Surveys show that 84 percent of pet owners view their pets not as property, but as members of the family. In addition, many first-time buyers say that wanting a dog or cat is one of the main reasons for buying a single-family house.
Many buyers who already own a dog insist on a fenced in yard so their four-legged family member can play in the backyard with the rest of the family. For condo or townhouse buyers, finding an association that accepts pets has gotten easier in the last decade. Associations discovered that not allowing pet ownership was a good way to keep buyers away.
There are nearly 80 million dogs in the United States with 60 percent of owners owing one dog, 40 percent owning two or more, according to the Humane Society of America. Cats are even more popular with more than 86 million feline pets. In addition, the relationship people have with their pets have changed. That’s too many possible buyers to ignore. But not all associations allow pets. If you have a beloved pet, check the association documents carefully for restrictions on animals before you sign a purchase agreement.
Here are the details on this week's five featured homes:
House No. 1: 6624 14th Ave. S.
Listed by: Re/Max Results
Price: $99,900 Taxes: $1,875
Description: One- and one-half-story, single-family home; three bedrooms, one bath and 1,418 finished square feet. Lender-owned. This home can use some cosmetic work, making it perfect for a potential hom-owner who wants to build equity quickly. The home includes a large upper-level bedroom and a lower-level family room as well as a formal dining room. The home is located between two parks, with easy access to downtown and shopping areas and other amenities. Buyers may be eligible for closing cost assistance.
House No. 2: 6925 Chicago Ave. S.
Listed by: Re/Max Results
Price: $119,900 Taxes: $2,434
Description: One-story, single-family home; three bedrooms, two baths and 1,538 finished square feet. Another lender-owned home, this is another opportunity for a buyer who wants to make this place their own. With a little paint and a little sweat, this home could be a prize. There’s a lower-level family room and bath, hardwood floors, three bedrooms on one level, a tree-shaded lot and a large two-plus garage. Closing cost assistance is available for owner occupants.
House No. 3: 6524 16th Ave. S.
Listed by: Edina Realty
Price: $133,000 Taxes: $2,023
Description: One- and one-half-story, single-family home; three bedrooms, one bath and 1,000 finished square feet. This is an estate and has been lovingly maintained. Centrally located near shopping and highway access, this little gem has a great working eat-in kitchen with new tile, a separate formal dining room, a lower-level den, natural woodwork and beautiful hardwood floors. Finish the rest of the lower level to nearly double your living space. Move-in ready, this is a perfect starter home.
House No. 4: 7311 14th Ave. S.
Listed by: Edina Realty
Price: $149,900 Taxes: $2,517
Description: One-story, single-family home; three bedrooms, one bath and 1,506 finished square feet. Move right in to this solid, updated, stylish Richfield rambler. Enjoy breakfast and coffee in the eat-in kitchen or in the three-season porch. Relax on weekends in the private tree-shaded and landscaped back yard. The lower-level family room is large and open and the craft room (or woodshop) is ready for use.
House No. 5: 7309 Pillsbury Ave. S.
Listed by: Edina Realty
Price: $162,900 Taxes: $2,374
Description: One- and one-half story, single-family home; three bedrooms, two baths and 1,540 finished square feet. This is a perfect little blue cottage with a while picket fence, shade trees and a wrap around deck. The upper level has a cozy bedroom and room for storage. The lower level has egress windows and includes a family room and an office. The kitchen is bright with lots of cabinets and counter space. There’s a two-car detached garage as well. This home is a cute as can be, in a great area within easy walking distance to .
