Some developments cater to the furrier members of family
By LORI JOHNSTON
For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 09/23/07
If you don't do your research, you could end up in the doghouse with your homeowners association and your pet. Pets aren't welcome at some developments.
But some condo, townhome and single-family communities are paying more attention to buyers wanting the best home possible for their furry friends by adding amenities with a focus on exercise and socialization for pets.
That's because the number of U.S. households with pets is growing, up from 56 percent in 1998 to 63 percent, totaling 71.1 million homes, according to the 2007-08 National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.
"I'm finding that especially in certain groups, like the baby boomers, that their kids are all gone, these animals have taken the place of their kids that have left," said Pam Gebhardt, a real estate agent with ReMax Greater Atlanta.
The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association doesn't track how many communities have amenities specifically for pets, but some developments — everything from apartments to high-end country-club estates — are emphasizing their dog parks, pet grooming areas and play groups in an effort to stand out in this buyer's market.
For the complete article:
http://www.ajc.com/homefinder/content/homefinder/stories/2007/09/20/homecover_0923.html