become involved in deals in the strangest of ways.
"We were showing a prospective buyer a water front home on the island,"
Sandlin said. "The woman walked into a house and liked it, and then she
noticed the owner had a dog similar to her dog.
"They got to talking, and she asked if the owner"s dog had had any problems.
He told her that he had almost lost his dog because of the water. The dog had
fallen in and couldn"t get out, and had to be rescued. The owner said he put
in a ramp after that to make sure the dog could crawl out of the water.
"After that, the woman told me she was done looking at water front
properties. She was afraid of losing her dog. We kept her as a client. She
bought on a golf course instead."
For more information about Mcenearney"s "PAWSitive Experience" program see:
www.mcenearney.com.
Also See:
Are Your Pets Soiling Your Chances of Selling Your Home?
Moving Your Pet: It"s a Jungle Out There
Pet Policies: Pleading Your Case Successfully
Pet Predicaments