7 Questions Every Dog Owner Needs to Ask When Buying a Home

You have a list of everything you want in your new home, but have you considered your dog’s needs? Buying a dog-friendly home not only makes life more pleasant for your pooch, it also adds convenience to everyday pet care duties. These are these questions to ask to ensure your new house has the dog-friendly features you need:

 

1. Does the HOA restrict pets? Believe it or not, some homeowners associations ban dogs completely. Thankfully, blanket bans are fairly rare. However, it’s not uncommon for HOAs to have restrictions on breed, weight, and number of pets. Even if you think it’s unfair, getting on the wrong side of your HOA only makes life difficult. If you’re eyeing a home in a neighborhood with an HOA, familiarize yourself with the bylaws before making an offer.

2. How are the sidewalks? If you’re the kind of dog owner who enjoys long, leisurely strolls with your pooch, cracked, overgrown, or nonexistent sidewalks are a major thorn in your side. As you scope out neighborhoods, make note of the state of the sidewalks.

 

3. What about the neighbors? If a prospective neighborhood has unattended barking dogs in every front yard, it might not be the most pleasant place for walks, especially if you own a reactive dog. On the other hand, a neighborhood full of well-behaved, leashed dogs indicates it’s a good place for your social pup to make friends.

4. Is the yard fenced? A fenced-in yard makes backyard play sessions safer and adds major convenience to bathroom breaks. When your yard is secure, you can send Fido out the door to do his business rather than leashing him for supervised trips outside. Note not only the presence of a fence, but also its security level. As charming as low picket fences are, they won’t do much to contain a jumper or digger.

 

5. Can you walk to the park? According to a report from the National Recreation and Park Association, you’re more likely to use a park if it’s within a 10-minute walk. You know your dog lives for trips to the park, so make nearby green spaces a priority in your house hunt. If the closest park includes an off-leash dog park, even better!

 

6. Did the previous owners have dogs? Best Friends Animal Society warns that homes with lingering pet odors could trigger your dog to start urine marking his “territory.” While marking is most common in dogs that aren’t spayed or neutered, any dog has the potential to urine mark. And the risk is there even if you can’t smell anything funky, because your dog’s sense of smell is much stronger than yours. If possible, avoid homes where the previous owners had dogs.

 

7. What’s the floor plan like? The considerations don’t stop at the front door. Opt for homes with open floor plans if you enjoy indoor play sessions with your dog. If your dog is elderly or soon to be, a step-free entryway enables him to move around comfortably despite arthritic joints. Dogs’ paws are also prone to slipping on hard floors; if you don’t want wall-to-wall carpeting in your home, know that you may need to add area rugs in rooms with high dog traffic.

 

Even with your efforts to find the perfect house for your dog, he might still have trouble adjusting. It doesn’t mean you didn’t make a great choice! Big changes are just scary for dogs, but there are things you can do to help your dog adjust: Keep your dog’s routine consistent, keep his old bed and toys for familiarity, let him explore at his own pace, and make sure the house and backyard aren’t hiding any safety hazards.

 

You want your new house to be perfect for your whole family. That means your dog’s needs should make the must-have list, right alongside your own. While following this advice might make your house hunt a little longer, asking the right questions ensures you find a home you’ll be happy with for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

Medina James believes there are no bad dogs. She created DogEtiquette.info to share her dog training tips and advice to dog owners everywhere. Visit her site for more information.

Image via Unsplash

Lewisburg WV Luxury Estate Home | Reduced Price

This high-end property in Lewisburg WV delivers privacy, retreat and ultimate luxury. It is also being listed below its appraised value. Make it yours for $799,900. 

Nestled on 6 acres of green land, vast space and scenic beauty in Lewisburg is this stunning all-brick, 2-story home. Built to provide the ultimate comfort and convenience, this home is a perfect merge of space, elegance, and retreat.  This private estate is set off Fairview Road. Standing tall and proud against towering trees on all sides, it is a sight to behold. A 400 foot paved and curved driveway leads from the road to this home’s front yard, presenting you with an elegant and impressive custom-built brick home. Featuring an open home concept, this luxury home is well-planned and filled with amazing architectural details and exceptional craftsmanship.

