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Tag: pet tips

  • The Pet Parent’s Guide to Buying a Home

    The Pet Parent’s Guide to Buying a Home

    The Pet Parent's Guide to Buying a HomeBuying a home is a big decision, and for pet parents, it can come with additional challenges. While searching for the perfect home, you want to make sure that it not only checks all the boxes for you but that it also accommodates your furry friends’ needs. As a pet owner, you also need to consider their safety, convenience, and comfiness. To help you find the perfect home for both you and your pet, here’s a pet parent’s guide to buying a home that covers the four things you should consider before making a purchase.

    Outdoor space

    If you have a dog, a secure outdoor space and a fenced yard are vital features when choosing a new home. Pets need an area to play, run, and exercise without any restrictions. If the home doesn’t have a fenced-in yard, check if it’s possible to build one. Fencing the full perimeter of the yard will ensure that your pet is contained within the set boundaries and away from hazardous environments and busy roads.

    Flooring

    When considering a new home, take a close look at the flooring. Flooring can have a considerable impact on your pet’s mobility and health, as well as your cleaning efforts. Some flooring options, such as hardwood or tile, can scratch easily when pets run around or nails get too long. If you do choose hardwood or tile, be sure to have appropriate nail trimming and take other preventative measures to preserve the flooring. Carpet, on the other hand, can be great for cushioning your pet’s paws and is less prone to scratches. These flooring options will not only stand up to wear and tear but also help to keep your home cleaner and free from animal-related odors.

    The Pet Parent's Guide to Buying a HomeNeighborhood

    When looking for a new home, the location and neighborhood are as important to your pet as they are to you. The proximity of parks, trails, and green spaces can provide an ideal place for dogs to run and play. A pet-friendly neighborhood is also essential in ensuring your pet’s safety. Check to see if your potential new neighborhood has a high traffic volume, leash laws, and policies regarding pets, as they will impact your dog’s or cat’s lifestyle immensely.

    Home layout and living spaces

    Living spaces are essential when purchasing a new home, not just for humans, but also for pets. Pet parents should consider their furry friends’ size, age, and needs when deciding on a living space in a new home. Consider a home layout that offers a balance of open space and private areas for your furry friends. Are there spaces where your pets can retreat to when they want some alone time? Are there stairs that your pets might have difficulty navigating? Is there enough space to store your pets’ food, toys, and other items? Choose a new home that balances the needs of your pet with practicality and convenience for yourself.

    The Pet Parent's Guide to Buying a HomeBuying a home with pets can be a daunting task, but by considering these four factors, you’ll be able to find a pet-friendly home that suits both your needs and the needs of your furry friends. With careful consideration and research, you’ll find the perfect home for you and your pets to enjoy together.

    Still looking for a new home? Try S&A Homes

    Ready for a new home that’s perfect for you and your furry family members? S&A Homes offers a variety of new home communities and floorplans in the most sought-after locations in Central and South-Central Pennsylvania. We can also build your dream home on your own land! For more details, visit www.sahomebuilder.com or call 1-855-SAHOME1.

  • Helpful Tips for Selling a Home When You Have Pets

    Helpful Tips for Selling a Home When You Have Pets

    Helpful Tips for Selling a Home When You Have Pets

    If you’re a pet-loving homeowner planning to sell your house, you might think that having your furry companions around would attract more buyers. However, having a pet isn’t actually a selling point. While the majority of buyers and sellers are pet owners, buyers want to envision themselves and their own furry friends in the home, not someone else’s.

    So how can you showcase your home in the best possible way while still keeping your pets out of the picture? Check out these helpful tips for presenting your home in its most appealing light.

    Declutter

    One of the most crucial steps in preparing your home for sale as a pet owner is decluttering and deep cleaning. Get your home ready for potential buyers by decluttering and hiding any evidence of your pets. Put away litter boxes and half-chewed toys, move crates and beds out of sight, and stash food and water bowls in the back of your pantry. And don’t forget to ask your real estate photographer to do the same – you don’t want potential buyers to get distracted by pet accessories in your listing photos. Let your home shine and attract the right buyer by keeping it pet-free during showings.

