If you have a pet and want to downsize, you need to account for both your and your pet’s needs along the way. This can be an anxiety-inducing task, but fret not—Garden Patio Villas shares tips about how to make sure your downsize works for both you and your four-legged companion.
Handle the Financial Part
One of the hardest parts of downsizing is preparing for a home purchase. Since you want to make sure you’re an attractive borrower in the eyes of lenders, it’s wise to look at the situation from their perspective.
For example, lenders usually calculate your debt-to-income ratio to estimate what you can afford each month. You can do the calculation yourself by adding up your total monthly debt obligations and dividing that by your gross monthly income. If the result is at or below 36 percent, you’ll have an easier time getting a loan.
You also want to check out all of your mortgage options in advance. Spend time checking the requirements, and research “what are mortgage rates today” for conventional, FHA, and VA loans. There will also be different rates for different year terms: 15 year, 20 year, and 30 year. Take all of
this into account so you can figure out which option is best for you.
Pare Down Your Belongings
When you downsize, you usually need to get rid of some stuff. While handling your own needs in this arena isn’t typically challenging, it’s easy to make missteps when it comes to pet-related items. While you might be tempted to toss out an old pet bed or toy, that might not be your best move. Heading to a new home can be traumatic for your pet. The space is unfamiliar, so it won’t necessarily feel like home. By having some of their favorite belongings available once you arrive, you can increase their comfort level, making it easier to associate the new house with good things. However, you may find that you need a few new items for your pet, especially if you move into an apartment, condo, or retirement community. You may want to look for vet recommended crates, harnesses, or playpens to keep your pet safe in their new environment.
Get Ready to Sell
Preparing for your home’s sale might seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be a challenge. By choosing the right services, you can ensure your house is in great shape before buyers start to tour it. You may want to repaint your home’s interior and exterior, giving the entire place a fresh look. Hiring a housekeeper can also be a great idea. They can deep clean your property and make sure that any lingering pet odors are addressed.
After that, you’ll want to get ready for your open house or upcoming showings. Ideally, you want to have a place for your pet to go while buyers are touring the property. Having strangers walk through their space can be confusing to your pet and could lead to an incident. Plus, many buyers won’t be comfortable with animals or may dislike the idea that a pet was in the house.
If your pet can come with you, that may be your best bet. Reaching out to people who know your pet and requesting assistance could also work. However, if that doesn’t pan out, you could try options like boarding or doggie daycare, ensuring your pet is safe and secure during showings.
Find Your New Home
As you prepare to purchase a new house, you need to ensure your pet’s needs are addressed. Start by checking for exotic pet and breed-specific legislation, ensuring your pet is welcome in your preferred area. You may also want to explore HOA rules if an HOA oversees a property, as they may have their own pet-related requirements. You’ll also want to consider your home’s safety accommodations for your pets including your home office. Ensure that you’ve taken necessary steps to make it as safe an environment as possible for your pet, including tying up loose cords and removing choking hazards.
After that, consider what’ll make your pet happy. For example, having a yard or access to a good place for walks or even yoga might be essential if you have a dog. A window with a nice seat or large sill might be great for a cat, allowing them to bask in the sunlight and watch birds. By thinking about your pet, you can choose a home with features that work for them. That way, your new house is everything you and they need to thrive.
For older adults looking to downsize without losing their freedoms, check out Garden Patio Villas. We have 83 attached villas amidst beautiful gardens, so you can enjoy the birds and trees. Visit us online to learn more and to inquire about availability.