 

 

This property offers 5 large bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms with 5,129 square feet of living space. This home is fairly new, so everything is in excellent condition. It boasts of an architectural roof which has a 50 year warranty, and a Monitronic alarm system which safeguards all entry doors and provides motion sensor. This home also has an unfinished walk-out basement which you can turn into a theater room, a game room or a spare bedroom.

 

This luxury home for sale in Lewisburg also delivers a stunning outdoor oasis, perfect for entertainment or private enjoyment.

Perfect for a private retreat or entertaining, this porch gives you unhindered views of the lush backyard bordered by mature trees. It allows you to enjoy that breath of clear, crisp air you’ve been longing for. With its three ceiling fans and recessed lighting, your comfort is secured all the time. 

The flat backyard has so much potential. If you want the full outdoor experience, you can install a paver patio, outdoor kitchen and stone fire pit.  You can also turn a portion of the backyard into a swimming pool, a tennis court, or install a greenhouse if you enjoy growing flowers.

Estates like this are rare so grab this opportunity now! Call me, Rebecca Gaujot, at 304-520-2133. As the premier Realtor® in Lewisburg and Greenbrier County, I can help you find the property of your dreams.    

 Visit my website at http://www.LewisburgWVHomesForsale.com/ 

 

Happy Buyers | Snowshoe WV | Market Update

Working with these buyers was such a pleasure. We looked at three condos and they made an offer on the first condo. This couple from Roanoke, VA., was so easy to work with and every step to closing went smoothly. I wish every transaction was like this one. Below is a testimonial from the buyers.

“My wife and I were considering purchasing a condo at Snowshoe.  The first realtor I contacted had been slow to respond, but Rebecca contacted me within minutes of receiving an email requesting information. She remained very helpful and quick to respond throughout the process, always happy to help and to answer questions as needed.  Her advice was reliable and helpful.  She made the entire process very smooth, easy and somehow… enjoyable. We consider ourselves fortunate to have found her and would not hesitate to recommend her.”

This family will be making great memories at the Snowshoe Ski Resort, Snowshoe, West Virginia.

Here’s a quick  look at the condo market in Snowshoe WV in Pocahontas County:

• As of today, October 9, 2018, there are 127 active condo listings in the local MLS for Snowshoe.
• There are 16 pending sales. 
• 66 condos sold/closed since the beginning of the year.

Interested in a condo at Snowshoe, WV? If so, contact Rebecca Gaujot to see this beautiful mountain resort. Check out my website or call 304-520-2133 or email  rebeccagaujot@gmail.com

Previous Post – Condos at Snowshoe WV | Market Update

Snowshoe Ski Resort Market Update | Snowshoe WV condos for sale

Snowshoe is located in the heart of Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Being one of the highest elevated counties in the East and set in the middle of the Monongahela National Forest, Pocahontas County offers the perfect location for unmatched outdoor wilderness activities.  Click for Map and Directions for Snowshoe WV.

Photo Courtesy of Snowshoe Resort

Here’s a look at the condo market in Snowshoe WV in Pocahontas County:

There are 197 active listings in the local MLS for Snowshoe that includes condos, townhouses and single family houses. There are 24 pending sales. Since the beginning of 2018, 79 listings have been sold to date. During the same period for 2017, 61 listings sold.

The below stats are for Snowshoe Condos only:

As of today, September 18, 2018, there are 14 pending sales. A total of 56 condos sold/closed since the beginning of the year:

• Studios – 9 ($26,500 to $84,900)
• One Bedroom – 21 ($27,000 to $149,000)
• Two Bedroom – 20 ($64,900 to $249.900)
• Three Bedroom – 5 ($92,500 to $319,000)
• Four Bedroom – 1 ($154,950)

From the 56 sold Snowshoe condos:

• The Average List Price was $98,467
• The Average Sale Price was $89,066
• The Sale/List Price ratio was 90%
• The Average square footage was 759
• The Average Sold Price per sq ft was $115.68
• Total Average DOM was 259
• Total Low DOM was 22

As of today September 18, 2018, there are 128 active condo listings:

