The Dog-Lover’s Guide to Buying a Home in Boca Raton

If you’re a pet parent buying a home for sale in Boca Raton, whether you’re looking for a condo or a single-family house, you’re probably well-aware that some homes just aren’t right for four-legged family members. The good news? Boca Raton is such a dog-friendly city that it’s easy to find the perfect place for you and Fido.

The Dog-Lover’s Guide to Buying a Home in Boca Raton: 5 Things to Think About

As you’re searching for your dream home in Boca Raton, here are five things to think about before you make an offer:

HOA rules for pets
Yard and fencing requirements
Pet-friendly floors
Stairs and a pet-friendly design
Neighborhood walkability

Here’s a closer look at each.

#1. HOA rules for pets

Every community has its own rules for pets. Some limit the size and number of pets you can have, and some even limit the breed. Your Boca Raton REALTOR® can help you explore each community’s rules on pets before you decide to make an offer on a home – that way, you’ll know what you’re getting into ahead of time.

#2. Yard and Fencing Requirements

If the house you’re interested in doesn’t have a fence, you’ll most likely want to build one – but not all communities allow them. In communities that do allow fencing, there may be restrictions on materials, colors, and even height. Your REALTOR can help you look into the fencing regulations in a community if you fall in love with a house that doesn’t have a fence.

#3. Pet-Friendly Floors

Pet-friendly flooring is pretty important – and there are some types of floors that are better-suited to dogs and other pets. Hardwoods can be refinished if they’re scratched (very light or very dark wood that’s been triple-sealed is best), and tiles are unlikely to be damaged by scrambling paws. Carpet can wear out quickly, and it’s easy for your pooch to bring in some mud after it rains (and besides, carpet isn’t great for resale value, either).

#4. Stairs and a Pet-Friendly Design

If a home you like has more than one story, it’s worth thinking about your pet’s ability on the steps. As your dog gets older, he or she might have a tough time getting up and down – and if the rooms your pet frequents are upstairs, that might be really tough.

Additionally, you should evaluate whether the home has a pet-friendly floor plan. You don’t want to trip over each other every time you get from Point A to Point B.

#5. Neighborhood Walkability

You definitely want to live in a neighborhood where you and your four-legged family member can take nice, relaxed strolls – and that means looking for sidewalks, hills and even potentially unfriendly neighbor dogs. When you’re interested in a particular neighborhood, take your dog for a walk there so you can get a feel for whether it’s going to be a good fit.

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