More than half of households in the United States own or plan to own a pet (American Pet Products Association). Pet owners prioritize their pets’ comfort, often making housing decisions with their animals in mind. Pet-friendly features can be a strong selling point, even if you don’t have pets yourself. Your home may already include elements that appeal to pet lovers. Here are some features to attract them and boost your value:
Fenced Yard
A fenced-in yard may be the ultimate selling point for pet parents. Not only does it offer privacy for everyone, but it provides an enclosed space for pets to roam free. Installing a fence can be a lengthy and expensive process, so many pet owners narrow their search to homes that already have one.
Landscaping
Dog owners tend to spend a lot of time outside, and a well-landscaped yard helps them enjoy their time outdoors just as much as their furry friend. A porch or patio to relax on while the dogs or cats roam around is a great selling feature. Consider adding pet-friendly landscaping, such as non-toxic plants, safe fertilizers, shady spots, or dog-friendly turf. These features are especially valuable for rental properties, offering tenants a functional and safe outdoor space for their pets.
Durable Flooring
Carpet can be hard to keep in good condition when you own pets. It accumulates hair and absorbs odors, and some dogs or cats will shred it up with their claws. Most pet owners prefer durable flooring such as laminate, vinyl, or tile. Some types of hardwood scratch too easily, but scratch-resistant hardwood is a great selling feature for pet owners. Textured floors can be especially appealing for pet parents, too, because of their anti-slip properties.
Mudroom
Mudrooms are very convenient for dog owners because they provide a space for the dog to get cleaned up before entering the main living area. If you want to make some upgrades to your mudroom before putting your home on the market, consider building a dog or cat pantry. Use it to store pet food, toys, leashes, cleaning supplies, and other pet products so that potential buyers see the utility of the space.
Pet Doors
Dog and cat doors offer increased freedom to pets and can make pet owners’ lives much easier. This communicates to prospective buyers or tenants that the house is pet-friendly.
Feeding, Watering & Grooming Stations
Built-in food and water stations are increasingly popular, with some pet owners adding dedicated water taps so they always have easy access to fresh and clean water. Consider a low shelf or a converted kitchen drawer for feeding stations. For dog lovers, a mudroom or laundry sink can be upgraded to a grooming station with a larger sink or tub and a sprayer attachment.
Pet Suites
When staging your home, ensure every space has a clear purpose. A designated pet suite can attract pet owners—the area under your stairs could be a perfect place to keep a big, plush dog bed. A walk-in closet could be converted to a cat room by adding a cat tree or shelving units for climbing. Most animals love small, cozy nooks and crannies, so if you have any unusual hiding spots in your home, turn them into a pet paradise.
Walkable Location
Many dog owners look for homes in walkable neighborhoods. Sidewalks, streetlights, and crosswalks all create a safer environment to walk your dog. You can’t change your location, but you can highlight your proximity to pet-friendly amenities. If you’re located near a dog park, hiking trails, pet groomer, or doggy daycare, you could generate interest among pet lovers.
Agent Spotlight – Rookie of The Year – Laura Farrell
What inspired you to pursue a career in real estate?
Growing up in a military family, we moved almost every year, and I longed for a permanent home. It took time to work up the guts pursue real estate, but now helping others find homes where they can grow means the world to me.
What’s your favorite type of property to work with, and why?
I love working with fixer-uppers—not the tear-down kind, but homes that need serious updating after being untouched for years. I love staying connected with past clients and seeing their renovations!
What makes you a great agent?
What sets me apart as an agent is my genuine care for each client. I see every home purchase or sale as a significant life milestone, not just a transaction. From the first showing to the final walk-through, my clients trust me to be honest, straightforward, helpful, and kind.
What accomplishment are you most proud of this year?
I’m most proud of closing 15 transactions in 2024, because I Know I’ve helped people navigate one of the most important and stressful purchases of their lives.
If you weren’t in real estate, what career would you see yourself in?
If I wasn’t in real estate, I would want to be a full time outdoor family photographer. Outside of making a physical house a home, capturing photos of loving families is my favorite thing to do.
What do you love about Romeo Team Realty?
The true team atmosphere—agents genuinely support each other without competition. As a newer agent, I can always rely on my team for guidance through challenging situations.
Market Update
In December, new listings fell by 33% compared to the previous month, dropping from 855 to 572—a typical seasonal trend. January is expected to remain slow for new listings, but based on historical patterns, we anticipate an uptick in activity and early signs of the spring market by February. Average sales price reached $387,755, marking a 15% increase year-over-year. The sold-to-list price ratio stands at 98.3%, indicating a shift in buyer negotiating power, as some homes are selling below list price. (Source: GlobalMLS 1.15.2025)
