Pets, Renovations Top Consumers’ Minds When It Comes to Housing

Don’t be surprised if there is a four-legged friend on your next home tour.

According to a survey from Ally Bank, while 44% of Americans consider their pets’ needs when they are looking at homes, 20% of people actually bring their pets to check out their possible future digs, whether they are buying or renting. Women are more likely than men to bring their furry friend along, at 24% compared to 15%. Having a dedicated space for pets in a home is important, said 24% of respondents, with 32% reporting they would make changes in a home for their pet if necessary. Millennials were the most likely generation to have their pets have an impact their homebuying decisions.

“Purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments most Americans will make in their lives, so it makes sense that we want our four-legged friends to feel at home,” says Glenn Brunker, president of Ally Home.

Renovations are also at the top of consumers’ minds. Nearly one-third of women and 24% of men report fantasizing about housing renovations. Nearly half (48%) plan to tackle home renovations this year, even though 49% of consumers think home renovations always go over budget. Another thing that people feel often goes over budget is repairs. Forty-eight percent wish they were more prepared for these costs before they became homeowners, especially millennials. Additionally, 42% of millennials reported they were surprised about the amount of yard maintenance required with homeownership. Utility bills were also a costly surprise to 36% of respondents.