• 26 studios – price range from $28,500 to $159,000; sq ft range from 306 to 512. 29
• one bedrooms – price range from $43,900 to $189,000; sq ft range from 336 to 812.
• 45 two bedrooms – price range from $45,000 to $329,900; sq ft range from 676 to 1,403
• 20 three bedrooms – price range from $84,900 to $359,900; sq ft range from 905 to 1,672
• 8 four bedrooms – price from from $109,900 to $419,900; sq ft range from 644 to 2,935

Check out my website at https://www.lewisburgwvhomesforsale.com/  for more listings in Pocahontas County, WV

The below photo was taken at my brother-in-law’s newly built cabin. Fantastic panoramic views in Pocahontas County. Just before going up to Snowshoe .

West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort covers a total area of 11,000 acres in the Appalachian Mountain Range. Snowshoe is home to 251 acres of skiable terrain, 1500 vertical feet, 57 trails and the best snow around and located 4,848 feet above sea level.

Snowshoe is a winter wonderland with legendary trails. There are three distinct areas: Snowshoe Basin is the largest and offers something for everyone. Silver Creek boasts glades, progressive terrain parks and, the famous night skiing. Lastly, the Western Territory is home to Snowshoe’s most challenging runs.

Check out all the things you can do at the Snowshoe Ski Resort , nature’s mountain playground!

Interested in a condo at Snowshoe, WV? If so, contact Rebecca Gaujot to see this beautiful mountain resort. Phone 304-520-2133 or emailrebeccagaujot@gmail.com

Lewisburg WV Residential Homes Market Update | August 2018

Here’s the market update on residential homes sold in Lewisburg, WV, for August 2018, provided by Realtor® Rebecca Gaujot. 

 

There are currently 58 Lewisburg homes for sale with the zip code of 24901.

Prices range from $91,000 to $890,000. Bedrooms from 1 to 7 and baths from 1-6.

Square footage range from 1,008 to 5,430. At this time, there are four properties under contract and four pending.

Buyers: If you are interested in a Lewisburg home, please contact me at 304-520-2133 or check out my website for the most current Lewisburg WV Homes For Sale

Sellers: If you’re considering listing your Lewisburg home for sale and would like to receive a free estimate of its value in the current market conditions visit https://www.lewisburgwvhomesforsale.com/what-is-my-home-worth/

 

New Price – Lot 84, White Rock Trail, the Retreat at White Rock Mountain, Caldwell WV 24925

Get the best of retreat and privacy on this 2-acre resort lot property located at White Rock Mountain in Caldwell, WV with a NEW PRICE of $29,000.   Call me, Rebecca Gaujot, at 304-520-2133 for a visit today.

Click here for more information and photos of this luxury mountain community

Neighborhood Info

The Overlook at Greenbrier – a Wild and Wonderful West Virginia Community

Build your dream home or a weekend getaway and discover why we say “Wild and Wonderful” West Virginia.

The Overlook at Greenbrier is located in Greenbrier County, West Virginia; a 4,000 acre community nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, adjacent to the Greenbrier State Forest and is minutes from the Greenbrier Resort and the towns of Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs.

The Overlook  community is made up of over 90 large acreage lots ranging from 20 to 350 acres. Elevations range from 2,000 to 3,300 feet. A gated community with five gates located at Blackberry Way, Katy Drive, Lovely Day Drive, Pine Ridge Way, and Rock Lick Road.

All property owners within the community belong to the Overlook at Greenbrier Property Owners Association which maintains the five gates and 20 miles of shale based roads that serve the community.

The Overlook offers

Magnificent views, beautiful forests and streams. The Overlook community is home to abundant wildlife, great trails, and is surrounded by the Greenbrier National Forest.  Besides, the spectacular morning and evening views for all seasons, there are many attractions. i.e., fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, skiing, golf…. just to name a few!

The Overlook is a hunter’s dream, and fishing abounds in the Greenbrier River, in the many local lakes and/or public stocked streams throughout the Greenbrier Valley.

Lewisburg WV Market Update | July 2018

Historic Lewisburg is located off I-64W, Exit 169, with all the charm of a small town and all the amenities of a large city, as has been stated by the Washington Post, “Rustic with a Taste of Class”. Designated the “Coolest Small Town in America” in 2011, you will find bistros, fine dining, boutiques, antiques, art galleries, entertainment, Carnegie Hall, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine and friendly people.