    Deep Clean

    Whether you have pets or not, your home deserves a good deep clean. Over time, floors, baseboards, walls, and upholstery can be neglected. If you’re busy or need a little help, consider hiring a house cleaning service. Or, if you’re feeling industrious, roll up your sleeves and tackle pet stains and odors yourself. The Humane Society has some great pet-safe tips for removing pet odors and stains.

    Be sure to give all your soft furnishings a thorough wash, including slipcovers, quilts, comforters, curtains, and throw pillows. And if you have carpets, invest in a professional steam clean before you start showing your home to remove any stains, hair, or lingering smells.

    Helpful Tips for Selling a Home When You Have Pets

    Eliminate Odors

    Because we become used to how our homes smell, we may not notice a pet smell like someone walking into your home for the first time will. A dirty or smelly home is not very appealing to potential buyers. This isn’t something you should try “fixing” with just scented candles or fragranced air fresheners. Deep cleaning can remove a lot of unpleasant odors in soft textiles that could turn off a potential buyer. Replace furnace air filters and consider using an air purifier with HEPA filters to absorb particles that can lead to odors like pet dander and allergens. Between showings, use pet-specific deodorizers or enzyme cleaners to neutralize smells.

    Repair Pet Damage

    While pets bring joy and comfort, you may not notice the wear and tear they can leave behind. However, when it’s time to sell, even small damage can turn off potential buyers and make them question your property’s upkeep. Give your home a critical eye and seek out any damage your pet may have caused. Whether scratched floors or chewed curtains, it’s important to either repair or conceal these blemishes before opening your doors to visitors.

    Helpful Tips for Selling a Home When You Have Pets

    Check Your Backyard

    If you have a dog, chances are you spend some time in your backyard. You should also assess your yard for damage. Fill any holes, repair garden damage, and get rid of any pet waste. This will boost your curb appeal and make your home a welcoming sight for potential buyers. If you have a fenced-in pet area, highlight it as a selling point to pet lovers. Just ensure it’s cleaned and safe for your furry friends and visitors alike.

    Get Away on Showing Days

    If you can, try to have a sitter or friend take your pets for the day when you have an open house or showing. This will ensure that your pets are safe and make your home more welcoming to potential buyers who may not be pet owners. You can take a walk with your dog and enjoy a day out and away from home, which can relax both you and your pets.

    Selling a home as a pet owner can seem overwhelming but with these simple steps, it doesn’t have to be. By preparing your home for sale in advance, it is possible to minimize stress while keeping your furry friends happy. Remember that a clean, decluttered, and pet-proof home is more attractive to potential buyers. By following these tips, you can showcase your home’s best assets and ensure a smooth selling process.

    We hope you’ll consider S&A Homes when you’re ready to make the move into a new construction home. We’re proud to build affordable new home communities throughout Central and South-Central Pennsylvania. We have floorplans for every stage in life, whether you purchase a home in one of our new home communities or build on your lot. To learn more about our available inventory and communities, call S&A Homes at 1-855-SAHome1 or contact us online.

  • S&A Homes Presents Hosting the Holidays with Pets

    S&A Homes Presents Hosting the Holidays with PetsCelebrating the holidays means spending time with the ones we love in our homes, furry friends included. If you are planning to open your doors to family and friends this holiday season, remember to keep your four-legged friends in mind. Holiday hosting can bring a variety of concerns for both your guests and pets but can be prevented with a bit of pet-friendly preparation.

    The S&A Homes team has put together the ultimate checklist for hosting the holidays with pets to ensure both your guests and your pets enjoy spending the holidays in your new home. (more…)

  • Pet Safety Tips for Thanksgiving

    Pet Safety Tips for ThanksgivingAs if it’s not hard enough to ignore puppy eyes, the holidays can, unfortunately, become a free-for-all with pets begging for table scraps and visitors that just can’t say no. Pets (ultimately) will not be so thankful if they get a piece of undercooked turkey or overindulge on an unattended drink.

    The S&A Homes team has put together its top pet safety tips for Thanksgiving to ensure everyone, furry or otherwise, will enjoy the festivities: (more…)