Published February 3, 2021
Marriage, Kids, or Dogs?
Millennials are leading the pack when it comes to home buyers. What's driving them to leap into buying their first home?
DOGS!
As many of you have seen, I recently adopted a beautiful puppy named Réz. She is now 17 weeks old and full of personality. Réz is a Vizsla, which is a high-energy, social, and smart dog. Originally bred in Hungry, the breed dates back to the eighth century.
So why the name Réz? Her color and the name of the street I live on. Réz means Copper in Hungarian - why not stick with a traditional Hungarian name?
Before we go on about dogs in real estate, here is another adorable picture of Réz.
A recent survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of SunTrust Mortgage found that their dog drove 33 percent of millennial homebuyers' decision. 25% of home buyers did so because of marriage, kids came in at 19%, and dog owners came in at a whopping 33%!
Those who don't own homes yet were also surveyed, and they said a dog-friendly home is the top of their list. 42% said they either own a dog or want to own a furry friend when they buy their home.
What's important to dog owners when it comes to buying a home?
Sure, we have all know a fenced in yard is at the top of the list, but there is more!
- Proximity to a dog park
- Walking trails
- dog-washing stations
You may be wondering why that is so important to millennials. They treat their dogs as members of their family - arguably more so than any generation prior.
"Millennials have grown up in a different world than boomers and Gen-Xers, and it has impacted the way they see dogs," said Laura Schenone, author of The Dogs of Avalon: The Race to Save Animals in Peril. "For one thing, this generation is more educated than any before: 27 percent of millennial women have a bachelor's degree, compared with 14 percent of boomers and 20 percent of Gen-Xers. There is research to show that the college-educated are more aware of the environment and the natural world, which includes animals."
Dogs are still cheaper than kids.
While more millennials are becoming parents, there are still quite a few who are waiting or have decided not to have children.
Some millennials say they are having dogs [instead] of children," said Schenone. "That's a leap, but not hard to believe; after all, they are less well off than boomers and Gen-Xers were at their age and more burdened by student loans and debt. Everybody needs love and a family: dogs are cheaper, easier, and provide love."
What Home-Buying Dog Owners Need to Know
Not all homes are dog-friendly. Does the home you are looking at have an HOA? Best to check with rules and regulations of the HOA (whether a single-family home or a condo) to see if they have restrictions.
Common rules that may apply are:
- Breed restrictions - no Pitbulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, etc.
- Weight restrictions - It's common to see pets allowed as long as they are under 25 lbs.
Regardless of the type of dog you have, or the home you are looking for, we are here to find the perfect home for you. If you have a dog or plan to have a dog, definitely let your real estate agent know. Pincomb Property Consultants will look for homes for you that will be well suited for your best furry friend as well.
As a leader in the local real estate market, Réz and I understand the importance of finding you the perfect dog-friendly home.
We leave you with Réz on my office window sill. How much is that doggy in the window?
