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Do You Have a Pet "Limit" in Your Neighborhood?

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Heritage Realty

I was thinking I would be funny and title this post, "Who Let the Dogs Out," but then realized that this is an issue that could pertain to cats, fish, gerbils, hamsters, birds, turtles and other household pets.

So, I decided not to discriminate against those ball chasing, tail wagging four legged friends many of us have as pets and instead, opted for a more "neutral" title.

All kidding aside, I have a Seller who has a home for sale in a neighborhood that has in their Covenants, Restrictions and Easements that each household is limited to only two "pets."

The Sellers and I only found out about this today when the Buyer who submitted an offer on their home requested a copy of the HOA documents to make sure there were no restrictions on pet size (very common question) or number of pets allowed (less common concern for a single family home community within a residential community.)

Hopefully, since many of the existing homeowners do have more than two pets, the President of the Home Owners Association can verify for our current Buyer that they won't be forced to walk away from the purchase of this home because their pet limit exceeds the amount allowed per household.

I can understand that Home Owners Associations don't want owners to raise farm animals or have a dog breeding business, but really, are Management Companies and HOA Boards really telling people they have to get rid of one of their pets or move out of the community if they have more than they are supposed to?

I hope not. With the real estate market in turmoil, I'd think that unless there is a goat grazing in the front lawn, communities should welcome Buyers and their pets!

What do you think?

 If you are a Buyer who is interested in knowing more about a Seminole County city such as Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Fern Park, Oviedo, Lake Mary, Longwood, Sanford or Winter Springs, contact LaShawn Norden, PA, REALTOR, ALHS at (321) 377-0157 or at LaShawn@LaShawnNorden.com.

If you are a Seller who has a home to sell in Seminole County and values having a marketing specialist with Real Estate license on your side, LaShawn Norden, PA, REALTOR, ALHS is the expert for you!

LaShawn Norden is the Only Central Florida Native You'll Need!

 

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Direct: (321) 377-0157, LaShawn@YourHomeOurPriority.com Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS)  & THREE-YEAR Five Star "Best In Client Satisfaction" Award Winner! Click HERE to visit MY WEBSITE!  

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Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

This just happened to one of my buyers.  We asked BEFORE we submitted the offer and were told no restrictions.  Then the HOA documents came and there were restrictions.  So after having already paid for a home inspection they buyers had to withdraw their offer.  They weren't going to violate the restrictions (even though the listing agent said plenty of owners did)and the HOA told them no exceptions.  Bad for everyone!

Jul 28, 2008 03:08 PM
LaShawn Norden
Keller Williams Heritage Realty - Longwood, FL
REALTOR, (321) 377-0157, Your Real Estate Advocate in Central FL

Cindy~Yikes! Thanks for sharing your story. I hope the HOA for the community I am selling this home in realizes that one additional dog is better than an additional vacant home!

Jul 28, 2008 03:22 PM
Michele Reneau
Certified Staging Professional (CSP) Elite Instructor - Summerville, SC
Realtor, GRI ~ Charleston, SC Relocation Experts Team

I actually recently represented a buyer in this same boat. The C & R said 2 dogs was the max and she had 3 dogs.  The couple was ready to walk away from this house.  I suggested we write a contract contingent on a 3 dog waiver.  The sellers agreed to it and we waited until the powers that be convened.  All dogs were small and neutered.  They gave her a waiver and they closed on their house.  Crazy though. Who would have thought?  I have to dogs also and they are indoor pets, but I can say I would walk away from a house if my furry companions weren't welcome.

Aug 08, 2008 04:32 PM