Condominium Pet Policies and Resale Value

How might the former affect the latter in a Philadelphia condominium? Pet policies throughout the Philadelphia condominium landscape are as varied as the associations who put forth their rules regarding pets. From exceedingly liberal, to exceedingly exclusionary, pet policies have a way of dividing many associations, and feelings towards pet policies run from hot to mild, as there are valid arguments both pro and con. There are also a number of Philadelphia condominium associations who have come to a compromise that has allowed for a greater share of the buying public to consider their building when they and their pet shop for a new condo in Center City.

Generally, the Center City pet policy in the low-rise/Brownstone sector of condominiums allows pets. I am aware of no low-rise condo building that prohibits pets from their buildings- though restrictions on size, breed, and number of pets may be limited. Amongst the high-rise condo sector, I would have to argue that most do allow pets, but not all.

I am aware of one building in particular that does not allow either dogs or cats. Not allowing pets does provide for a bit of serenity in a building. No owner has to worry about a yappy little dog who barks every time someone walks past the front door. Nor do owners have to worry about “Billy the Thoughtless tenant” who brings his three pit-bulls into an elevator with you and your friends. Also, no one has to worry that Fido is going to have an accident in the elevator, or the lobby of the condo building.

Center City One, a high rise condominium building along the Avenue of the Arts has a smart pet policy that seems to benefit both sides of the pet argument. The building allows dogs, but only one per unit. And there are size and breed restrictions that prevent most other owners in the building from becoming concerned about their own safety and well being. I would even go one step further and suggest that if a building were considering allowing pets, that they permit only owners from having pets- and not tenants.

Compiled from the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, 63% of household who own their home, have at least one dog. In addition, 34% of household who own their home, have a cat. The benefits of pet ownership are well known. Most pet owners truly love their pets and appreciate their joyful greeting after we�ve been away, and know how much emotional support pets can lend. Isolated individuals reported that, because their pets are so trusting and dependent upon them, they feel needed and have a sense of purpose.

With twenty (20) years experience selling condos in Center City Philadelphia, I can attest to the fact that I have yet to meet a buyer who will favor any given condo building over their pet. Said again, I have never met a buyer who will give up their pet to live in one specific building. Every time, they will omit the building- not the pet. Moreover, I have never met a buyer who said that they would NOT live in a building which allowed dogs. In the current buyers market of the Center City condominium sector, does it not make sense for most associations to ease up on their restrictive pet policies? It certainly is going to affect the resale value and ability of those condos which are up for sale, or will be for sale in the future.

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