Real Estate Goes to the Dogs!

I admit, when I was looking for a house one of my "pre-requisits" was that it had a nice fenced yard for Maddie (I didn't have Abby yet).

Real Estate Goes To The Dogs
RISMEDIA, August 13, 2010--Sending Rover to the doghouse is no longer the punishment it once was because many of today's pooches of panache live lifestyles of the woof and famous.

According to a recent review of properties by Move, Inc. (NASDAQ:MOVE) , a leader in online real estate, man's best friend today receives more than just bones for treats as many homeowners are rewarding their dogs with custom-built doghouses, deluxe dog runs, custom "doggy-doors", pet-friendly landscaping, private patios with personal fire hydrants, and other features that add value to their master's property with many buyers.

"Pets have become important members of the family, and their needs are often high on the list of must-haves for many buyers, sometimes even higher than priorities of the two-legged members of the family," says Eileen Healy at Prudential Rocky Mountain Realtors® in Colorado. "Calling out features or local pet-friendly amenities can make or break a buyer's interest in a particular property. If a buyer knows a home they love already has features the family dog or pet will also love, they'll be more inclined to give that home a second look and consider it more than others on their list."

While proximity to dog parks, doggy day-care centers, or pet fashion stores are often priorities for dog owners interested in city properties, suburban properties generally have ample space for seemingly unusual pet-friendly features. For the sophisticated canines, this Victorian dog house that matches this $10,995,000 home listed on Realtor.com in California is a must see. If country living is for you and your 'dawg' needs a warm place to chill after a long day of sheepherding on the prairie, consider a heated doghouse with a deluxe dog run listed on Realtor.com at $520,000 in Idaho. Or, for pooches in need of alone time or a quiet space, consider this secluded cottage on Realtor.com at $524,000 in Illinois.

While spaces customized to a dog's specific needs are not uncommon according to Shari Guess, a Realtor with Buy Wise Real Estate in Texas and active member of the Great Dane Rescue of North Texas, many dog lovers do go the extra mile when it comes to creating a pet-friendly environment at home.

"We have one particularly enormous Dane named Sampson, and we couldn't find a pet door big enough. So we made our own out of a semi-truck mud flap. It's a few years old now so we'll be duplicating our efforts and replacing it soon," said Guess. "We also put in a small outdoor patio so when it's muddy Sampson and our other dogs can go outside for whatever reason and come back into the house without us having to wipe 16 muddy paws! It has a short three-foot fence, pea-gravel with fire hydrant and can be accessed via the dog door from the dog room."

As the nation heads into the Dog Days of Summer, and in honor of National Dog Day on August 26th, Move celebrates man's best friend with information, tips and guides from pet experts and top Realtors specializing in pet-friendly homes. Whether it's building a pooch palace or installing a bone-shaped pool, Move offers advice on how to celebrate your canine and improve the value pet-loving buyers will give your property as they search for their next home. Interesting topics available now for pet lovers and home enthusiasts to explore on the Move Network include:

-- Properties for sale with fantastic pet-friendly features: As more people consider themselves "pet parents," Move showcases homes for sale perfect for adapting their lifestyles to their furry family members.

-- Dogs go green: Have you ever thought about your dog's carbon "paw print"? Find easy ways to go green with your dog, including using environmentally-friendly dog products like biodegradable toys.

-- Celebrity and presidential dog homes: Celebrities love to shower their dogs with love, affection... and doghouses. Heard about Paris Hilton's two-story kennel mansion built for Tinkerbell? Or what about Drew Barrymore naming her dog 'Flossie' in her property trust valued at $3 million?

-- Realtor tips on benefits of pet-friendly homes: Realtors share experiences in working with pet owners in the market for a home and explain that Fido plays a larger role in finding a home then one might think.

-- How-to build a doghouse: Want to build an abode for Fido on a budget? Here are steps required, tools needed, and instructions for building a doghouse for under $75.00.

-- Moving tips for your pet: Moving can be stressful for pets, so prepare a room for your pooch while you're packing everything up, ensuring hazardous materials are tucked away. Find a vet near your new home and a list of pet-friendly hotels in case you need to stay at one while getting settled into the new place.

-- Streets named after famous dogs: Wondering how some streets were named? The famous dog Nipper in the RCA Victrola ads lived in Bristol, England, and visitors there will find a small road named "Nipper Alley."

-- Landscaping tips to create a pet-haven in the yard: Is your garden going to the dogs? Man's best friend can be a gardener's worst headache until you learn how to peacefully coexist with your canine companions.

-- The Top 10 Dog Parks in the U.S.: If you love to play at the park with your dog, you'll love Dog Fancy's list of top 10 dog parks. The Jackass Acres K-9 Korral in New River, AZ topped the list this year; it is completely green, and recycles dog waste to create other usable materials.

-- Pet friendly hotels: Traveling with your dog has never been easier, as hotels across the country are increasingly offering pet-friendly rooms and activities. According to www.BringFido.com, some of the most popular cities for pet travel include Myrtle Beach, SC and Santa Barbara, CA.

-- Pet friendly apartments: Finding an apartment that allows dogs is not always easy. Check out the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in your area, you'll probably find a list of local pet-friendly landlords.

In addition to offering expert advice on pet-friendly properties, Move, Inc., has partnered with top breeders at Breeders USA in California to provide facts and statistics relative to top breeds by city, and the most popular breeds in America.

"We're pleased Move is helping homeowners identify ways to transform a home into a pet-friendly environment because it's a great way to maintain a pet's health and vitality," said Daniel Hect, Master Dog Trainer and owner of BreedersUSA.com in California. "By identifying the needs of your pet while you're searching for your next home, whether it's with an outdoor play area or "doggy-doors," the property is not only enhanced esthetically, but the upgrades can also become a viable marketing feature when selling or buying a home."

As part of the campaign, Move, Inc is pawing to get a glimpse into the most luxurious doggy dwellings by asking pet owners to submit their favorite photo of their pets' home on the Realtor.com Facebook Fan Page and be entered to win $250 gift certificate for Petco. Visit Move.com, Realtor.com/blogs or join facebook.com/realtor.com for additional details on the Dog Days of Summer campaign!