Five Questions With: Elise Penn Pansey

Elise Penn Pansey, a Realtor with Century 21 Butterman & Kryston in Pawtucket, is a consistent top-seller who also markets herself as the “pet-friendly Realtor.” She is holding her dog Brooshi. / COURTESY ELISE PENN PANSEY
Elise Penn Pansey, a Realtor with Century 21 Butterman & Kryston in Pawtucket, is a consistent top-seller who also markets herself as the “pet-friendly Realtor.” She is holding her dog Brooshi. / COURTESY ELISE PENN PANSEY

Elise Penn Pansey, a Realtor with Century 21 Butterman & Kryston in Pawtucket, is a consistent top-seller who also markets herself as the “pet-friendly Realtor.” In a recent exchange with the Providence Business News, she explained what that means.
PBN: What is a “pet-friendly Realtor” if you could explain the concept, and did you come up with that term or is this part of a national network?
PANSEY:
A pet-friendly Realtor is an agent that goes above and beyond for their clients, both buyers and sellers. For my sellers, I will be at showings so I can let the dogs out, feed them, give a little treat with the seller’s permission, of course. I will clean the litter box, if needed, and make sure the indoor kitty does not escape. I always have dog treats in my pocket and cat treats in my car. I will care for them as if they were my own and make sure they are safe while they are in my care. I even offer to dog- or kitty-sit for my clients if they travel. Although I am a member of an organization called The Pet Realty Network, which is devoted to helping pet owners and their pets by connecting “pet friendly people” to “pet friendly real estate,” I started using the term “the pet-friendly Realtor” soon after I started in the business.
PBN: Why do prospective buyers, or sellers, need to worry about pets in the home. I assumed they would be taken out by the owner when the property is shown?
PANSEY:
Many times, the seller can’t be at home because they are at work, and can’t take the time off to come home and take the pet for every showing. And for the occasional buyer who is afraid of dogs, I usually put the dog in the yard during the showing so as not to scare the prospective buyer.
PBN: How much interest is there in homes being purchased specifically for pets? Meaning, how many times do you have people inquiring about fenced yards, whether farm animals such as chickens are permitted, etc.?
PANSEY:
Most people with dogs are concerned for their safety and want a house with a fenced yard. They also ask about dog parks nearby and if it is a location near beaches, they want to know if dogs are allowed on the beach and at what hours. I have also had buyers ask about goats and chickens. I did sell a house in East Providence a couple of years ago, and she had a chicken coop in the back yard and six egg-laying chickens. (Thankfully, no rooster to disturb the neighbors.)
PBN: When I sold my home, the advice I got was to clear all evidence that I had a dog for photos, and showings. Is this not the standard practice anymore?
PANSEY:
I would never tell a seller to remove all evidence of their pet. First off, I think it’s rude, especially if the seller considers their pet “one of the family,” which many loving pet owners do. And secondly, I don’t believe it is necessary. If the buyer doesn’t have a pet yet, because they are living in an apartment, this is just a reminder of how great pet ownership is, and what a great house for a pet.
PBN: How long have you married the pro-animal and pro-real estate aspects of your own life?
PANSEY:
I have always been pro-animal. I was told when I was an infant, the family dog slept under my carriage on the front porch, and would only allow family members to come up on the porch. As I grew older, I was always taking in strays, and I was lucky that my parents let me keep many of them. I even went so far as to stop traffic on Interstate 95, many years ago, to save a stray dog. I finally got help and we were able to rescue him. Of course I named him ‘Lucky’ and he was a member of my family for many years. When I became a real estate agent, it just seemed natural to me to combine my love for animals and my love for real estate.

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