All types of homes can be found in Lewisburg from ranch homes to log cabins…… small to estate homes located on small lots to hundreds of acres. As well as historic civil war-era homes, stately Victorians, and 19th-century homes that have been restored and added to the National Historic Register. With a variety of homes in town or the surrounding rural areas…you’re sure to find the home to meet your needs. Read more about Lewisburg, WV

Lewisburg July Home Sales:

Nine Lewisburg homes have sold in July 2018:

• Average sold price – $282.000
• Average list price – $294,933
• Average Sale/list price – 96%
• Average Square footage 2.267
• Sold Price for Total Sq.footage – $124.86
• Average DOM – 126

There are currently 62 Lewisburg homes for sale with the zip code of 24901. Prices range from $91,000 to $899.000 Bedrooms from 1 to 7 and baths from 1 to 5. Square footage ranges from 966 to 5,400. At this time, there are 12 properties under contract.

View all available homes for sale in Lewisburg WV here!

Whether your family is still growing or already bloomed, working with the right agent will make sure there is plenty of room! Contact me today to find the perfect HOME for your family!

 

Rebecca Gaujot
Vision Quest Realty
Lewisburg WV
304-520-2133
House+Love=Home

NEW PRICE for this Stunning Five Bedroom Brick Home on Six Acres in Lewisburg, WV 24901

Live in your own slice of paradise! New Price— $799,900!!

Nestled on 6 acres of green land, vast space and scenic beauty in Lewisburg is this stunning all-brick, 2-story home. Built to provide the ultimate comfort and convenience, this home is a perfect merge of space, elegance, and retreat.

It offers 5 large bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms with 5,129 square feet of living space. This home is fairly new, so everything is in excellent condition.

It boasts of an architectural roof which has a 50 year warranty, and a Monitronic alarm system which safeguards all entry doors and provides motion sensor.

This luxury home for sale in Lewisburg also delivers a stunning outdoor oasis, perfect for entertainment or private enjoyment.

If comfort and elegance are on top of your list, this is the home for you.

 

Enjoy a vibrant lifestyle in “America’s coolest small town”.

Lewisburg is a beautiful town rich in history and culture. It has received so many accolades in the past years, including “America’s Coolest Small Town” and “The 100 Best Small Arts Town in America”.

From the home, travel to downtown Lewisburg is only a four-minute drive, placing you close to conveniences and amenities. There are plenty of dining and shopping options within a two-mile radius.

If you have kids, Lewisburg Elementary School is just 5 minutes away.

Want to go exploring? Lost World Caverns is only a four-minute drive away.

A grand and inviting home

This private estate is set off Fairview Road. Standing tall and proud against towering trees on all sides, it is a sight to behold. A 400 foot paved and curved driveway leads from the road to this home’s front yard, presenting you with an elegant and impressive custom-built brick home.

A covered porch supported by four pillars welcomes you to this beautifully appointed home.

Step inside a gorgeous soaring foyer that flows into the various living areas of the home. Gleaming hardwood graces the floor and extends through the entire main floor and second floor except in the kitchen and bedrooms.

There’s also an elegant flared staircase with solid wood steps which stands directly in front of the foyer. (Reminds me of the movie, Gone With the Wind and Scarlett standing at the top).  If you are worried about cleaning Foyer chandelier don’t worry there is a hydraulic switch that brings the chandelier down for ease of cleaning.

 

 

 

Featuring an open home concept, this luxury home is well-planned and filled with amazing architectural details and exceptional craftsmanship.

Take your pick from among the different living spaces.

This Lewisburg luxury home has many rooms that you can use for work, retreat and entertaining.

To the left of the foyer is a spacious 9×12 study featuring a french door and oversized windows that let in plenty of natural light.  The windows also provide a sweeping view of the front yard.

This home office also comes with a powder room for comfort and convenience, so you don’t have to waste time and effort going to a different part of the house.

