Three-Quarters of Buyers Would Forgo Dream Home If It Didn't Meet Their Pet's Needs

A recent report found that homebuyers are willing to make significant sacrifices to obtain access to top-performing school, and now another survey shows that they are willing to do the same to accommodate their four-legged family members.

Eighty percent of respondents to a poll conducted by realtor.com reported owning pets, with dogs the most popular animal. Of those that own a pet, nearly 90 percent said that they took their animals’ needs into consideration during their home search.

Furthermore, 75 percent of those surveyed told realtor.com that they would pass up their dream home if it was not right for their pets. And that doesn’t include just dog and cat owners; even those that own fish or reptiles would not buy a dream home that could not properly accommodate their creatures.

When they do find a home that suits their pets’ needs, nearly half of Americans say that a yard is the most important amenity. About one-third cited some type of outdoor space and a garage, while one-quarter want a dog run or close proximity to a park where their pooch can frolic. Luckily, here in Lake Tahoe and Truckee, we are blessed with plenty of open space and easy access to the outdoors.