House Hunt: Condos Get Pet-Friendly

Surveys show that 84 percent of pet owners view their pets not as property, but as members of the family. Many first-time buyers site wanting a dog or cat as one of the main reasons for buying a single family house. Those buyers who already own a dog insist on a fenced in yard so their four-legged family member can play in the backyard with the rest of the family.

But for condo or townhouse buyers, finding an association that accepts pets has gotten easier in the last decade. Associations discovered that not allowing pet ownership was a good way to keep buyers away.

 There are nearly 80 million dogs in the United States with 60 percent of owners owning one dog, 40 percent owning two or more. Cats are even more popular with more than 86 million feline pets. In addition, the relationship people have with their pets have changed.

That’s too many possible buyers to ignore. But not all associations allow pets. If you have a beloved pet, check the association documents carefully for restrictions on animals before you sign a purchase agreement.

House No. 1: 1111 Sibley Memorial Highway #1F,  Lilydale  

Listed by: Re/max Results  

Price: $275,000

Taxes: $2,469

Association fee: $690  

Description: High rise condo; four bedrooms, two baths and 2,009 finished square feet. This garden level condo overlooking the Mississippi River is actually two units combined, twice as big, with room to expand with twice the potential. The unit includes an unfinished room that could be a master bath, or even a second kitchen. Some buyers might want to upgrade the current kitchen. But, this home has a lot going on for the price and is a great opportunity. There are lots of windows, a patio off the master bedroom, walk-in closet, attached heated garage with central two garage stalls and a large in-unit laundry, all on one level. Association fees include heat, air conditioning, security system, snow removal and lawn care. Pets are welcome, too.  

House No. 2: 1320 Riverside Lane #312, Mendota Heights  

Listed by: Edina Realty  

Price: $279,900

Taxes: $2,705

Association fee: $384  

Description: High rise condo; two bedrooms, two baths and 1,374 finished square feet. This condo is part of the newly completed elegant complex, The Summit of Mendota Heights. There are only three of these units left, featuring merbau floors, cherry cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in the large, open kitchen.

This third-floor unit includes a balcony with lovely views of the Minnesota River Valley. Association amenities include a party room, exercise room, assigned parking in the heated underground garage and a guest suite. This condo has a level of style not often seen at this price. Dogs and cats are OK here, too.  

House No. 3: 525 Abbey Way, Mendota Heights  

Listed by: Re/Max Results  

Price: $459,900

Taxes: $3,789  

Description: Two story, single family home; four bedrooms, four baths and 3,798 finished square feet. This is a classic Williamsburg style home with a private backyard (with room for a dog) and brick patio with lots of beautiful touches inside. The brick fireplace is surrounded by tall windows, an informal dining area gives access to the large deck. The kitchen has granite countertops, and a large center island that can be used for food prep or as a breakfast bar. The lower level includes a large family room with a second fireplace and an exercise room. For buyers looking for high style, this could be your home.  

House No. 4: 1293 Aspen Way, Mendota Heights  

Listed by: Coldwell Banker Burnet  

Price: $549,000

Taxes: $4,896  

Association fee: $300  

Description: Twin home; three bedrooms, three baths and 3,272 finished square feet. This sunny twin home, part of the Summit of Mendota Heights, has an open floor plan with lots of extras including a lower level with in-floor heat, an elegant foyer, a large kitchen with a center island that opens to a deck and a spacious great room with a modern style fieldstone fireplace. The garage holds two cars and there’s room for more in the driveway. All of this on a quiet tucked-away street. The association is pet-friendly, so bring your four-footed friends.  

House No. 5: 1356 Riverside Ln., Mendota Heights  

Listed by: Coldwell Banker Burnet  

Price: $639,000

Taxes: $5,464

Association fee: $257  

Description: Twin home; three bedrooms, three baths and 3,272 finished square feet. This beautiful villa style town home is located in a new 25-acre neighborhood in Mendota Heights, with homes built for the 21st Century without giving up traditional elegance. There’s an open floor plan, a large walk-in closet,  lots of windows, a deck and porch, and large rooms. The lower level includes a family room, a game room and two bedrooms. The main level features a formal dining room, great room, a den and the third bedroom. There’s easy access to both metro areas. Pets are welcome.