Next to the office is a cozy 16×18 master suite with carpeted floors, warm-toned walls, tray ceiling, recessed lighting and an extra large walk-in closet.  This bedroom is elegant, inviting and spacious, and the closet provides more than enough storage for your clothes, shoes, bags and other personal items.

The en-suite bathroom is just as stunning with its handsome bath vanity, a separate shower, and a tub.

There’s also a 28×25 family room with an elegant stone fireplace that rises to the ceiling. It also features huge windows and a french door which opens to a back porch. Bright and spacious, the family room is truly exceptional and breathtaking, which also makes it perfect for entertaining.

Or use the 13×13 sunroom for a more intimate gather which is also the perfect place to feast your eyes on the lovely sunset views.

A mudroom is set right by the kitchen for your convenience. It will help the home stay clean and organized.

And if that’s not enough, this home also has an unfinished walk-out basement which you can turn into a theater room, a game room or a spare bedroom.

Fall in love with the rustic feel of the elegant formal dining room.

Turning right from the foyer, you will find a large formal dining room with a fabulous floor space, large windows, and arched doorways.

The coffered ceiling adds elegance to this already visually appealing dining area, and the warmth of the hardwood floor lends a rustic feel.

This dining room is so spacious, it can easily fit an 8 seat dining table, and everyone can be seated comfortably.

Whether you are entertaining a large crowd or enjoying a nice cozy dinner with your loved ones, this formal dining room is perfect.

This room is also open to the kitchen.

Your inner chef will be surely thrilled in this home’s multi-functional kitchen

The kitchen of this home is impressive! It is a perfect combination of modern appliances and tasteful design.

It comes with polished marble Travertine flooring, exotic Cosmic Black granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, Tuscan tile backsplash, large walk-in pantry, built-in convection double ovens, and a breakfast nook. There is also plenty of maple with coffee glaze cabinet space for your cookware.

You’ll love the under counter lighting and recessed ceiling lighting.

Whether you are entertaining a crowd or preparing a heart-warming dish for your loved ones, this kitchen is ready to deliver!

A serene outdoor oasis awaits you

When you want to enjoy the scenic countryside views, step onto the extra large back porch of this Lewisburg luxury real estate property.

Perfect for a private retreat or entertaining, this porch gives you unhindered views of the lush backyard bordered by mature trees. It allows you to enjoy that breath of clear, crisp air you’ve been longing for. With its three ceiling fans and recessed lighting, your comfort is secured all the time.

The flat backyard has so much potential. If you want the full outdoor experience, you can install a paver patio, outdoor kitchen and stone fire pit.

You can also turn a portion of the backyard into a swimming pool, a tennis court, or install a greenhouse if you enjoy growing flowers.

The owner will divide the property if warranted.

This high-end property in Lewisburg WV delivers privacy, retreat and ultimate luxury. It is also being listed below its appraised value. Make it yours for $799,900.

Are you looking for a home in Lewisburg and in nearby cities? Visit http://www.LewisburgWVHomesForsale.com/ for more information.

Estates like this are rare so grab this opportunity now! Call me, Rebecca Gaujot, at 304-520-2133. As the premier Realtor® in Lewisburg and Greenbrier County, I can help you find the property of your dreams.

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view 1081 Fairview Rd Lewisburg WV 24901 on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcieOdL2UmU&feature=youtu.be

168 Shady Oak Lane, Lewisburg WV – SOLD

This wonderful brick home located just north of Lewisburg has everything the young buyers wanted…..location, price, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room with fireplace, kitchen/dining room combination and large family room.  And, a nice large level front and back yard that the buyers wanted for their son.

This property located at 168 Shady Oak Lane in Lewisburg is located in the Echols Acres Subdivision. There are no home owner’s association fees.

 

The home has many updates and a welcome feel to family and friends. Family room has many possibilities, or extra bedroom suite. Relax on the large front porch, or enjoy barbecues on the back patio with privacy, and nice large level yard. Just minutes to WV School of Osteopathic Medicine, Elemetary school, hospital and airport.

This home has sold, but we have more Lewisburg WV homes for sale in the Greebrier County and surrounding areas.  Call Rebecca Gaujot to assist you in your search of a new home, land or farm, at 304-520-2133