Did You Know Your Dog Could Help Sell Your Home for More?

When preparing to sell your Brooklyn home, you might think of staging, renovations, or pricing strategies — but here’s something most homeowners overlook: your dog might actually help increase your home’s value.

I’m Peter Mancini with Pen Realty, member of REBNY & BNYMLS. As both a lifelong Brooklyn native and real estate professional, I’ve seen firsthand how emotional connection drives buyer decisions — and pets play a surprisingly big role in that.

 The Pet Premium in Brooklyn Real Estate

The New York Times recently highlighted how pet ownership is shaping the real estate market across major cities, including Brooklyn. With more buyers adopting pets post-pandemic, “pet-friendly” has become one of the most searched home features on Zillow and StreetEasy.

The Wall Street Journal echoes this trend, noting that fenced yards, nearby dog parks, and in-home amenities like pet washing stations can significantly influence both buyer interest and sale price.

In neighborhoods like Park Slope, Bay Ridge, and Williamsburg, where community and outdoor living are prized, homes that cater to four-legged family members often command a premium — both in price and speed of sale.

 Emotional Connection = Faster Offers

Selling a home isn’t just a numbers game — it’s emotional.
When buyers step into a home that feels warm, lived-in, and welcoming, they can picture their own lives unfolding there.

A well-kept backyard where a golden retriever plays, or a nearby dog park just steps away, tells a story of comfort and community. That emotional resonance can inspire offers — sometimes above asking.

In my years teaching music, I learned that emotion drives performance. The same applies to real estate: the homes that feel right are the ones that move buyers to act.

 How to Highlight Pet-Friendly Features

If you’re preparing to sell, here are a few simple ways to make your home more appealing to pet-loving buyers:

1. Showcase outdoor space. Even a small fenced area or patio can be marketed as “pet-friendly.”

2. Add convenience touches. A small mudroom or designated area for pet gear helps buyers envision life with pets.

3. Promote nearby perks. Mention local dog parks, walking paths, and pet-friendly cafés in your listing description.

4. Clean, don’t conceal. A spotless home free from pet odors tells buyers you’re a responsible homeowner — not just a pet owner.

💙 A Home That Helps Others Too

At Pen Realty, we believe real estate should be about more than transactions — it’s about community. That’s why every sale we make supports CaringKind NYC, an organization dedicated to helping families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

You can join us in supporting this important cause by visiting:
👉 PenRealty.net/donate-to-caring-kind-ny

🎵 Final Note

Your home’s story is unique — just like your family, and yes, your dog. By showcasing that story authentically, you connect with buyers on a human level.

I’m Peter Mancini with Pen Realty, member of REBNY & BNYMLS — delivering A Signature Experience.
Because selling your home isn’t just about price — it’s about meaning.