Reject homes where pets currently live there if i have allergies

[Lacerta]

It will be fairly difficult to look specifically at houses with non-pet owners. I know our MLS doesn't specify, and I would assume that most others also do not. We manage rental properties, and have had many people who say they are allergic to pets, but we allow pets in most of our rentals. In 11 years, I've never had anyone complain that their allergies were bothering them because of a previous tenant's pet (and most of our houses have at least some carpeted areas, which are worse for holding onto pet dander). So for normal levels of allergies, it just isn't a problem. Have the house professionally cleaned and you should be fine. If you are severely allergic, you might need to take the further steps you have outlined. As others have said, the HVAC is going to be the biggest issue (and carpets: if there are any, I would plan to just replace them.)

[MikePRU]

I've had clients in the past who've had severe pet allergies. Within 5 minutes of stepping into a house they would get a reaction if there had been a pet living there. It sounds like your allergies are much more mild. If that's the case, just take into account what it's going to cost to deep clean the house. I wouldn't eliminate the house.

[yousah]

I've heard mixed reviews about duct cleaning. Some say that the embeeded dirt is better left undisturbed as compared to the cleaning process that just stirs everything up and ends up making more allergens airborne.

Depending on what you are allergic to, remember that new construction properties also have plenty of outgassing from the various materials used in construction.

Seems like a good idea to spend some time at the property for a number of hours to see what you reaction is. Consulting with your allergist will probably be the best thing for you to do.

[Ohiogirl81]

Have we never heard of vacuum cleaners? Soap and water? Elbow grease?

[TheITGuy]

Generally, changing the ac/heat filter, shampooing carpets, and cleaning the ducts will make any allergen issue a non-issue anyways.

So, unless you have severe allergies (Like, you'll die if a cat scratches you), it shouldn't be an issue, since the above is really annual/semi-annual maintenance anyways.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Just avoid the issue and buy a new tract house. Then you can be the first to live there and you know the house has always been pet free.

[Beach and Tree Lover]

Thanks all for the replies (except Ohiogirl). I would love a new construction house but have not been able to find one I like in my price range. I've decided not to eliminate the house with dogs after going back to see it another time, but I'm considering now the potential for nearby pesticide/fertilizers affecting allergies and health...will post another thread.

[yousah]

A new construction house is likely to have other problems such as outgassing from the various building materials.

[Ceece]

No offence intended here but WHAT exactly are you allergic too when it comes to animals? You are not allergic to "pets", is it the dander? The cleaning/fumigating/restoring regime you have in mind seems a bit excessive if you can just rip up the carpet and replace it. Clean the ducts if you're really worried about it. Nothing is going to be embedded in the walls and ceilings and tile that a simple mop and wipe won't get rid of. New construction has ALL SORTS of chemical smells, glues and outgassing to contend with too.

If you are bothered by pesticides you can't have the house exterminated for fleas, and fertalizers don't have to be used in your own yard by you, but they may have been in the past and will be used by someone nearby and may invade your airspace. If you have multiple environmental allergies there are few choices for you unfortunately. I have heard the desert areas away from towns and cities and farms can work for some. Good luck.