Whether you’re downsizing because you need to budget better or you need fewer responsibilities, you have a great deal to think about. You have to go through your belongings and minimize the clutter. When you have a furry friend, whether a cat or dog, you also have to keep their needs in mind.
Look for Pet-Friendly Apartments and Homes
Not all rentals allow you to have pets, or they may have strict limits on the number of pets you can have. Therefore, as you’re searching for a place, you should look for a rental that allows pets if you aren’t buying. You can do this easily when you look on a real estate site. You can narrow down the listings to find pet-friendly places.
Additionally, you could contact a shelter or the local humane society since they may have listings of pet-friendly rentals.
Know the Local Pet-Friendly Spaces
As you’re downsizing, it may help to look at local pet-friendly spaces. For example, if you’re looking for a pet-friendly restaurant, websites like BringFido can help you find the right spot. You can also use the internet to look for dog parks. If you have nearby places for your pet to play and interact, it won’t matter if you decrease the size of your home and yard.
Bring Your Pet’s Favorite Toys and Other Special Belongings
As you’re downsizing, make sure you keep your pet’s toys, bed, or other belongings that mean the most to them. For instance, does your dog have a blanket or does your cat have a tree that they play with regularly? Even if you’re trying to decrease how many items you’re moving, make sure you prioritize your pet’s favorites to help them remain calm and feel comfortable.
Taking Care of the Home You’re Selling
You need to keep up on the maintenance of your current home before and while your home is listed. For one, consider gutter cleaning. When you keep your gutters clean, it keeps water flowing away from your roof instead of toward it.
Cleaning your gutters can be quite a challenge. Ideally, you should let a professional handle it to ensure it’s done properly and you stay safe. When professionals clean your gutter, they can also determine if you require a replacement or repair. Keep in mind that you can expect to pay between $100 and $130. However, a larger project could cost $250 or more. After you look up local gutter cleaners online, spend time reading reviews to avoid getting stuck with someone who will end up doing a poor job.
Getting a Mortgage
If you’re buying a new home, which could be beneficial since you’ll be guaranteed to be allowed to have a pet, you’ll first need to determine your debt-to-income ratio. This value will help you know how much you can spend on a mortgage after you pay your other debt. Calculate this value by dividing your current monthly financial obligations by the gross income you bring in monthly.
Don’t Forget the Home Warranty
Purchasing and moving to a new home requires a lot of money — and you want to make sure this investment is protected against unexpected surprises. This is where a home warranty comes into play. Working alongside your homeowner’s insurance, a home warranty can help you cover the cost of repairs related to appliances, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. This safety net prevents you from having to pay for the entire repair, which can be costly depending on what’s wrong. When deciding which home warranty provider is best for you, make sure you spend some time researching the options available to you.
Enjoy the Good Life With a Pet While Downsizing
Even when you decide to downsize, you and your pet can still live a happy life. Enjoy the nearby amenities, take steps to protect your property, and focus on what matters the most to your pet. A new chapter with your best friend awaits!Ready to begin your search for a pet-friendly home? Get in touch with Castle Brokerage today by calling 408-409-3333 or emailing kevin@castlebrokerage.com.