In the picturesque city of Costa Mesa, California, the real estate market is known for its competitiveness, vibrancy, and diversity. With an average home value hovering around $1.2 million as of early 2025, and a median listing price of $1.49 million, the stakes are high for both buyers and sellers. However, one often overlooked aspect in real estate transactions is the presence of pets. In this blog post, we’ll explore how pets influence property sales in Costa Mesa, examining both the challenges and opportunities they present, and offering insights for those in the market.
The Pet-Friendly Landscape of Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa’s demographic includes a significant number of pet owners, with dogs and cats being the most common companions. This trend mirrors a broader national shift where pets are increasingly considered part of the family, influencing lifestyle choices, including housing decisions.
Pet Ownership Statistics
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Pet Prevalence: Approximately 67% of U.S. households own a pet, and this percentage is even higher in pet-friendly areas like Costa Mesa.
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Impact on Home Buying: A survey by the National Association of Realtors found that 81% of pet owners would not give up their pets to buy a home that does not allow them.
Community and Amenities
Costa Mesa prides itself on its pet-friendly community vibe. From dog parks like the popular Fairview Park to pet-friendly cafes and events like the annual Pet Adoption Day at the OC Fairgrounds, the city supports a lifestyle where pets are central to family life.
Pets and Property Value
Positive Impacts
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Increased Appeal to Pet Owners: Homes that have pet-friendly features or are marketed as such can attract a larger pool of buyers. Features like fenced yards, pet washing stations, or proximity to pet amenities can be significant selling points.
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Community Building: Homes in neighborhoods known for being pet-friendly can foster a sense of community, which is a major draw for many buyers looking for a place to fit into a supportive social fabric.
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Unique Selling Points: Properties with unique pet accommodations, like built-in pet doors or pet rooms, can differentiate a listing in a crowded market. In Costa Mesa, where the median time on the market is about 41 days, anything that speeds up the sale process is advantageous.
Negative Impacts
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Damage and Odors: Pets can cause wear and tear, from scratched floors and chewed baseboards to lingering odors. This can deter potential buyers or necessitate repair costs that might reduce the home’s market value or appeal.
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Allergies and Pet-Free Preferences: Not everyone is a pet lover; some are allergic or prefer pet-free environments. This can narrow the buyer pool if the home has a strong pet presence.
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Insurance and HOA Restrictions: Some homeowners’ associations (HOAs) have strict pet policies or breed restrictions, which could limit the appeal of properties within these areas to pet owners.
Marketing Strategies for Pet-Owners Selling in Costa Mesa
Pre-Sale Preparations
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Neutralize Odors: Professional cleaning or deodorizing can help eliminate pet odors, which is crucial when showing a home.
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Fix Pet-Induced Damage: Invest in repairing any damage caused by pets. This might include replacing carpets, refinishing wood floors, or repainting walls.
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Highlight Pet-Friendly Features: If the home has features that cater to pets, such as a robust fence or a dog run, these should be highlighted in listings and during open houses.
Marketing Techniques
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Photography and Staging: Use high-quality photos that include pet-friendly spaces but avoid showing pets unless they are exceptionally well-groomed and not central to the image.
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Pet-Friendly Open Houses: Hosting pet-friendly open houses can attract potential buyers who are pet owners, allowing them to envision their pets in the space.
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Disclosure: Being transparent about pet history can build trust. Sellers should provide details about the type of pets, any damages, and steps taken to remedy issues.
Professional Advice
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Work with a Pet-Savvy Agent: An agent who understands the nuances of selling a pet-lived-in home can make all the difference. They can advise on how to market the property to both pet owners and those who might be skeptical.
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Home Inspections: Pre-listing inspections can uncover any pet-related issues that might not be visible, allowing sellers to address them proactively.
Buyer’s Perspective on Pets
Pet-Friendly Homes on the Rise
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Seeking Pet-Friendly Features: Buyers are increasingly on the lookout for homes that accommodate their pets’ needs, from secure backyards to homes without strict pet policies in HOAs.
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Pet Impact on Decision-Making: A survey by Zillow found that 99% of pet owners consider their pet in their home-buying decisions, with 89% willing to sacrifice certain amenities if it means finding a pet-friendly home.
Challenges for Buyers
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Pet Policies: Navigating HOAs or condo associations with pet restrictions can be a significant hurdle. Buyers need to verify pet policies before making an offer.
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Renovation Costs: If a home has pet damage, buyers might need to factor in additional renovation costs, which could affect their offer price or decision to buy.
Local Real Estate Market Insights
Costa Mesa’s housing market is unique due to its blend of urban convenience and beach proximity, making it attractive for a wide demographic, including pet owners.
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Inventory and Demand: With a housing inventory that’s been noted to be low, with around 1.8 months of supply, homes that cater to pet owners might have a slight edge in terms of demand.
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Price Adjustments: Homes with significant pet damage might sell for less or take longer to sell unless these issues are addressed before listing.
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Neighborhood Considerations: Areas like Mesa Verde or Eastside Costa Mesa, where homes might come with larger yards or more community amenities, could be particularly appealing to pet owners, potentially commanding higher prices for these features.
Conclusion
The influence of pets on real estate transactions in Costa Mesa cannot be understated. From enhancing a property’s appeal to potential pet owners to presenting specific challenges that need addressing, pets are a significant factor in the real estate equation. For sellers, preparing a home that has housed pets involves more than just cleaning; it’s about showcasing the property in a way that appeals to both pet lovers and those who are not. For buyers, the quest for a pet-friendly home in Costa Mesa involves navigating local policies, assessing home conditions, and sometimes prioritizing pet needs over other desirable features.
As Costa Mesa continues to evolve as a pet-friendly community, understanding these dynamics can help both buyers and sellers navigate the market more effectively. Whether it’s through strategic marketing, thorough home preparation, or informed buying decisions, pets will continue to shape the real estate landscape in this vibrant city. By embracing this reality, real estate professionals and homeowners can turn potential pet-related challenges into opportunities, ensuring that everyone, including our four-legged friends, finds their perfect place in Costa Mesa.
